Why Basin? Opportunity, family, and a future that fits

Shannon Vaira, geographical information systems (GIS) analyst II, joined the Basin Electric team just over two years ago—a team that already feels like family, she says. “Basin Electric is a truly remarkable workplace, and I have felt welcomed from my first day on the job.”

Vaira holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography, with a focus on environmental studies and a minor in geology and GIS from Edinboro University. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Vaira relocated to Watford City, North Dakota, where she began her GIS career working for McKenzie County in the GIS department. She went on to work for McKenzie Electric Cooperative, a Basin Electric member-owner, for nine years as a GIS technician before being hired at Basin Electric.

 “Ultimately, I was ready for a change in my career,” Vaira says. “I wanted to grow both professionally and personally. After researching Basin Electric, I knew it was a place I could grow.”

As a GIS analyst, Vaira assumes a wide range of roles that support numerous cooperative-wide projects. She works closely with the right-of-way team to create landowner maps that display acreage options for Basin Electric’s ongoing transmission line projects. She has also collaborated with the environmental team to provide high-quality exhibits for Public Service Commission hearings. What makes her job interesting, Vaira says, is that no two days are the same. “One day, we might need to set up an application to track sinkholes, and the next day, develop a map showing Dakota Skipper habitat. This job is never boring.”

The best part of Vaira’s job is being part of a team. “At my previous job, I was the only employee working on the GIS infrastructure,” Vaira says. “Here, I have two other GIS professionals who have not only taught me so much but also supported both my professional and personal goals.” According to Vaira, this support extends throughout the entire civil engineering department. “The encouragement from supervisors has set me up for long-term success here at Basin Electric.”

Vaira takes full advantage of the professional development opportunities offered by Basin Electric. During her first year, she attended the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) User Conference, one of the world’s largest tech conferences that brings together GIS professionals from various industries to network and learn about the latest in GIS software. “This is an event I had always wanted to attend but never had the opportunity,” Vaira says. “I was beyond grateful to attend, and since then, I’ve implemented many of the things I learned into my work.” In 2024, Basin Electric had the opportunity to host the Midwest ESRI Utility User Group, a regional conference in which the Basin Electric GIS team is actively involved.

Vaira plans to stay at Basin Electric long-term, citing the company’s family-oriented values as the main reason. “I’ve finally found a place that won’t make me choose between my career and starting a family,” she says. In August 2024, she and her husband welcomed their first child. “I feel so blessed to have had so much support during and after my pregnancy. From coworkers checking in on me to having peace of mind knowing Basin Electric has such a great working relationship with the YMCA Youth Development Center daycare, it has been such a joy raising my daughter while being able to grow in my career.”

Although many of her hobbies revolve around her family and baby, Vaira has many passions outside of work. When she’s not in the office, Vaira can be found running and walking with her dogs, practicing yoga, and playing on Basin Electric’s sponsored city volleyball team. “I’ve really enjoyed the chance to connect with my coworkers outside of the office,” she says.

When Vaira talks to others about Basin Electric, she’s quick to mention the great benefits, such as the 401(k) match, access to the medical center, and the convenience of the cafeteria. But what stands out to her is the culture. “I know that 10 years from now, I’ll still enjoy walking through those front doors,” Vaira says. “I look forward to the growth and change those 10 years will bring.”