Freelance Geospatial Data Engineer Jobs in Maine

About DESRI
DESRI (formerly D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments) is a market-leading owner and operator of renewable energy projects throughout the United States. We have acquired or developed approximately 13 gigawatts of contracted capacity across a portfolio of over 85 renewable energy projects in 24 states.
At DESRI, our culture is grounded in rigorous analytics and thoughtful risk-taking, with a strong emphasis on creativity, intellectual curiosity, and continuous improvement. We operate with lean teams that prioritize efficiency and minimize unnecessary bureaucracy, enabling individuals to take ownership and move quickly. We value open, constructive dialogue and believe it leads to better outcomes. Above all, we are driven to go the extra mile and support one another, fostering a collaborative environment built on accountability, integrity, and care.
About the role
DESRI is seeking a talented and highly motivated GIS Analyst to join its Development team and GIS department. As a collaborative member of the team, this individual will apply geospatial expertise across renewable energy project development, supporting data management, spatial analysis, permitting, and land workflows. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the renewable energy development process, the regulatory and land context behind geospatial data, and an interest in emerging GIS technologies, including AI-assisted workflows. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role with visibility across active projects at every stage of the development lifecycle. This position is based in DESRI's Portland, Maine office and requires an in-office presence four days per week.
What you'll do
The GIS Analyst will support DESRI's Development team and GIS department by providing geospatial analysis, mapping, and data management that advances renewable energy projects from early-stage siting through permitting, construction, and long-term operations. Working alongside developers in a dynamic and agile organization, you'll collaborate with colleagues across Land, Engineering, Environmental, Construction, and Asset Management to deliver spatial insights that inform critical project decisions.
Day-to-day activities will include developing and maintaining site suitability, environmental constraints, and regulatory GIS datasets; supporting project siting and land acquisition through parcel management, land ownership analysis, and acreage calculations; preparing GIS data packages, exhibit maps, and spatial analyses for permitting and environmental review; managing project geodatabases and ensuring data quality; performing spatial analysis and terrain modeling to support project evaluation; coordinating with internal teams and external consultants; responding to mapping and analytical requests across the organization; supporting GIS activities throughout construction and operations; and evaluating emerging GIS technologies, automation, and AI-assisted workflows to improve project execution.
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field, with two or more years of professional GIS experience.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and experience supporting renewable energy, environmental, land development, or utility projects through geospatial analysis and data management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment. Experience with Python, GIS automation, or AI-assisted workflows is a plus.
• Preferred qualifications include experience with utility-scale renewable energy projects, ArcGIS Enterprise, SQL, remote sensing, and cloud-based imagery.
• Ability to work from DESRI's Portland, Maine office four days per week as part of the team's hybrid work schedule.
• At DESRI, we consider a wide range of factors to determine your compensation. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience. The expected annual base salary for this position is $80,000 - $90,000.
• Our compensation and benefits package includes variable compensation in the form of a year-end bonus, guaranteed in the first year of hire, and benefits including medical and prescription drug coverage, 401(k) contribution matching, paid time off, wellness reimbursement, family building benefits, and a charitable gift match program.