Desiree is a GIS consultant with experience in data management, spatial analysis and map production for environmental management, planning, and conservation projects. She is based in Niche’s FNQ office in Cairns.
With an educational background in zoology and professional experience in GIS for natural resource management, Desiree’s career experience includes the application of GIS methodologies for pest management and biodiversity values mapping, as well as the interpretation and analysis of data to create a diverse range of maps and infographics.
“At some point, nearly everybody needs a map, some numbers to be crunched, or figures that come only from the wizardry of spatial analysis!” says Desiree.
Desiree joined Niche in 2021, having felt drawn to apply to Niche because of the company’s core values, backed up by positive firsthand feedback from her university friend Alana, an ecologist in Niche’s Brisbane office.
“Niche seemed like a great place to work and when I enquired about the GIS role, the management team were really responsive, easy to communicate with and had a relaxed but professional air, which to me was a sign of a good workplace culture,” Desiree recalls.
“I jumped on board at an interesting and exciting time for GIS team as we transition the company’s data to an online ArcGIS Enterprise geodatabase and portal environment,” explains Desiree.
In her role at Niche, Desiree uses her skills in ArcGIS Enterprise to create efficient field data collection processes through the development of online databases and mobile applications, interactive web maps and operational dashboards.
“I am in constant learning mode. I’m getting to know the diversity in projects Niche works on, while working in a technology space that is new and on the cutting edge.”
“We’ve been working with our NSW ecology and cultural heritage teams to develop mobile apps for collecting data in the field. This has involved designing datasets and workflows for maps to be taken offline and used to capture field data. As data is collected, it live-feeds directly back to the centralised geodatabase and other web apps such as operational dashboards, making data easily accessible to field teams, project managers and our clients.”
“It feels good to use my skills in GIS to create meaningful spatial products that support the ecology and cultural heritage teams in driving positive environmental outcomes.”
Based at Niche’s FNQ office in Cairns, Desiree starts her working day with a good coffee, daily stand-up meeting with her colleagues.
“The GIS team are such a nice group of people. We all care about one another and support each other by evening out workloads, relieving pinch points and brainstorming ideas,” says Desiree.
“Our GIS discipline manager Matt Harris has made me feel welcome and supported in my role since starting. He’s never too busy to lend a hand, hear out an idea or work through a roadblock with me.”
“There’s a lot of variety in tasks which, as a newcomer, has been great for insight into different projects and getting to know the different datasets we work with. Sometimes if one of us gets stuck on a workflow or task, we’ll combine our knowledge banks to work through a solution together,’ says Desiree.
Far North Queensland GIS Group (FunGIS)
Desiree is the current Chair of the Far North Queensland GIS Group (FunGIS) and will act as MC for their upcoming annual conference.
“FunGIS is a not-for-profit group established as a platform for spatially keen people to share knowledge, ask questions and network,” explains Desiree.
“I joined as a member in 2017 to get to know more people in the GIS community, then joined the executive committee in 2018. This is my first year as the Chair. My involvement includes organising the annual conference, engaging with members through email and social media, and running smaller online meetings.”
FunGIS 30th conference takes place from 18 to 19 November 2021 in Cairns, and featuring speakers from government, academia, private and not-for-profit organisations presenting on a wide range of geo-spatial topics from mapping for social change, to new technology. For more information visit the FunGIS website.
Would you like to join our team?
Due to a strong pipeline of interesting work for great clients, Niche is currently recruiting in NSW and Qld.
To find out more about current opportunities to join our team and – the many great employee benefits we offer – visit our Careers page.
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