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Basel — Switzerland's third-largest city with around 175,000 inhabitants and one of the oldest university cities in Europe — is a vibrant, culturally rich metropolis on the Rhine at the interface between Switzerland, Germany and France. The Pharmaceutical Capital of the World, Art Capital and Innovative Knowledge Center combines southern flair with northern European efficiency. Basel is a fascinating job market for specialists in the geoinformatics, planning and environmental sectors: The city continuously invests in geoinformatics and sustainable spatial development, is shaped by the renowned University of Basel with its geographical research and offers top engineering offices and innovative companies. Working in Basel means working in a trilingual region, with short distances to Germany and France, the highest quality of life and a dynamic spirit of innovation — all with Swiss salary and work standards.
The job market in Basel and the Northwestern Switzerland region offers excellent and specialized prospects for specialists in the geospatial, planning and environmental sectors. As a scientific center with a tradition of pharmaceutical, biotech and engineering firms, Basel has developed into a hub for spatial data processing and sustainable urban development.
Geoinformatics & GIS
Basel is home to one of Switzerland's most modern municipal geodata infrastructures. The Land Registry and Surveying Office of the Canton of Basel-Stadt operates a state-of-the-art GIS system with almost 200 sets of geodata, which is publicly available via the MAPBs geoportal. Geomaticians, Surveyors, GIS Specialists and Geodata Managers work here to manage, visualize and analyze geospatial data. GIS Basel job offers are regularly created in the areas of geoinformation, cartography and geodata management. The Canton's Cartography Department is the Regional Competence Center for Geodata Visualization — GIS Jobs Basel are constantly growing.
Spatial planning & urban planning
The City of Basel and the Canton of Baselstadt are planning ambitiously: sustainable district development, land recycling of former industrial sites (e.g. Volta Nord), climate-friendly transformation and innovative mobility concepts are key challenges. Spatial Planners, Urban Planners, Traffic Planners and Architects find a wide range of job opportunities here in Basel Spatial Planning with the City and Canton. Top engineering firms such as Gruner (founded in 1862!) , Basler & Hofmann and Rapp continuously employ specialists for Basel urban planning jobs and supra-regional infrastructure projects.
Surveying & geomatics
The Land Registry and Survey Office carries out official surveying and offers secure career opportunities for surveyors and geomaticians. The Office is a pioneer in modern surveying technologies and 3D city modelling. In addition, specialized surveying offices such as DKS Surveying & Planning offer modern job opportunities with drone surveys, 3D laser scanning and CAD/GIS specializations.
Environment, Water Management & Sustainability
The Rhine and the Border Region require specialized water management and environmental skills. Environmental Engineers and Water Specialists find job opportunities at the City of Basel (urban nursery with a focus on GIS), the Canton and at planning offices such as Rapp. Environmental jobs in Basel are created in the areas of biodiversity, biotope management, flood protection and sustainability. Proximity to France and Germany requires international environmental cooperation — multilingualism is an advantage.
Research & University
The University of Basel is an engine for geoinformatics research: The Institute of Geography, with its focus on environmental change, land use changes and GIS methods, employs scientists, doctoral students and assistants. The Master's degree in Geography and the BSc program in Geosciences prepare specialists in a practice-oriented manner.
Living in Basel — Moderate for Switzerland
Living in Basel is moderate compared to Switzerland — cheaper than Zurich or Geneva, but higher than Bern. Rents are in the upper middle range; purchase prices are stable. Popular districts include the old town with historic charm and gastronomy, St. Alban with artistic flair, Breite and Gundeldingen for young professionals, St. Johann with an international character and Riehen as a wealthy suburb in green surroundings. The housing market is tight, but new quarters are constantly being created (Volta Nord, Schällemätteli). Living in the border region often means working in France or Germany — many professionals appreciate commuting with short public transport times.
Transport links — European hub
Basel's transport connections are excellent: The main train station is a European hub with direct connections to Zurich (1h), Bern (1.5h), Geneva (2h), Paris, Amsterdam and Germany. Basel-Mulhouse Airport (nearest international airport) is right on the border and offers European connections. By car: A2, A3 and A35 motorways (French) allow quick exits and entrances. The public transport network is excellent — trams and buses connect all parts of the city. Special feature: The ticket is valid across borders — you can travel in Basel, France and Germany with a monthly ticket! Cycling is culture — the extensive network and the flat city make Basel a bike city.
Leisure & relaxation — Dreiländereck lifestyle
Basel's work-life balance is unique: The Rhine with bathing areas (Rhine swimming is legendary!) , hikes to the nearby Vosges and the Black Forest (both <1h), world-class art museums (Kunstmuseum Basel with world-famous collection, Foundation Beyeler), theaters, galleries and the world-famous Art Basel Art Festival. Culturally, Basel is unbeatable — festivals, concerts, exhibitions all year round. Cuisine: German tradition meets French refinement. For families: excellent schools, parks, Basel Zoo and children's museums. Basel is regularly among the top 10 most livable cities in Switzerland — combined with European diversity.
The University of Basel: Geography with an Environmental and GIS Focus
The University of Basel is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Switzerland (founded in 1460!). The Department of Geography researches human geography, physical geography and geographies of sustainability — with an intensive focus on GIS and remote sensing. The bachelor and master programs (BSc Geosciences, BA/MA Geography) prepare students for practical careers with field trips, field work, internships and GIS laboratory work.
Career opportunities: research assistant positions, doctoral positions, postdocs and lecturers arise regularly. The Institute cooperates closely with the City, Canton and Engineering Firms — practical experience is part of the course.
Top Engineering Firms as Employers
Basel is home to world-renowned engineering firms: Gruner (founded in 1862, over 1,100 employees, Basel-CityGate location), Basler & Hofmann and Rapp are top players for skilled workers. These offices employ hundreds of planners, engineers, and GIS specialists — with international projects, development opportunities, and stable demand.
Future Trends & Job Prospects
Basel is benefiting from several mega trends:
For geoinformatics specialists, spatial planners and environmental scientists, Basel is one of the most attractive and stable labor markets in Switzerland.
Basel offers a specialized and internationally renowned employer landscape for specialists in the geospatial, planning and environmental sectors. From modern government agencies with world-class geodata infrastructure to legendary engineering firms (since 1862!) to the renowned university — Basel's employer landscape is demanding and attractive. This overview presents the top employers for geoinformatics specialists, spatial planners, surveyors and environmental specialists in Basel and the region.
The Land Registry and Surveying Office is the central geodata and geoinformation authority of the Canton of Basel-Stadt. With the ultra-modern MAPBs geoportal, almost 200 publicly available geodata sets and one of the best cantonal geodata infrastructures in Switzerland, the GVA operates a competence center for GIS and surveying. Geomaticians, Surveyors, GIS Specialists, Cartographers, and Geodata Managers work to collect, manage, and visualize geospatial data.
The Cartography Department is the Competence Center for Geodata Cartography in the Canton — Job Offers Arise Regularly. The Office is a pioneer in 3D city modelling and modern survey technologies. Secure careers in public service with internationally recognized standards.
Relevant positions: geomatists, surveyors, GIS specialists, cartographers, geodata managers, surveyors
→ www.gva.bs.ch
The Department of Construction and Transport shapes Basel's spatial development: sustainable district development, land recycling, mobility concepts and climate-friendly transformation are central tasks. Spatial Planners, Urban Planners, Traffic Planners and Architects are working on ambitious projects such as the Volta-Nord-Quartier and the transformation of former industrial sites. Vacancies in Basel spatial planning are regularly created for professionally experienced planners.
Relevant positions: Spatial Planners, Urban Planners, Traffic Planners, Architects, Project Managers
→ www.bs.ch/bvd
The Stadtgärtnerei has been responsible for Basel's green lung for 160 years and takes care of 240 hectares of green and open spaces, 50 parks and green spaces. With modern GIS management, Stadtgärtnerei employs GIS specialists for remote sensing, green cadastre and spatial data analysis. Environmental engineers, landscape ecologists and nature conservation experts can find a wide range of jobs in Basel environment in the areas of biodiversity, biotope management and urban greenery.
Relevant positions: GIS specialists, environmental engineers, landscape ecologists, conservation professionals
→ www.bs.ch
Gruner is a legendary Swiss planning and engineering firm headquartered in Basel — founded in 1862 (!) And today with over 1,100 employees in over 30 offices worldwide. The company specializes in building construction, infrastructure and energy with a focus on spatial planning, hydropower, geotechnical engineering, environmental planning and transport planning. Gruner is known for world-class projects — from dams to railway tunnels to sustainable urban districts.
GIS jobs in Basel at Gruner: Spatial Planners, Infrastructure Engineers, Traffic Planners, Environmental Engineers, Project Managers and GIS Specialists are working on international mega projects. Gruner offers excellent career prospects, continuing education and interdisciplinary cooperation. The CityGate Office in Basel is a modern place of work with an innovative culture.
Relevant positions: Spatial Planners, Infrastructure Engineers, Traffic Planners, Environmental Engineers, GIS Specialists, Project Managers
→ www.gruner.ch
Basler & Hofmann is one of the leading Swiss planning and engineering companies with a focus on construction, energy, environment, mobility and safety. The company employs spatial planners, civil engineers, environmental engineers and project managers for infrastructure projects. Known for high quality, sustainability and innovative solutions (e.g. Building Information Modeling BIM, Stratus real estate portfolio software). Vacancies are constantly being created for ambitious specialists.
Relevant positions: Spatial Planners, Civil Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Project Managers, BIM Coordinators
→ www.baslerhofmann.ch
Rapp is an independent Swiss planning and consulting group with a focus on sustainable spatial development, living spaces and the environment. The company employs spatial planners, urbanists, landscape architects and traffic planners for projects throughout Switzerland. Rapp is known for integrative, sustainable approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Relevant positions: Spatial Planners, Urbanists, Landscape Architects, Traffic Planners, Sustainability Consultants
→ www.rapp.ch
DKS Surveying & Planning is an established surveying and planning office in the Basel region with over a decade of experience. The company offers specialized services in surveying, CAD/GIS, drone surveys, 3D laser scanning and geoinformation systems. Surveyors, geomatists, GIS technicians and surveyors work with cutting-edge technology (drones, 3D scanning, deformation measurements).
Relevant positions: Surveyors, Geomatists, GIS Technicians, Surveyors, Drone Pilots
→ www.dks-planung.ch
Geoinfra Engineers AG specializes in municipal planning, surveying, geoinformation (GIS) and project planning of infrastructure systems. The team of civil engineers, geometers, planners and computer scientists develops tailor-made solutions for municipalities and companies. On the market for over 50 years using modern planning methods (BIM, 3D CAD, GIS analyses).
Relevant positions: Geoinformatics specialists, municipal planners, civil engineers, geometers, GIS specialists
→ www.geoinfra.ch
The Department of Geography at the University of Basel is one of the oldest and most renowned geographical institutes in Europe (founded in 1886!). With a focus on human geography, physical geography, geographies of sustainability and geoinformatics, the institute researches environmental change, land use change, urban development and spatial data processing.
Career opportunities: Research assistants, doctoral students (with regular employment), postdocs and lecturers are regularly created. The Institute cooperates closely with the city administration, the canton and private partners — practice-oriented research is at the core of its work.
Relevant positions: Research Assistants, Doctoral Students, Postdocs, Lecturers, Research Assistants
→ geo.unibas.ch
The Department of Geosciences comprises Atmospheric Sciences, Aquatic Biogeochemistry, Geology, Geoecology, Hydrogeology, and Environmental Geosciences. With a systemic approach to the “Earth System,” the department offers research and career opportunities for environmental scientists, geologists and hydrologists. The new Department of Biomedicine (DBM) at the Schällemätteli Life Sciences Campus provides modern infrastructure for research and teaching.
Relevant positions: Research Assistants, Doctoral Students, Postdocs, Research Assistants
→ geo.unibas.ch
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