Spatial Design Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

GIS Specialist

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking an experienced GIS Specialist to join our Renewables team. Westwood is a leading renewables, power, public infrastructure, and land development consulting firm dedicated to creating a better world for people though our work. Our core values – Relationships, Innovation, Dedication, Initiative, and Growth – are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating strong partnerships, fostering innovative solutions, committing passionately to our work, taking proactive steps towards progress, and nurturing personal and professional development.

Job Description:

The GIS Specialist position will play a crucial role in our team, supporting our renewable energy projects with their technical expertise and innovative approaches to GIS. We are looking for a dynamic GIS Specialist to enhance our team with their expertise in spatial analysis, cartography, and data management. If you're passionate about GIS and ready to contribute to groundbreaking projects, we want to hear from you!

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Spatial Analysis & Cartography: Create, manage, and analyze, and display spatial data using GIS software.
• Data Interpretation & Management: Independently interpret data while maintaining comprehensive documentation. Manage and update existing GIS datasets, ensuring their relevance and accuracy.
• Process Innovation: Proactively challenge and improve existing processes, developing more efficient methodologies.
• GIS Analysis & Product Development: Perform complex GIS analyses using the ArcGIS Platform, creating mapping products that meet project requirements.
• Technical Solutions & Delivery: Deliver detailed, technically proficient solutions, ensuring clear and accurate spatial data representation in both hardcopy and electronic formats.
• Project Workflow Integration: Gain a complete understanding of product deliverables, managing and anticipating the information needs of project teams.
• GIS Application Development: Develop and maintain geospatial data across desktop and mobile applications, adhering to strict quality standards.
• Scripting & Automation: Create scripts to streamline routine GIS tasks, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
• Technology Advancement: Stay abreast of the latest GIS technologies, developing innovative solutions and workflows.
• Client & Team Support: Work directly with clients and team members, supporting their GIS needs, troubleshooting issues, and clearly explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentorship: Mentor and train junior GIS specialists, fostering skill development and professional growth within the team.

• 0-4 years of experience in GIS, preferably in a similar industry.
• Must have a degree in GIS, geography, or related field with demonstrated capabilities in GIS.
• Proficiency in spatial analysis, cartography, and managing GIS datasets.
• Strong knowledge of the ArcGIS platform and other relevant GIS software.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain GIS applications.
• Experience in scripting and automation of GIS tasks.
• Familiarity with current GIS technology trends and the ability to integrate innovative solutions into workflows.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven experience working with clients, addressing their GIS needs and troubleshooting issues.
• Capability to mentor and guide junior team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced expertise in the ArcGIS suite, including ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Enterprise.
• Familiarity with field data collection and management techniques.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python for GIS automation.
• Experience consulting within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry.
• Experience working on renewables, transmission, land development, or public infrastructure projects.
• Experience using AutoCAD and DWG files.

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.

Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

Join us in creating a better world.

In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.

Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.