Geologist

Job Title: LiDAR Analyst

Location: Onsite Role in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Duration: 12 Months

Interview Process: Video

Notes for Recruiters: Work Environment & Location

Remote Work Eligibility: This position is eligible for remote work for highly qualified candidates.

Collaboration Requirements: NextCollect maintains a high level of business communication with multiple daily meetings for project coordination, feedback, and product development.

Position Overview:

The LiDAR Analyst is a technical specialist responsible for processing, analyzing, and performing quality assurance on LiDAR and imagery products supporting FPL Power Delivery engineering operations and NEER renewable energy development. This hands-on role combines technical oversight with direct execution of geospatial data processing workflows, ensuring high-precision deliverables meet project specifications and accuracy requirements for transmission and distribution infrastructure projects.

Primary Responsibilities:

LiDAR Processing & Analysis (70%)

Process raw point cloud data using industry-standard software (Terrasolid, Riegl, LP360)

Perform automated and manual point cloud classification for ground, vegetation, buildings, and infrastructure

Execute detailed manual feature coding for transmission and distribution infrastructure (poles, wires, towers, conductors)

Generate digital terrain models (DTM) and breakline delineation for engineering applications

Create derived products including ground contours, slope maps, and watershed models

Vectorize utility infrastructure (poles and wires) to support FPL and NEER operational use cases

Quality Assurance & Validation (20%)

Conduct rigorous QA/QC on LiDAR and imagery datasets against project specifications

Validate data accuracy through control point analysis, strip alignment checks, and density mapping

Perform quality checks on post-acquisition data and airborne/mobile trajectory processing

Review and validate final products before delivery to stakeholders

Document quality metrics and accuracy assessments

Imagery Processing & Integration (10%)

Create and analyze orthomosaics from airborne imagery collections

Integrate LiDAR and imagery datasets for comprehensive geospatial intelligence

Develop digital mapping products, dashboards, and webmaps using various software platforms

Support cross-functional teams with geospatial data visualization and analysis

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in LiDAR processing software (Terrasolid required; Riegl, LP360 preferred)

Experience with manual LiDAR editing and feature extraction workflows

Understanding of point cloud classification, terrain modeling, and breakline generation

Familiarity with GIS platforms (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) for spatial analysis and visualization

Knowledge of coordinate systems, projections, and geospatial data formats (LAS, LAZ)

Industry Knowledge:

Understanding of electric utility infrastructure (transmission/distribution systems preferred)

Familiarity with energy utility business requirements and geospatial deliverables

Experience supporting engineering projects or renewable energy site assessments

Professional Skills:

Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality

Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams

Effective time management in a high-volume production environment (~500 projects annually)

Clear communication skills for technical documentation and team coordination

Experience:

2-4 years in LiDAR processing, remote sensing, or geospatial analysis

Demonstrated experience with utility infrastructure mapping or engineering geospatial projects

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Riegl airborne and terrestrial LiDAR systems

Knowledge of electric distribution and transmission mapping standards

Familiarity with photogrammetry and orthomosaic generation

Background in renewable energy site assessment or topographic analysis

Training or mentoring experience supporting junior analysts or data science teams

Project Support:

This role directly supports:

Power Delivery Engineering Technical Services – Transmission and distribution infrastructure modeling

NEER Early-Stage Topography Projects – Renewable energy site assessment and engineering analysis

Collection Data Science Team Support – Production workflows and quality validation

Initial onboarding and training

Quarterly team meetings and strategic planning sessions

All business travel expenses are fully compensated

Success Criteria:

Consistent delivery of high-quality LiDAR products meeting accuracy specifications

Efficient processing workflows supporting ~500 annual projects

Proactive identification and resolution of data quality issues

Positive collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

Continuous improvement in technical skills and process optimization