GIS Specialist / Field Technician

GIS Specialist / Field Technician

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a GIS SPECIALIST / FIELD TECHNICIAN to join our Geotechnical Engineering team in our MINNEAPOLIS, MN, MADISON, WI, or DENVER, CO offices. Westwood has a highly experienced and dynamic team of individuals dedicated to providing high-level professional services to our renewable energy clients.

Develop and maintain geospatial data on desktop and mobile applications. Ensure data meets appropriate data accuracy and content standards for quality assurance and quality control.
• Create customized client-facing Operations Dashboards and configurable web applications to allow for real-time project monitoring.
• Participate in field assignments such as geotechnical investigations, pile load testing, culvert inventories, road condition studies, and site visits. Expect to be travelling on field assignments on average up to 50% of the time (i.e., 1-2 weeks per month). Field assignments are approximately 1 to 2 weeks in length. Food and lodging allowances will be provided.
• Perform field data entry and post-processing when in the office to support analysis and report development.
• Lead fieldwork preparation, including preparing safety plans and field maps, coordinating utility clearances, planning travel, and coordinating project requirements with subcontractors and client representatives.
• Clearly communicate with management regarding project status, workload, problems and progress as related to work assignments.
• Utilize advanced GPS equipment to locate and map objects and utilities in the field.
• Provide independent data interpretation while effectively maintaining data documentation.
• Create and modify GIS datasets; manage and maintain legacy GIS datasets; develop and implement GIS-based analyses supporting civil engineering, electrical engineering, and survey projects.
• Produce technically skilled and detailed solutions to include preparing clear, complete, and accurate representations of spatial data using hardcopy and/or electronic media.
• Core responsibility includes processing data and graphics requests from project team members and anticipating information needs and presentation format as part of engineering and survey workflows.
• You will work on energy projects, such as transmission, solar and wind, and land projects, such as residential and commercial development, to compile available information for project proposals.
• Develop and maintain geospatial data on desktop and mobile applications. Ensure data meets appropriate data accuracy and content standards for quality assurance and quality control.

• Must have a degree in GIS, geography, environmental studies, or related field with demonstrated capabilities in GIS.
• Valid driver's license with a favorable driving record.
• Flexibility to travel/work in the field for extended periods and can work outdoors in all weather conditions and various terrains associated with construction projects.
• Hands-on knowledge of Esri ArcGIS desktop software, including ArcMap and ArcPro.
• Strong understanding of geodatabases and geodatabase applications.
• Ability to work with vector and raster datasets.
• Experience using ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Portal, or another web mapping system.
• Familiar with GPS data collection and data management, including Collector for ArcGIS.
• Ability to use and edit shapefiles and geodatabases (personal, file, and enterprise).
• Experience working with different coordinate systems, map projections, and datums.
• Familiarity with standard cartographic methods, theories and principles.
• Ability to independently manage multiple assignments, determine and set job task priorities and work with limited direct supervision.
• Executing safe, high quality, and efficient fieldwork.

• Knowledge of engineering fundamentals, field testing, and general construction and safety practices.
• Previous work in/familiarity with consulting engineers and/or surveyors.
• Experience using AutoCAD and DWG files
• Experience using Google Earth and KMZ files.
• Familiar with LiDAR datasets and usage
• Experience using Python, ModelBuilder or another common GIS scripting language is desirable, as job duties will include creating scripts to streamline frequently performed tasks.

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.

Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative "One Team" mentality yields superior outcomes
in everything we do.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients' success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

Join us in creating a better world.

In 2024, Zweig Group ranked Westwood nationally at #13 and #40, respectively, on its Hot Firms and Best Firms to Work for lists. Zweig also awarded Westwood one national 1st place award for Marketing Excellence. Westwood was recently recognized as #83 in the ENR Top 500 Firms in 2024. The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.

Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.