What are the responsibilities and job description for the LiDAR GIS Technician – Fiber Optic Outside Plant Design position at Aquila Corporation?
Location: Batesville, IN [Hybrid]
Company: Aquila Corporation https://www.aquila.us/
Employment Type: Full-Time, W-2 with Benefits (Health Insurance, Vision, Dental, Life, PTO)
Reports To: GIS Team Lead
About Aquila
Aquila Corporation is a fast-growing engineering and construction firm that designs and builds next-generation telecom and fiber-optic infrastructure. Founded in 2019 with just three employees, we began by performing site acquisition and permitting for 5G small cell networks. Within a year we expanded into full A&E design services, and by 2022 we were designing complete fiber-optic networks for Internet Service Providers. In 2023 we added construction services — and today, with around 100 employees, we’re continuing to grow rapidly as an integrated design-build partner for telecom providers across the U.S.
Aquila combines engineering precision with the agility of a startup. We leverage modern tools, data, and technology to bring broadband infrastructure to life efficiently, intelligently, and at scale.
https://www.aquila.us/
About the Role
We're seeking a skilled LiDAR/GIS Technician to join our fiber optic outside plant (OSP) design team. In this role, you'll process airborne and terrestrial LiDAR point cloud data to support engineering deliverables for fiber route planning, pole attachment analysis, and construction documentation. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with spatial data processing and understands telecommunications infrastructure requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Process and analyze LiDAR point cloud data for fiber optic route design
Extract terrain, vegetation, and infrastructure features from point clouds
Create plan/profile sheets and CAD drawings from survey data
Identify conduit routes, pole locations, splice points, and clearance zones
Perform vegetation encroachment analysis and clearance calculations
Generate material takeoff reports and construction documentation
Collaborate with engineers and project managers on design deliverables
Ensure all outputs meet company standards and regulatory requirements
Required Qualifications
2–5 years in LiDAR processing, GIS, or survey data analysis
Experience with drone-based LiDAR or mobile mapping data
Proficiency with at least 2 of: ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, LAStools, CloudCompare, Trimble Business Center
Understanding of coordinate systems, georeferencing, and elevation data
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Self-starter mentality — highly motivated, resourceful, and willing to learn new technologies quickly.
Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively with distributed teams.
Strong attention to detail
Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical team members.
Willingness to travel occasionally for fieldwork
Capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in GIS, Civil Engineering, Surveying, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Working knowledge of fiber OSP terminology (conduit, splice, drop, pole attachment, clearance requirements)
Exposure to aerial and underground engineering standards
Familiarity with NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) clearance requirement
Familiarity with data analysis, scripting, or expression building within GIS environments.
Experience producing CAD drawings, plan/profile sheets, or similar engineering documents
Interest in leadership growth—high-performing individuals will have a clear path to advancement.
Familiarity with other business related software like Slack, Dropbox, Webex, FileMaker Pro, and MacOS.
Why Join Aquila
Opportunity to help build real broadband infrastructure that connects communities.
Collaborative, innovation-driven environment with strong technical mentorship.
Competitive compensation and benefits with performance-based advancement opportunities.
A culture that values initiative, craftsmanship, and long-term professional growth.