Remote Sensing Project Lead

Description

The Remote Sensing Project Lead – Electric Utility Aerial Mapping is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of electric utility transmission, distribution, and substation aerial and terrestrial mapping projects, from proposal and scoping through data acquisition, LiDAR/imagery classification, PLS-CADD model development, and final deliverable handoff. This role serves as the primary client contact for utility and cooperative clients, coordinating survey, aerial and terrestrial acquisition, classification, and PLS-CADD design teams to ensure deliverables meet client specifications, schedules, and budgets.

The Project Lead works closely with Leadership, Production Lead, and technical staff to plan, execute, and track performance across multiple concurrent utility engagements, and may also support other aerial mapping projects outside the utility sector as needed.

• Manage electric utility transmission, distribution, and substation aerial and terrestrial mapping projects from inception through final PLS-CADD deliverable across multiple concurrent engagements.
• Serve as the primary client contact for utility and cooperative clients; represent Westwood in scoping calls, kickoff meetings, and progress reviews.
• Develop and manage proposals, fee estimates, invoicing, and work-in-process tracking, for utility mapping engagements.
• Coordinate LiDAR and imagery acquisition (fixed-wing, helicopter, UAS, and terrestrial/mobile LiDAR scanning) and ground survey control to meet utility corridor and substation requirements.
• Oversee point cloud classification and feature/attribute coding (conductors, structures, substations, vegetation, ground, etc.) to utility‑specific standards, including vegetation clearance classifications.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and staffing plans across classification, PLS-CADD, and QA/QC teams; proactively communicate status and risks.
• Identify and document scope changes, such as corridor extensions, reflights, or reclassification needs; prepare and negotiate change orders in a timely manner.
• Implement and enforce QA/QC procedures for classified point clouds, feature coding, and PLS-CADD models prior to client delivery.
• Coordinate with production staff, aerial and terrestrial acquisition teams, survey crews, and PLS-CADD designers to align resources and deliverables.
• Provide guidance, technical review, and feedback to project technicians.
• Support other aerial and terrestrial mapping projects outside the utility sector as needed, based on business demand.

• 5+ years of project management experience in electric utility, transmission/distribution, or geospatial and surveying services.
• In depth knowledge of aerial LiDAR/imagery acquisition and point cloud classification workflows for utility corridors and substations.
• Familiarity with terrestrial/mobile LiDAR scanning platforms and processing workflows.
• Familiarity with PLS-CADD modeling processes and utility engineering to the level of understanding what is required from a mapping sortie.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent utility client engagements and cross-functional technical teams.
• Proficiency in managing project financials, including budgets, invoices, and WIP.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and client management skills.
• ASPRS Certification preferred.
• Direct hands‑on experience with PLS-CADD software and utility feature coding standards preferred.
• Experience with substation mapping, vegetation management, encroachment analysis, or clearance reporting for electric utilities preferred.
• Experience across multiple market verticals, including power delivery, renewables, and public infrastructure preferred.

Note:

This job description is a general outline of the key responsibilities and qualifications of a Remote Sensing Project Lead – Electric Utility Aerial Mapping. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change based on the specific needs of the organization and projects.