Director GIS and Resource Assessment

The Director, GIS and Resource Assessment (or Associate) manages the day-to-day operations of GIS, mapping services and data management, and is responsible for advancing sustainable energy initiatives by leveraging geospatial expertise, optimizing project planning, execution, and compliance through analysis of geospatial datasets, linear features, land rights, and subsurface elements.

The Director is responsible for the internal administration, implementation and corporate utilization of Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, drafting technologies, solar resource and energy system optimization tools, construction project estimating systems, and data integrity in support of all project engineering and siting of renewable energy project development.

The Director will advance project feasibility studies for early to mid-stage wind and solar project development activities through site suitability geospatial evaluations and preliminary energy yield modeling development. Leading cross business unit project teams in geospatial design and construction activities, develop innovative leadership techniques to manage GIS data management and take an active role in the specialist support required to successfully complete renewable development projects. Establishes and implements business objectives and strategies to meet company objectives and implements and supports Company programs and policies.

• Develop and implement standards, best practices, and processes to ensure compliance and conformance of design and construction activities, GIS/CAD tools and software, and GIS revision and project creation workflows, to support renewable energy development projects. (10%)
• Deliver a consistent and focused leadership in improving data quality through analysis and mapping of renewable assets and linear features, such as sub-transmission, transmission lines, substations, pipelines, and associated renewable energy generating assets, to optimize project planning and execution. (10%)
• Facilitate improved data quality using GIS to manage spatial data related to land and mineral rights, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for legal compliance and stakeholder communication. (10%)
• Lead geospatial analysis of subsurface features, including wells and other geological data, to enhance project feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments, as well as participating in and providing leadership for project due diligence, site-specific spatial data acquisition, and spatial load forecasting efforts. (10%)
• Work closely with internal and external real estate staff, including external title companies, to evaluate and mitigate site control and entitlement issues through developed working relationships and agreements. (10%)
• Manage and develop relationships with cross-functional teams to integrate GIS data into project workflows and decision-making processes. (5%)
• Develop and maintain GIS databases, ensuring data integrity, reporting requirements and accessibility for project team. Train project teams in use of GIS software for basic queries and map creation to improve work processes and identify opportunities for streamlining and efficiencies. (10%)
• Evaluate industry trends and advancements in GIS technology to recommend enhancements, measuring continuous improvement internal benchmarks to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy projects. (5%)
• Advance resource assessment modeling software utilization to quantify energy yield and deliver products to the Financial, Renewable Development, and Engineering teams, including energy yield based on time-of-day pricing and/or time series energy capture methodology. (10%)
• Evaluate new project sites and lead preliminary resource assessment modeling of potential wind and solar project sites. (10%)
• Lead validation of energy yield and financial modeling for M&A due diligence and project valuation determinations. (5%)
• Facilitate the development of environmental studies geospatial data sets, such as acoustic, shadow flicker, protected species, protected habitats and avian assessments. (5%)
• Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Geography, GIS, Environmental Science, or related field or equivalent work experience. (Eight years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelors degree).
• A minimum of 10 years related experience in engineering, surveying or utility construction and GIS database management, mapping and documentation required to quality for Director level role
• A minimum of five years of project management or strategic development required to quality for Director level role
• Demonstrate knowledge of linear features mapping, land rights management, and subsurface features analysis.
• Proficient in ESRI-based platform applications and other mapping tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, and Google Earth.
• Experience compiling geographic data from a variety of sources including field observation, satellite imagery, and aerial photography, as well as converting data between CAD and GIS file formats and coordinate systems while retaining accuracy and integrity of map features.
• Proven experience with legal and regulatory aspects related to land rights, environmental compliance.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including digital file organization and sharing skills.
• Excellent analytical and evaluation skills to define critical tasks and establish optimum sequence of events and identify required resources.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt GIS solutions to specific project requirements.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.