Environmental Planning/Siting (GIS) Specialist

WSP•Lexington, KY

About The Position

WSP is seeking an Environmental Planning/Siting (GIS) Specialist in Cincinnati, Ohio, to provide technical planning support for site and linear utility projects in the Midwest. The role involves capturing, modeling, and analyzing study-area information, geographic resources, and spatial and tabular data to inform project plans. Work may include supporting siting and routing studies, site visits and public open houses, preparing field maps, processing data for ecological studies, and creating plan maps for environmental plans and permits. The specialist is responsible for producing accurate, concise documentation and delivering work that meets or exceeds industry quality standards. The specialist plans and leads siting and routing studies for energy-industry projects in Ohio and surrounding states. The role includes gathering background information, preparing maps, documenting findings for clients and agencies, conducting windshield surveys, supporting public utility applications, and preparing defensible reports explaining the siting process and selected site or route. The specialist also uses ArcGIS to analyze and manage data, and prepares maps, tables, charts, reports, and illustrations. The position requires some travel for site visits and public open houses. Work schedules may extend beyond the typical workweek to meet project-specific requirements. WSP offers a flexible and agile workplace model and a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings benefits. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 3 years of experience conducting siting and routing studies, preferably in Ohio and surrounding states.
At least 3 years of experience with ESRI’s ArcGIS platform.
Familiarity with routing and siting studies and analyses, and preparation of associated reports.
Excellent technical writing skills, clear communication, ability to work on multidisciplinary teams, and attention to detail.
Commitment to completing high-quality work on time, with the ability to work independently and stay motivated.
Willingness to travel for site visits and attend public open house meetings; travel depends on project requirements.
Ability to work schedules that meet project-specific needs and may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Ability to uphold workplace safety and comply with WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
High motivation, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn and take on responsibility.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

5 years of experience conducting siting and routing studies, preferably in Ohio and surrounding states.
5 years of experience with ESRI’s ArcGIS platform.
Experience preparing applications for submittal to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), Kentucky Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and other states.
Previous consulting experience.
Experience with both ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro.
Relationships with utility companies in Ohio and surrounding states and understanding of their requirements.

Responsibilities

Plan, execute, and lead siting and routing studies for energy-industry projects in Ohio and surrounding states.
Gather background data for project areas and prepare siting and routing maps.
Participate in meetings and document findings for clients and agencies.
Participate in public open house meetings and conduct windshield surveys of proposed sites or routes.
Document the siting process in defensible reports and support reports explaining why a site or route was selected.
Liaise with governmental agencies, clients, and team members.
Provide guidance on state filing requirements and write components of public utility applications.
Use ArcGIS to support siting, ecological, and environmental permitting projects through data analysis and management.
Prepare data visualizations and deliverables, including maps, tables, charts, reports, and illustrations.
Support site visits, prepare field maps, process ecological study data, and create plan maps for environmental plans and permits.
Deliver accurate, concise, high-quality documentation and meet project-specific requirements.