GIS Specialist

Reporting To: Project Development Manager

The Role

The GIS Specialist supports utility-scale renewable energy projects by managing spatial data, performing analysis and producing maps for the Development Team. The role requires strong GIS judgement. Renewable energy experience is advantageous but not essential.

Key Responsibilities:

GIS Data Management

• Maintain current portfolio-wide and project-specific GIS databases in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Source and update key spatial datasets, including cadastral, grid, transport, environmental, mining, aviation and land-use data.
• Check, clean, reproject and integrate third-party data supplied in various formats.
• Apply the ArcGIS Data Management Policy, including standards for coordinate systems, SharePoint structure, naming, version control and metadata.
• Maintain accurate, traceable and authoritative datasets.

Development Support

• Site identification and prospecting: screen and rank sites based on energy resource, grid access, land availability, access and exclusion constraints.
• Early-stage prefeasibility: prepare constraints maps, buildable-area calculations, preliminary capacity estimates and spatial inputs to reports.
• Land securement: identify affected properties, incorporate landowner data obtained by the Land Administrator, and maintain spatial record of land securement progress.
• Environmental assessment: update project layouts based on input from various team members and external specialists as well as infrastructure exclusion mapping.
• Layout planning: support turbine, PV, road, substation, BESS and grid-route layouts, including setback analysis and quantity calculations.
• Permitting: prepare maps, coordinates and spatial submissions for environmental, aviation, grid, wayleave, mining and rezoning applications.
• Handover to construction: compile verified, documented GIS packages of authorised layouts and supporting data per project moving into the construction phase.

Mapping, Analysis and Reporting

• Produce clear, referenced maps and figures to inform decisions, enable stakeholder engagement and bolster authority submissions.
• Prioritise and respond to GIS-related requests from the Development team.
• Provide spatial statistics, summary tables and portfolio maps for management reporting.
• Maintain ArcGIS Online web maps, dashboards and shared views that provide access to current project information.
• Review consultant spatial deliverables for accuracy, completeness and consistency, and report discrepancies.

Additional Duties

• Support site visits, field data collection and ground-truthing using ArcGIS Field Maps or GPS.
• Support landowner visits by presenting maps and capturing spatial information.
• Provide basic GIS training and support, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Document standard workflows, templates and map layouts to maintain brand consistency and manage turnaround times.
• Automate repetitive tasks using ArcGIS ModelBuilder or Python (ArcPy), where practical.
• Assist with ArcGIS licences, user access and credit usage under the Data Management Policy.
• Stay up to date with GIS technology, South African spatial datasets and relevant environmental and planning legislation.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and undertake reasonable ad hoc duties including travel to site and company events.

Education & Experience

• Degree or diploma in GIS, Geomatics, Geography, Environmental Science, Town and Regional Planning, or a related field with a strong GIS component; or
• 3-5years’ relevant GIS experience, supported by a portfolio demonstrating spatial analysis and cartography skills.
• Hands-on ArcGIS Pro experience is essential; ArcGIS Online and Field Maps experience is advantageous.
• SAGC registration, or eligibility to register as a GISc Technician or Practitioner, is advantageous.
• Experience in renewable energy, infrastructure, environmental consulting, surveying, planning or mining is advantageous.
• Valid South African driver’s licence.

Essential Skills

Technical

• Strong ArcGIS Pro skills in editing, geoprocessing, spatial analysis, geodatabase management and map production.
• Sound knowledge of coordinate reference systems and projections, including WGS84 and UTM 34S/35S, and the ability to resolve datum issues proactively.
• Working knowledge of QGIS, Google Earth Pro and CAD viewers, including spatial file conversion.
• Ability to interpret cadastral and Surveyor-General data, imagery and terrain data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint and Teams.
• Basic Python/ArcPy or ModelBuilder experience is beneficial.

Personal and professional

• High attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Strong cartographic judgement and the ability to communicate spatial information clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Strong organisation and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing requests and deadlines appropriately.
• Analytical, curious and solutions focused.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including confidence in raising data gaps, inconsistencies and risks.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively, learn quickly and take ownership.
• Fluent in English; other South African languages are advantageous.
• Willing to travel to project sites when required.

Character & Attributes

• Commitment to South Africa’s renewable energy sector.
• High standards of ethics, honesty and integrity.
• Self-motivated, collaborative and accountable, with a positive, delivery-focused approach.
• Resourceful, organised and able to influence others to achieve objectives.
• Committed to continuous learning and development.

Employment Package Outline:

Salary:

Market related

Benefits:

Employee Assistance Programme; group risk insurance; medical aid; professional development opportunities; retirement contribution.

Rewards:

Short-Term Incentive

POPIA Compliance Notice

By submitting your CV and personal information through this platform, you consent to the processing of your data in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act 4 of 2013. Your information will be used solely for recruitment purposes, stored securely, and will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent. You have the right to access, correct or request deletion of your personal data at any time.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Applications that have not been responded to within 30 days of the closing date should be regarded as unsuccessful. Communication will be with shortlisted candidates only.