Geospatial Cartographer

West Midlands Combined Authority; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional transportation authority in Birmingham is looking for a Geospatial Cartographer to join their Data Insight team. This role involves creating innovative, user-centric maps for various stakeholders and performing spatial analysis to transform geospatial data into clear visuals. Candidates must possess skills in GIS tools such as ArcGIS and graphic design software including Adobe Illustrator, and have a strong attention to detail. This position is a 2-year fixed term contract offering competitive benefits.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

28 days paid annual leave

Healthcare plans

Discounted gym membership

Volunteering leave

Qualifications

• Experience creating maps for different purposes is essential.
• Experience with industry design software is necessary.
• Ability to communicate professionally with stakeholders is required.

Responsibilities

• Generate high-quality digital and printed maps.
• Develop interactive maps and apps for stakeholders.
• Deliver geospatial analysis using GIS software.

Skills

Creative map production

GIS analysis

Spatial data evaluation

Adobe Illustrator

Attention to detail

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

We are looking for a creative and analytical individual to join our growing Data Insight team as a Geospatial Cartographer.

This role offers a unique blend of cartographic design and spatial analysis, focused on producing clear, innovative and accessible maps that are used both internally and by the public across the West Midlands.

You will be responsible for creating high‑quality digital and printed, user‑centric maps, including public‑facing mapping for websites, wayfinding maps across city centres, and maps displayed at bus stops and key transport locations. You will also support major programmes such as the West Midlands wayfinding project and spatial development strategy work, helping to translate complex geospatial data into clear, engaging visual outputs.

Working with a wide range of stakeholders across TfWM, the West Midlands Combined Authority, local authorities and external partners, you will use GIS tools such as the Esri suite or QGIS alongside graphic design software including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Alongside creative map production, you will undertake geospatial analysis to provide insight that supports the full public sector lifecycle — from strategy and policy development through to delivery, operations, monitoring and evaluation.

This is an exciting opportunity to help communicate ideas and knowledge through geospatial data, using both digital and printed media, as part of an innovative, forward‑thinking team committed to delivering best‑in‑class spatial analytics and mapping.

Please note, this is a 2 year fixed term contract.

What you will be doing

• Generate a variety of specific, presentation quality maps for inclusion on websites, meetings and reports
• Develop interactive maps and apps for a range of stakeholders
• Research and determine what data should be represented on maps
• Deliver geospatial analysis to stakeholders using a variety of GIS software packages
• Respond to requests for data from colleagues, partners and stakeholders
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to understand mapping requirements
• Analyse spatial data and evaluate sources for accuracy and relevance
• Follow data management processes to maintain geospatial data

What’s essential

• Experience creating maps for different purposes
• Experience creating maps that meet the latest accessibility standards
• Experience using the latest design industry software (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Experience using ArcGIS for data analysis and visualisation
• High attention to detail
• Ability to design maps that are intuitive for users
• Able to communicate with stakeholders in a professional and diplomatic manner
• Able to prioritise own workload

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 1 day a week spent in the office.

How to apply

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([e-mail]).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest‑free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser‑focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it’s needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people’s lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part‑time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don’t let these factors deter you from applying.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).