Direct Influences: The Senior Electrical GIS Analyst I directly influences Engineering and Engineering Services by providing spatial analysis and data visualization tools that aid in designing new projects, optimizing existing infrastructure, and making informed decisions.
Outside Interactions: The Senior Electrical GIS Analyst I interacts with Member Cooperatives and affiliated Cooperative Organizations (ECSC, New Horizon, CEE-US, and SC PowerTeam), Santee Cooper, Duke Energy, Dominion Energy South Carolina and various State agencies.
Position Summary : The Senior Electrical GIS Analyst I plays a critical role in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the Geographic Information System (GIS) used for managing the electric transmission network. This position combines advanced knowledge of GIS technologies with expertise in electrical utility systems to provide spatial analysis, data management, and support for operational planning, engineering, and asset management.
The Senior Electrical GIS Analyst I also aids in the planning and routing of new transmission lines, conducts light survey work (such as staking poles and validating field data), and assists with multiple projects throughout the organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain detailed GIS datasets related to the electrical transmission systems (e.g., transmission structures, easements, substations, transformers, line segments, protective devices).
- Interpret engineering plans, as-builts, and field data to update GIS layers accurately with asset management information.
- Utilize spatial analysis with weighted constraints to identify optimal transmission line routes by overlaying environmental, land use, and topographic data.
- Integrate GIS with other enterprise systems such as Outage Management Systems (OMS), SCADA, and Work Order Management Systems.
- Create and maintain custom maps, dashboards, and spatial analyses to support engineering studies, asset management, and capital planning.
- Lead GIS data QA/QC processes and implement best practices for data governance and standardization.
- Collaborate with engineers, field technicians, and IT personnel to ensure GIS data integrity and accessibility.
- Participate in the design and implementation of mobile GIS tools
- Stay current on advancements in GIS technology and propose innovative solutions to support utility operations.
- Provide training and technical support to users of GIS systems within the organization, helping them interpret data and use GIS tools effectively.
- Train and mentor junior staff and serve as a technical expert on GIS tools, workflows, and standards.
- Gather geographical data from various sources such as satellite imagery, surveys, and maps, and analyzing it to create special databases.
- Conduct field surveys and record data for the preparation of maps, plans, plots, and reports.
- Measure distances, angles, and elevations using surveying instruments like GPS, theodolites, and total stations.
- Utilize surveying equipment to stake structures, anchors, property corners, conductor heights and the identification of other utility locations for new transmission line construction
- Use surveying techniques to verify safety code clearance measurements of existing assets
- Perform other additional duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of electric utility infrastructure, operations, and terminology.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Experience in routing of transmission lines.
- Understanding of environmental impacts associated with transmission line routing.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements and permitting processes related to transmission line construction and operation.
- Ability to manage and lead multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in GIS software such as ArcGIS or similar platforms.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- Proficiency in surveying instruments and technologies, including GPS, theodolites, and total stations.
Experience, Education, and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Geospatial Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Professional land surveyor (PLS) certification preferred.
- A minimum of five years of professional experience in GIS analysis and spatial data management in a utility environment is required.
- A valid South Carolina driver’s license.