Heather Schafer, GISP

Experience

• 

  University of Missouri

  Jan 2011 - May 2011

  Research Specialist

  • Developed and generated GIS data models.• Collaborated with multiple agencies, state officials and individuals in the private sector and university affiliates for project planning purposes and database management.• Supervised 8-10 staff members by developing workflows, organizing workloads, arranging schedules, training staff and reviewing results.

• 

  Boone County GIS

  May 2011 - Oct 2015

  • Assisted with planning, design and development of enterprise-wide GIS programs, applications, data, standards & procedures.• Assisted in providing technical support to County GIS users by responding to technical questions, resolving issues and/or developing alternative workflows.• Assists in the installation of GIS software programs and the development and testing of new ArcGIS Server web and mobile applications, data upgrades, etc.• Developed and maintained high quality cartographic products including plat books, road maps, zoning maps, voting registration maps, etc.• Developed scripting solutions for process automation in data upkeep, report generation, data sharing, and map production including exporting and converting data for consortium members, generating updated county clerk maps, monthly new address reports, updating data sources in map projects during server/SDE upgrade.• Developed and provided training workshops for GIS software, applications, data, etc. as well as providing one-on-one training for specific GIS projects and tasks. Show less • Created and maintained data related to the County's transportation infrastructure to assure an accurate inventory and analysis of the system assets.• Produced maps and reports from asset management (Cartegraph) and GIS databases to provide information needed to prioritize, plan and implement projects.• Assisted with upgrades, installations and user support for Cartegraph and ESRI software and applications.• Consulted and collaborated with engineering, maintenance and GIS departments to aid in operational and task-based projects. Show less

  • GIS Analyst

    Apr 2012 - Oct 2015

  • GIS Asset Management Technician

    May 2011 - Mar 2012
• 

  City of Des Moines

  Nov 2015 - now

  • Supervises a team of GIS staff to develop, manage, and sustain an enterprise-wide GIS platform including a central repository of data, and applications to support City operations and decision-making.• Coordinates the Des Moines Area Regional GIS Partnership and collaborates with surrounding local governments and various agencies to share GIS data and support public safety, 911 and Next Gen 911• Coordinates all geospatial data sharing, GIS application development, report and map generation, and selection of GIS software, hardware, or services among City departments.• Assists in overseeing integrations of GIS solutions into enterprise applications.• Establishes and maintains GIS standards and a Regional GIS Business Plan.• Assist city staff, departments, and external customers with new projects and work solutions in relation to GIS by offering information, guidance and advice.• Actively participates in overall IT management, assists in decision making, and develops strategic plans, standard policies and procedures, and budgets.• Implements IT Department change management policies and protocols.• Develops project plans and schedules and effectively manages multiple projects.• Coordinates and fulfill data and information requests from both city staff and public. Show less •Performed complex GIS database queries, calculations, geocoding, geoprocessing, and other spatial and attribute analysis techniques to support a variety of City functions.• Created presentation quality maps applying standard cartographic principles using GIS and other graphics software.• Developed and managed enterprise geodatabases and data extract, load, and transfer processes between related databases and various data formats.• Demonstrated continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide seamless customer service.• Reviewed products, literature, and case studies to develop recommendations for GIS data and application development standards and the selection of GIS related technology.• Provided training and knowledge base documentation and current listings of data condition and availability. Show less

  • Geographic Information Systems Manager

    Aug 2023 - now

  • Acting GIS Manager

    Jul 2022 - Aug 2023

  • GIS Analyst

    Nov 2015 - Jul 2022