GIS MANAGER
The Organization
Grid United is a mission-driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable, resilient and affordable grid by developing new long haul electric transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven industry leaders, Grid United is developing utility-scale electric multi-state transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers.
The Position
Grid United has numerous large-scale transmissions projects under development and is currently identifying and studying additional prospective projects across North America. As these projects progress, the Company continues to build its internal infrastructure and is expanding its internal GIS team, which is seeking to add a GIS Manager to lead GIS efforts companywide. This role will report to the VP of Engineering and will be located in Houston, TX.
Working out of the company’s office in central Houston, Texas, the GIS Manager will collaborate with a small and growing team of talented experts in the transmission and renewables fields. The GIS manager will play a pivotal role in leveraging geospatial data and technology to advance GU’s prospecting, development, and execution efforts. This person will be responsible for managing internal GIS systems, providing oversight and guidance to external GIS systems, and ensuring accurate geospatial data for GU’s portfolio.
Please apply if you possess 70% or more of the required skills described below.
Key Responsibilities & Outcomes:
GIS system management
· Manage the administration, maintenance, and optimization of Grid United’s GIS systems.
· Coordinate and oversee data integration from various sources and ensure data integrity and quality standards are met.
Spatial analysis
· Conduct spatial analysis to support transmission line routing, endpoint siting, access road alignment, etc.
· Provide geospatial insights to guide cross-functional decision-making processes.
Mapping
· Develop maps, charts, and visualizations to convey spatial data and analysis effectively for internal needs, external communications, and stakeholder/customer presentations.
· Collaborate with project teams to create interactive maps and applications for various stakeholders.
GIS standardization
· Develop and/or improve symbolization standards (AGOL web maps, internal web maps, grant applications, permitting applications)
· Create layout templates for both internal and external use
· Develop attribute/layer/data standards for common deliverables
· Implement best practices for data management, metadata creation, and spatial data modeling.
Project support
· Support project development efforts with
o Cartography needs for communications needs and stakeholder presentations
o ArcGIS Online (AGOL) management
o Interfaces between land, environmental, engineering, and GIS
o Geospatial analysis as needed
· Collaborate with business development team to develop new tools to advance ideation and prospecting efforts
· Determine scopes of work for external GIS support in collaboration with other relevant functional and development leads.
Other responsibilities
· Develop big picture geospatial strategy for GU
· Identify ways to enhance GIS integration with other GU systems
· Determine and regularly evaluate appropriate balance of internal versus external GIS engagement
Behaviors – which are essential to success of this team
· Be exemplars of the Grid United values of humility, tenacity, ingenuity and grace
· Build, maintain, and value broad and deep stakeholder relationships and have a personal commitment to making a difference in the community
· Proactively work with stakeholders to solve problems in a calm and no blame way
Desired Experience and Skills:
· A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college program is required. Advanced degrees are helpful but not required.
· 8+ years’ experience in GIS with a strong track record of success; preferred experience in clean energy, pipeline, or transmission line development sectors.
· Experience with AutoCAD is a plus.
· Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task efficiently with constant regard for accuracy and quality.
· Articulate speaker with the ability to lead public presentations.
· Strong writing skills, including both technical and persuasive writing.
· Ability to read and digest large amounts of information rapidly.
· Deep curiosity for all functional areas of development including commercialization, engineering, land acquisition, public outreach, and US state and federal regulations.
· Adaptability and flexibility to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity and uncertainty, and project changes.
· Strong computer and data management skills, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
· Ability to work collaboratively in a small, nonhierarchical organization.
· Proficiency with professional GIS systems and maps.
· Proactive and open to embracing new challenges.
· Positive, professional, and energetic team-oriented attitude.
· Embodies Grid United's core values of ingenuity, tenacity, humility, and grace.
What the Right Candidate Will Love about this Opportunity:
· An organization dedicated to solving the ever-changing Rubik’s cube of high voltage transmission development in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative culture
· Working with a core group of dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
· Working on a day-to-day basis with highly experienced and proven industry leaders
· Being empowered to play a leading role in delivering a large-scale project that will materially change the energy future of America
· Working in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and having a positive social impact
· Excellent financial backing from leading energy investor with long term commitment, passion for energy, and an understanding and appetite to tackle the challenges of transmission development
Grid United is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.
Grid United offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive base salary and bonus incentive plan, long term incentive plan, health benefits, 401(k), and more.