What are the responsibilities and job description for the GIS Analyst (contract) position at Xcel Energy?
Job Title: GIS Analyst (Geo Specialist I/II)
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Eau Claire, WI | Denver, CO (Hybrid)
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours/week (No OT)
Position Overview
This role is a backfill for two team members transitioning to a long-term (3-year) consolidation initiative. The GIS Analyst will support day-to-day operations by delivering data extraction, analysis, and geospatial mapping solutions for internal stakeholders.
The position plays a key role in supporting utility operations by transforming complex geospatial data into actionable insights, including the creation of interactive maps and data reporting.
Key Responsibilities
36 - 49 USD hourly
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Eau Claire, WI | Denver, CO (Hybrid)
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours/week (No OT)
Position Overview
This role is a backfill for two team members transitioning to a long-term (3-year) consolidation initiative. The GIS Analyst will support day-to-day operations by delivering data extraction, analysis, and geospatial mapping solutions for internal stakeholders.
The position plays a key role in supporting utility operations by transforming complex geospatial data into actionable insights, including the creation of interactive maps and data reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Extract, analyze, and deliver data for internal business teams and regulatory requests
- Create and maintain interactive maps using ArcGIS (ArcGIS Online / ArcGIS Pro)
- Support geospatial data migration efforts (Smallworld → Esri)
- Perform data analysis using tools such as Databricks
- Develop scripts and automation using Python to streamline workflows
- Work with internal teams to enhance GIS tools and data accessibility
- Handle ad hoc requests such as data extracts and spreadsheet reporting
- Contribute to larger geospatial projects as experience grows
- Work is assigned through JIRA and prioritized by urgency
- Tasks range from quick data pulls (30 minutes) to multi-day projects
- Initial focus on basic data extraction and reporting
- Progress into advanced mapping, scripting, and analysis work
- Collaborate with team members via chat and project discussions
- Team of 9 (mix of Specialist I and II roles)
- Highly collaborative and supportive culture
- Strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving
- Balance of independent work and team collaboration
- Experience with ArcGIS (ArcGIS Online and/or ArcGIS Pro)
- Proficiency in Python for scripting and automation
- Experience with data extraction, reporting, and analysis
- Familiarity with Databricks or similar data platforms
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Experience with GE Smallworld
- Knowledge of MAGIK (Smallworld scripting language)
- SAP experience (ECC modules preferred)
- Utility industry experience (electric or gas)
- Experience with wildfire/emergency management mapping
- 3–7 years of GIS or geospatial experience
- Background in GIS, Geography, or related field
- Experience working with utility companies (e.g., gas/electric transmission or distribution)
- Fast learner with ability to adapt to complex and nuanced datasets
- Comfortable working with ambiguous tasks and evolving priorities
- Training provided on internal systems, especially Smallworld and MAGIK
- Candidates with ArcGIS/Esri experience will ramp up faster
- Success depends on ability to quickly learn complex data structures
- Hybrid schedule (onsite remote)
- Office-based role (no field or safety risks)
- Free onsite parking available
- No travel required
- Virtual interviews
- 1–2 rounds
- Panel includes hiring manager and team member
- Candidates should be prepared to discuss:
- ArcGIS mapping experience
- Data analysis/reporting work
- Smallworld or similar GIS platforms
- Exposure to enterprise GIS systems and large-scale utility data
- Hands-on work with ArcGIS, Python, and Databricks
- Opportunity to contribute to a major GIS platform migration (Smallworld → Esri)
- Supportive, collaborative team environment
- Strong technical growth opportunity
36 - 49 USD hourly