Geospatial Jobs and Career Center

Pam Cherry

• Experience Level: 10 Years or More
• Location: Colorado
• Last Updated: January 6, 2011

Experience

SUMMARY:

My experience and education in GIS, land planning and environmental policy provides me the ability to be a valuable contributor.  I have recently completed a Master’s Certificate in GIS through the University of Denver.  I have working knowledge of many methods for spatial analysis related to a wide variety of requirements presented by different projects.  I have extensive knowledge of many elements and legislation related to the National Environmental Protection Act.  I am a conscientious team player with the ability to work effectively with my team, other professionals and local, regional and federal government offices.  

SKILLS AND SOFTWARE:

ArcGIS 9.3 and 10, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Professional Suite, Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, JavaScript, HTML

EXPERIENCE:

Project Manager Land Development    2009-2010

Bradley Crossroads, LLC

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Negotiated solutions to vague code requirements with approving authorities

Collaborated with government to develop rational solutions to dedication and landscape requirements

Monitored progress and prepared reports for employer and developer/owner on each project

Managed entire land use application process from client introduction through public hearings and recordation

Coordinated and communicated project requirements with general contractor

Developed strategies to resolve development related issues

Reviewed fees and negotiated submittal fee reductions of 60% with reviewing government

Researched traffic improvement fee implemented by El Paso County

Coordinated the fee reduction stipulation between county attorney and company attorney

Project Manager and Land Planner    2001-2009

Land Development Consultants, Inc.

Colorado Springs, CO 80917

Conducted site reconnaissance to determine limitations of land on proposed development

Reviewed title exceptions for limitations related to severed mineral rights, easements and rights-of-way

Processed numerous special and conditional use applications for cell towers with government offices

Researched potential methods for release of exceptions from title work

Developed and managed entitlement project schedules to meet contractual obligations

Coordinated work of civil and environmental engineers throughout application and approval processes

Negotiated with local, state and federal governmental entities for issue resolution

Collaborated with local, state and federal agencies through project review including:

Colorado Division of Water Resources

Colorado State Forest Service

Colorado State Geological Survey

City and County Parks Departments

Building Department

Health Department

Prepared justifications for uses not addressed in land use code and waivers to requirements

Negotiated rights-of-way or easements for utilities and transportation needs with appropriate providers

Monitored progress and prepared reports for employer and developer/owner on each project

Managed land use application process from client introduction through public hearings and recordation

AutoCAD ArcGIS Specialist       1999-2001

Colorado Interstate Gas and Pathfinder Engineering

Colorado Springs, CO

Converted GPS field data to AutoCad points and lines

Created fiber optic location maps from field data

Resolved data discrepancies with field crews and engineers

Produced maps depicting gas line locations utilizing digital ortho quads, USGS and cultural and ownership data

Scanned, digitized, georeferenced and converted projections from hard copy data

Coordinated with engineering department and draftsmen on data discrepancies and inconsistencies

Maintained database in compliance with federal data standards for submittal to National Pipeline Mapping System database and National Wetlands Inventory

Interpreted aerial imagery for surface conditions, slope, soils, wetlands, vegetation, hydrology

Performed variety of spatial analysis techniques

Planning positions prior to 1999

Jackson Creek Land Company, Colorado Springs, CO - Coordinated with governmental entities and utility providers for easement requirements, reviewed plans prior to submittal for compliance with Zoning and Subdivision ordinances, participated on US Fish and Wildlife work group on Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse listing process

Town of Monument, CO - Reviewed land use applications, distributed for comment, prepared staff reports, drafted new subdivision and zoning regulations, developed work program for Planning Department

Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, Colorado Springs, CO – Prepared work program, Federal Aviation Administration grant applications, progress reports and Regional Heliport Study and Regional Aviation System Plan, Coordination of all meetings and activities of Aviation Technical Advisory Committee

Center for Community Development and Design (CCDD), University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

In this intern position I researched and assisted with the drafting of the Boggsville Historic Site Restoration Plan.  I participated in the preparation of grant applications obtained through the Colorado Historic Society.  I utilized MapInfo to prepare maps that to depict floodplain location, and structure or feature locations.  I tiled images to create a base map of study areas.  I served as liaison between stakeholders, CCDD and government offices.

EDUCATION:

University of Colorado – anticipated completion 2011

Master’s Public Administration, Environmental Policy, Management and Law emphasis

Courses:  Effective Advocacy, Organizational Management and Change, Environmental Policy, Natural Resource and Environmental Health Law, Public Policy

University of Denver –November 2010

Master’s Certificate Geographic Information Systems

Courses:  Intro GIS, Internet GIS, Demographics, Project Design, Remote Sensing, Natural Hazards, GIS for Telecommunications and Cartographic Design

Colorado State University – May 2010

Project Management Certification – preparing for PMP exam

University of Colorado – BA Geography and Environmental Studies

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:

Colorado Division of Emergency Management – Flood, tornado, earthquake and wildfire data acquisition to prepare maps to depict potential impact based on populated areas

Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding – Assisted coaches and disabled children during riding lessons

MEMBERSHIPS: 

Geospatial Information and Technology Association

Project Management Institute

GIS Colorado

General Information

With the downturn in the economy I was laid off from a land planning and development position.  I realized that it will be years before these sorts of positions come back so I returned to school.  I have completed a Master’s certification in GIS from the University of Denver and will complete a Master’s in Public Administration later this year.  I have emphasized environmental and natural resources in both programs.  I dealt with NEPA throughout my career and have used this time to research various acts to increase my knowledge base.  I am determined and have been using my time to improve my skill set.  This same level of energy and determination will provide any employer a valuable employee.

Contact Information

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