Geographic Information System Specialist

Job Title: GIS Specialist 20 Location: 11 S 12th St Richmond, VA 23219 Duration: 12 months Contract Job Description: Must-Haves: Ability and willingness to perform approximately 90% field-based work Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a rental/company vehicle Basic computer and mobile-device proficiency Ability to learn and effectively use GIS, field data collection, and distribution design applications Previous outdoor, field, construction, utility, surveying, inspection, or similar hands-on experience Ability to safely perform significant walking and work around uneven terrain and varying outdoor conditions Availability for regular overnight travel throughout Virginia and North Carolina service territories. Must be available for regular hotel stays Mon-Thurs. Ability to carry field equipment weighing approximately 40 lbs. Strong communication skills Accountability and reliability Ability to work effectively in two-person field teams Ability to work independently with limited day-to-day supervision Good time-management and organizational skills Safety-focused mindset Adaptability to changing assignments, locations, weather, and field conditions Willingness to ask questions and escalate uncertain field conditions rather than make unsupported assumptions Nice-To-Haves Experience with Esri ArcGIS or other GIS platforms Utility, electric distribution, telecommunications, Joint Use, surveying, or field inspection experience Experience using mobile field-data collection applications Familiarity with electric distribution facilities and telecommunications attachments AutoCAD, AUD, SpidaCALC or other engineering/design software exposure Basic Microsoft Excel, Word & Adobe Acrobat experience Ownership mindset / self-motivated Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills Natural curiosity and willingness to learn Adaptability and comfort with changing priorities Initiative: able to identify the next task or need without constant direction Strong situational awareness Ability to receive and apply constructive feedback Interest in developing a long-term career in electric distribution / power delivery Degree Requirements: BS GIS, Engineering Technology or related Degree Preferences: Experience will make up for degree The Distribution Field Technician will support the Joint Use/Fiber Make Ready Program by performing field data collection associated with telecommunications attachments to electric distribution infrastructure. This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience with electric distribution systems, Joint Use engineering, GIS technology, and utility field operations. This job will be a great first step in electric distribution and will provide a valuable foundation for a career in the power delivery industry. The position is expected to be approximately 90% field-based. Technicians typically work in two-person field teams and use iPads, GIS/fielding applications, measuring equipment, client proprietary software and other specialized tools to document utility poles and associated electric and telecommunications facilities. Field responsibilities include collecting measurements, photographs, equipment information, attachment data, and other information required to support Joint Use engineering and Make Ready evaluations. Technicians are responsible for collecting complete and accurate field information and identifying unusual conditions or potential Make Ready concerns for further review. Engineering and design determinations are coordinated with the appropriate client engineering/design personnel. This role requires significant outdoor work and walking, including work in varying weather, vegetation, terrain, and roadside environments. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors for the majority of the workday and carrying required field equipment. Regular travel is an essential component of this position. Work assignments may occur throughout service territory in Virginia and North Carolina. Weekly overnight travel, generally Monday through Thursday depending on project location, should be expected. Technicians operate rental vehicles and may be required to maintain a rental vehicle overnight or for extended periods. Candidates should communicate any limitations affecting their ability to safely store or maintain a rental vehicle. Experience with GIS, utility field work, telecommunications, surveying, construction, inspection, or similar outdoor technical work is preferred but not required. Candidates should be comfortable learning new technology and working with mobile field-data collection applications. Storm response or other emergency mobilization may occasionally be required based on client and business needs.