Blog Post #3 - Industry Summary, Internship Update & LinkedIn Profile

The industry topic I chose focused on the role of GIS in public safety and emergency managment. I selected this topic because, in my new role as a GIS Analyst, I will be part of the City of Port Orange, Florida’s Emergency Management Team. This was an interview with Richard Butgereit, GISP, Information Management Section Head at Florida Division of Emergency Management. The interview provided several important insights that are especially relevant to this work, including the following:

•  Richard talked about the importance of coordination and information sharing among emergency management agencies. He stressed     that successful disaster response relies heavily on collaboration, not just individual agency efforts. 

• He also emphasized that proactive planning and preparedness efforts were especially important and required the most time. Emphasis on risk assessment, training, and pre-event planning being key for success. He reinforces the idea that emergency management is an ongoing process, not something that begins only when a disaster strikes.

• Finally, he emphasizes the growing role of data and technology in emergency management decision making. He made it a point to say that one of his jobs in emergency management was to provide data in as many ways/formats as possible. Even though this interview is likely slightly dated, the idea of providing data in multiple formats is still very relevant in 2026. I would think, as technology and user expectations have expanded, emergency managers now need to deliver the same information through dashboards, web maps, mobile tools, and raw datasets. While the formats have changed since this interview, the responsibility to make data accessible to different users has likely only grown.

As mentioned above, I am pleased to share that I have recently accepted a GIS Analyst position with the City of Port Orange, FL. I am excited to begin this new role and look forward to serving the citizens of my hometown. I believe this position will be a great fit, and I am eager to apply the skills I developed at UWF while continuing to grow as a GIS professional.

I recently updated my LinkedIn profile, which had not been revised in several years. I added the courses I completed at UWF and ensured that my blog/portfolio site is clearly visible and easily accessible in both the contact information and education sections. I also refined my listed skills to better reflect my GIS experience, particularly in my recent roles as an Environmental Scientist and GIS Cadastral Mapper. These updates helped create a cleaner and more professional overall presentation.

Additionally, I have begun ESRI training on creating ArcGIS StoryMaps. In the coming weeks, I plan to continue expanding my knowledge through additional StoryMaps training and ArcGIS Online coursework as I prepare to create and maintain web applications in my new role.

Blog Post #2 - GIS Job Search

This week we were tasked with either revisiting our initial GIS dream job or conducting a new GIS job search to check out what types of jobs are currently available.

Since I have been researching and checking GIS jobs for several years now I initially thought I wanted a job that would utilize my background in archaeology but since beginning the certificate program at UWF over time I have started to lean more towards a GIS position that is more broad. One that I could utilize the variety of the skills I have now acquired through the program at UWF and recent positions I have held since starting at UWF. As I was recently searching for jobs I came across a GIS Analyst position in my hometown of Port Orange, FL.

The position appealed to me because the job description described much of what I was looking for since it wanted someone who had a diverse background to support various city departments. Some of the essential functions included developing and maintaining web maps, applications, and interactive custom dashboards, converting various data types, querying SQL databases and communicating internal and external technical resources to resolve conflicting data issues and provide guidance on best methods to apply results derived from GIS driven data to name a few. Most of these I have experience in either from coursework or from prior positions I have held.  I think the only function I don't have much experience in is creating and maintaining ArcGIS web maps, applications and interactive custom dashboards. As far as the skills, knowledge and abilities listed I also checked most of those boxes with either coursework or prior positions I have held.

In addition to being the type of GIS job I have been searching for, the idea of potentially using GIS to help support my hometown's community efforts in various functions is very exciting to me.

Needless to say I applied for the position and interviewed for it this past Monday morning. I'm happy to say that I received an offer later that afternoon and accepted the position!!!

Links to an external site.position in my hometown of Port Orange, FL.

Blog Post #1 - GIS Internship and Professional Engagement in GIS

 

This semester I am completing my GIS Internship course as my final requirement for the GIS Graduate Certificate at UWF. I recently held a position as a Cadastral Mapper so I am using that experience for my internship and will continue to take some ESRI classes during the semester.

I have been a member of a few groups since starting my GIS journey at UWF in 2023. I have been a Friend of FLURISA since I started the program in which I have attended some webinars when available. This past year I attended the Central Florida GIS Workshop at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, FL. This is a great event filled with presentations on a variety of GIS topics, ESRI trainings, a map and app gallery, and exhibitors representing private sector companies as well as public sector organizations. This workshop is a great way to learn about a variety of GIS topics and applications as well as network with other GIS professionals. I was able to meet Amber Bloechle and Dr. John Morgan at the workshop, so that was great to connect in person!

Since I have some experience working with the Brevard County Property Appraiser as a Cadastral Mapper, I decided to join the Florida Association of Cadastral Mappers (FACM). FACM is dedicated to promoting, educating, and assisting in the development of cadastral mapping in Florida. They also offer a series of courses designed to support and educate cadastral mapping professionals.

In addition, since beginning the program in 2023 I have maintained an ESRI Professional Plus/Student user license. This has allowed me to take ESRI courses during down times and stay familiar with ArcGIS Online. Also included in the license is the ArcUser publications which are great for keeping up on the GIS industry. I highly encourage anyone in this program to take advantage of this license as the cost is minimal at $100/yr.