Senior GIS Analyst

Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships, and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities, and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen, and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com.

 Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield. one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation who envision a future of energy independence using resilient, carbon-free generation. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, a hybrid work environment and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry.

Job Summary

The Senior GIS Analyst will play a primary role in the siting of greenfield solar and storage projects, utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, spatial analysis, and industry knowledge to assess optimal sites for potential utility scale solar development. This position will be responsible for supporting the identification, analysis, and selection of suitable land areas for new solar installations, ensuring efficient and cost-effective development of projects. This position reports to the Manager of GIS and works closely with Director of Development – New Projects.  

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement GIS strategies for the siting and feasibility of new projects, working closely with the Development – New Projects team to provide input and guidance on optimal areas for greenfield solar and storage development. Analyze land use, environmental, and regulatory factors to assess project viability and recommend key target locations for future development.  

• Collect, manage, and maintain geospatial data relevant to project development. This includes land ownership, topography, solar irradiance, environmental constraints, infrastructure proximity, and zoning regulations.  

• Prepare data for use in custom web mapping applications (ArcGIS Enterprise, Field Maps, and Portal) 

• Perform spatial analysis, including suitability modeling, using ArcGIS Pro tools to evaluate and rank potential project sites based on criteria such as solar resource availability, land topography, environmental impact, and proximity to key infrastructure.   

• Prepare and present detailed GIS analysis reports and maps that outline site selection criteria, results, and recommendations for senior management and other key stakeholders 

• Contribute to the design of the organization’s GIS applications in an Enterprise GIS environment 

• Stay up to date with the latest developments in GIS technology and solar project siting best practices. Proactively identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance site selection efficiency and accuracy.  
• Other duties assigned

Location: Hybrid (Houston, TX; Richmond, VA; or Charlottesville, VA)   

• Bachelor's (required) or Master’s (preferred) degree in Geography, GIS, Urban Planning, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Earth Science or related field 

• 5 years of relevant professional GIS experience performing complex GIS analysis as primary job responsibility, preferably in the solar industry.  

• Demonstrated experience in greenfield project siting, land use analysis, and suitability modeling for utility-scale solar projects 

• Advanced skills using Esri ArcGIS Pro 3.X for spatial analysis and cartographic design 

• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, environmental consultants, legal teams, and project developers.  

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present complex GIS analyses to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.  

Urban Grid offers an exciting benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, voluntary life, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan with rich matching. Full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including bonus.