Geographic Information Systems Analyst at Navisun

Company Background:

Founded in 2017, Navisun LLC is a solar and storage independent power producer within the United States that co-develops, develops, acquires, builds, owns, and operates distributed and small utility-scale solar and energy storage projects. The Navisun team has completed numerous projects for municipal, commercial, utility, and institutional partners throughout the United States, with typical project sizes ranging from 3 to 20 megawatts. In January 2022, OMERS acquired Navisun to serve as its distributed scale solar and storage platform and to complement prior investments in the renewable energy sector.

The company currently owns over 100MW’s of distributed generation and targets the addition of ~100+ MW annually and a 1+ GW operating portfolio over 5-7 years, through a mix of organic and inorganic growth initiatives. Navisun is poised for significant expansion with its strong pipeline, co-development partnerships, the continued pursuit of opportunistic acquisitions, and a committed owner in OMERS Infrastructure.

OMERS Infrastructure is the infrastructure investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans with $133.6 billion in net assets (as of June 30, 2024). Headquartered in Toronto, OMERS also has offices in New York, London, Singapore, Sydney, and other major cities across North America, and originates and manages a diversified portfolio of high-quality investments in public markets, infrastructure, real estate, and private equity. A long-term and patient owner, OMERS is committed to investing in the energy transition globally.

Summary:

Position Overview

Navisun LLC is seeking a detail-oriented GIS Analyst to support the origination and analysis of our prospective solar energy sites. This role involves leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify suitable project sites, analyze geographic and environmental data, and provide spatial insights that drive decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in GIS technology, advanced communication skills, and a passion for renewable energy.

Key Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Mapping

• Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic, environmental, and zoning data to support site selection and project planning.
• Create high-quality maps, spatial visualizations, and reports to communicate project data to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Conduct geospatial analysis to assess feasible project footprint, land use compatibility, and environmental constraints.
• Make recommendations on target areas based on available utility data, land features, and federal and state incentive zones.

Project Support

• Collaborate with project developers, engineers, and environmental specialists to identify and evaluate potential solar project sites.
• Provide GIS-based insights to support feasibility studies, permitting processes, and regulatory compliance.

Data Management and Quality Control

• Collect, maintain, and update data layers, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.
• Develop and manage proprietary spatial datasets, including existing project locations, target areas, and utility pre-application data.
• Implement quality control measures to validate and standardize GIS data.

Stakeholder Communication

• Establish and manage relationships between Company and GIS software providers.
• Present GIS findings and analysis to internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Support the Business Development team with spatial data and mapping tools to enhance decision-making.

Technology and Process Improvement

• Provide training and technical support for team members utilizing GIS tools and platforms.
• Stay informed on emerging GIS technologies, tools, and methodologies relevant to solar project development.
• Develop and implement processes to streamline GIS workflows and improve data integration across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Environmental Science, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• 2-5 years of experience in GIS analysis, preferably in renewable energy or environmental consulting.
• Proficiency in GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of spatial analysis techniques, geodatabases, and data visualization tools.
• Familiarity with solar energy site selection criteria, land use planning, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Experience with Python, SQL, or other programming languages for GIS automation is a plus.