Visual Simulation Specialist

Visual Simulation Specialist

Location: Remote

Compensation: $80-85/hour (negotiable based on experience)

The Visual Simulation Specialist portion of the title includes responsibilities for conducting research, fieldwork, and analysis associated with visual resources (or aesthetics); taking photographs of project sites from specific viewpoints; preparing graphic design products; writing visual resources technical documents and memoranda to analyze visual impacts following applicable state and federal guidelines; understanding the various methods for visual analysis and systems established by federal agencies (e.g., BLM, FHWA, USFS); authorizing CEQA and NEPA impact sections addressing baseline conditions, regulatory requirements, and impacts on visual resources. The Visual Simulation Specialist works under the direction of Project Managers and in collaboration with Environmental Planners, GIS Specialists, and other visual resources staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Project

· Produce photo-realistic simulation graphic products of structures and environments from design drawings, geospatial data, and other available reference materials.

· Utilize GIS software to create, update, and maintain geospatial data, maps, and applications.

· Contribute to authoring visual impact analyses, and prepare sections and technical reports, to support CEQA and NEPA documents.

· Communicate progress clearly with Project Managers and Environmental Planners.

· Take high-quality photographs from precise locations in the field at project sites.

· Collect accurate and complete GPS data.

· Manage your own time and budget on projects.

· Maintain billable work utilization goals.

· Commitment to producing high-quality work.

· Travel and conduct fieldwork in both urban and remote areas, up to 10 to 25-percent of the time, depending on project demand.

*This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Sales and Marketing

· Provide visual analyses and graphic products to support proposal efforts, as requested by Project Managers and Environmental Planners.

· Collaborate with Sr. Project Managers and other Panorama leadership to identify innovative visual technologies and products that can be developed into additional client service opportunities.

· Identify visual resources service lines and work with Sr. Project Managers and other Panorama leadership to develop additional services for Panorama.

Administrative and Process Improvement

· When visual resources billable work is not available, the Visual Simulation Specialist should be expanding their skills through online or other training, refining templates and standards based on evolving GIS best practices, and identifying tools and strategies to maximize efficiency and improve workflows.

· Attend or lead team trainings and meetings.

· Develop new and streamlined processes to manage, improve, and evolve Panorama’s services and to help staff conduct their work.

**As part of the performance of her/his job, the Visual Simulation Specialist will also comply with all pertinent guidance outlined in the Panorama Employee Handbook, Panorama Style Manual, and Panorama Procedures Manual, which may contain other general Panorama duties and tasks not listed above.

Reporting and Team Relationships

· Works closely with all team members to complete assignments.

· Informs Project Managers or other staff when assignments are completed (or when delays are anticipated) and asks for feedback or revisions on deliverables.

· Informs mentor of billable workload, keeps assignments on schedule, and keeps communication flow clear and concise between all team members.

· Completes timesheets daily and submits weekly to mentor.

· Meets with mentor every 3 months to review growth assessment form.

Qualifications:

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience with 3D computer graphics modeling and animation software, including architectural and terrain modeling; 2D photo editing; and video production.

· Minimum of 2 years’ experience with professional photography, and advanced understanding of landscape photography principles including production of stitched panoramas.

· Minimum of 1 year experience conducting fieldwork for real-world photo and source imagery acquisition.

· Prefer at least 1 year experience using GIS software, and an understanding of viewshed analyses, cartographic principles, map projections, and coordinate systems and ability to apply this knowledge to 3D simulation.

· Knowledge of CAD and other data / mapping applications a plus.

· Experience collecting geospatial data and using high accuracy GPS devices.

· Experience using ArcGIS Online or other GIS software.

· Ability to support multiple projects at the same time.

· Ability to read and interpret basic site layouts and plan schematics, topographic maps, aerial photographs, and other maps and spatial resources.

· Strong writing ability, and experience authoring impact analyses and technical reports in compliance with CEQA and NEPA environmental documents

· Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy.

· Strong problem-solving abilities to address challenges and find innovative solutions.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Strong work ethic and dedication.

· Current and valid driver’s license, have a clean driving record, willingness to travel for field assignments and client/agency meetings; experience driving 4-wheel drive vehicles.

· Ability to lift and move items and equipment up to 50 lbs.

Why Spheros Environmental?

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Opportunities for bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
• Professional Growth: Ongoing training, conference opportunities, and pathways to leadership and ownership roles.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work options and flexible remote work opportunities in approved states.
• Global Impact: Potential for national and international travel for project oversight and client engagement.
• Inclusive Culture: We are an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.

Apply today! Spheros Environmental is an equal-opportunity employer.