GIS Analyst

Great Lakes Energy is seeking a GIS Analyst to develop, implement, and maintain our Geographic Information System (GIS) and database, ensuring top-notch system representation, documentation, and upkeep of our electric distribution and fiber GIS data.

Who We Are

For over 85 years, Great Lakes Energy has powered rural communities across 26 counties in western and northern Michigan. As the third-largest Michigan-based electric utility and the state’s largest member-owned power company, we serve over 128,000 meters with pride. Beyond delivering reliable electricity, we are leaders in advanced fiber technology through Truestream, our communication solutions subsidiary.

At Great Lakes Energy, we prioritize enriching the lives of our community members and employees. With over 300 team members, we’re more than just colleagues—we’re a close-knit family, united by a shared vision of growth, innovation, and community service.

A Day in The Life of a GIS Analyst

In this role, you are the go-to expert for all things GIS. You’ll be the hero who ensures our utility GIS implementation and maintenance are top-notch, providing invaluable support across departments. Your days will be filled with analyzing and maintaining our GIS and database, making sure our data is always accurate and ready for action.

You seamlessly integrate systems like Outage Management, design/staking, and vegetation management with our GIS and engineering analysis software. You'll create and run sophisticated reports, linking data across multiple platforms to keep everything in sync. You will work on digitizing and maintaining spatial databases, documenting procedures, validating data, and crafting detailed maps. You'll ensure our GIS functions align with company goals and industry standards, while also mentoring and supporting our GIS mapping technicians.

Staying ahead of the curve, you'll keep up with the latest GIS trends and developments, and build strong relationships with software vendors and government agencies. This ensures our GIS capabilities are always cutting-edge. Finally, you will create insightful reports from multiple data sources, providing the information our business needs to thrive.

Who You Are

You are analytical, detail-oriented, and have a passion for mapping and data accuracy. You have a strong GIS background and pride yourself in thinking critically. You have excellent project and time management skills. Your interpersonal skills are top-notch, and you find it easy to communicate with a variety of professionals to understand their needs and get the job done.

You’re comfortable working independently but also thrive in a collaborative environment where you can share knowledge, support colleagues, and contribute to team success. You communicate effectively, provide training when needed, and excel at breaking down complex technical concepts for non-technical users in an easy-to-understand manner. Ideally, you have a bachelor’s degree in geographic information sciences (GIS) and at least two years of relevant experience, but we would be excited to see equivalent experience/education as well.

What’s in It for You?

You are valuable to us, and our benefits are here to show it. That’s why we put employees first—your health, your family, and your development. We have a number of benefits, both traditional and progressive, to support you and your family through life’s various stages. Here’s just a taste of what we have to offer:

• The Essentials - We cover the cost of comprehensive health insurance. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better for you and your family…seriously! 
• Time to Spend- Generous paid time off (PTO) puts you in the driver’s seat, letting you decide how to make the most of your time away from work.
• Better Health Through Better Living- Healthy employees are happy employees. Our diverse wellness program supports your physical, financial, and mental well-being.
• When Life Hands You Lemons - We know life doesn’t always go as planned. That's why we offer life insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability insurance—fully paid by GLE to provide peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
• More Time with Your Baby-New parents get time off to bond with their new bundle of joy.  Parental leave benefits provide two weeks of family-friendly paid leave for moms and dads to bond and care for their growing families.  Growing your family through adoption?  You’re awesome!  We may be able to help you with related expenses up to $2,000.
• Never Stop Learning - We hire talented people for a reason, and we want you to stick around. That’s why we invest in your training and development. Whether it’s advancing your education, learning new skills, or job shadowing another role, we’re here to support your career growth.
• Keep it Casual - When you work for us, you work in comfort. Smart casual dress code is the norm in our office.
• Remote Work Few silver linings come from a pandemic, but we count our Remote Work Program among them. Once fully trained, employees in this position may have opportunity to work from home two days per week.
• Riding Off Into the Sunset- Your future is important to us, and we’ve got the numbers to back it up. We offer two retirement savings plans for eligible employees—a traditional pension and a 401(k) option. Our participation rates are through the roof!

Think this role is a great match for you? We’d love to hear from you!

We know your time is valuable and that’s why our application is short. Grab your resume and answer a few short questions at the link below.

Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

About Great Lakes Energy

As the third-largest Michigan-based electric utility and the largest member-owned power company in Michigan, we have succeeded because we’re a well-run business that is committed to providing energy solutions to more than 125,000 member-consumers in 26 counties in western and northern Michigan, from Kalamazoo to the Mackinac Straits. For more than 80 years, our success has been built around the mutual trust we share with our member-consumers. That’s because our members are also the owners of our electric cooperative.

Connections working at Great Lakes Energy