Environmental Analysis and Review Specialist – GIS Focus

The position analyzes the environmental impacts of utility proposals that may be controversial, makes recommendations regarding the need for further environmental review, and develops and implements GIS services that aid in environmental review. The position focuses on impacts to the biological and physical environment. It coordinates environmental reviews with Commission staff as well as other agencies. This position works as part of agency mapping staff in issues related to the application of GIS-based resources for environmental review of construction projects before the Commission. This position will provide technical support for Commission and public inquiries related to mapping resources for construction cases and infrastructure data.  In addition, this position is responsible for assisting in the streamlining and improvement of the environmental review and GIS information processes. The work products provide a basis for Commission decisions ultimately affecting all or some portion of Wisconsin ratepayers and the state’s physical and biological environment (e.g., as a result of the biological impacts from transmission lines, pipelines, and wind and solar facilities). This work can influence energy-related construction practices and routing policies for the entire state. Work may also influence legal proceedings, state legislation and current, unresolved issues at a regional and national level.

To view a full copy of the position description, please email BenjaminK.Harwell@wisconsin.gov

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have training, education, and/or experience with each of the following:

• Reading and/or understanding environmental laws, rules, policies and/or procedures
• Analyzing, evaluating, or documenting environmental areas of concern (wetlands, hazardous materials, archaeological and historical investigations, threatened and endangered species, natural systems, etc.)
• Education, or training in environmental science, wildlife ecology, conservation ecology, forestry, botany, zoology, archeology, earth sciences, natural resources, water resources management, or ecological restoration
• Experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to perform activities such as developing and maintaining a geodatabase, creating and editing maps, editing attributes, etc.

In addition, well-qualified applicants will have professional experience, training, education, or internship experience with at least one of the following:

• Preparing environmental documents in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Wisconsin Environmental Policy Acts (WEPA) regulations
• Preparing and/or analyzing environmental documents for accuracy
• Communicating technical information with internal and external partners
• Experience working with products within the ESRI suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Experience Builder)