Lizzbeth Zarate
San Bernardino,CA
Summary
Environmental and GIS professional with hands-on experience supporting environmental projects through field data collection, GIS mapping, wildlife surveys, and project documentation. Experienced using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, Trimble Geo 7X, CAD files, SSURGO, BIOS, and aerial imagery to support environmental mapping and field activities. Created boundary, biodiversity, mitigation, runoff, and project-specific maps; collected GPS data; assisted biologists with environmental reports; and collaborated with engineering teams to convert CAD information into GIS data. Experienced in wildlife monitoring through volunteer work with the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Eager to continue developing GIS and environmental field skills while contributing to a collaborative team.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildlife / GIS Volunteer
Department of Conservation
Pakiri, New Zealand
10.2025 - 12.2025
- Assisted the New Zealand Department of Conservation with surveying the New Zealand fairy tern population and monitoring nesting activity at Pakiri Beach.
- Learned to identify individual fairy terns by reading and recording bird bands, supporting population monitoring and identification efforts.
- Used ArcGIS Field Maps to collect and map GPS points for nesting sites within a half-mile survey area, including fairy terns, oystercatchers, and sandpipers.
- Created and maintained GIS maps of nesting locations to help inform visitors of sensitive nesting areas and promote wildlife protection.
- Updated field data and added site-specific observations and notes in ArcGIS Pro throughout the volunteer period to maintain accurate project records.
GIS Specialist /Field Biologist
RVA
Ontario, California
06.2023 - 01.2025
- Used record drawings, GIS data, aerial imagery, and field observations to support environmental and site assessments.
- Collaborated with engineering firms to convert CAD files into GIS-compatible data, ensuring accurate spatial information and timely project completion.
- Used a Trimble Geo 7X to collect accurate GPS coordinates for field observations, project boundaries, and site-specific features supporting environmental surveys and GIS analysis.
- Trained office staff on the use of the Trimble Geo 7x, helping standardize field data collection procedure across the team.
- Developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guide for Trimble Geo 7x use, documenting equipment setup, data collection, and field workflows
- Created a variety of GIS maps, including runoff, project boundary, biodiversity, mitigation, and project-specific maps to support environmental and field projects.
- Developed project-specific GIS layers from CAD files, using polylines to digitize and represent structures and site features accurately.
- Developed runoff maps by integrating Google Earth imagery, field observations, terrain characteristics, and SSURGO soil data to estimate likely surface-water flow pathways.
- Created biodiversity maps using BIOS and iNaturalist data to identify potential sensitive or endangered species within and surrounding project areas.
- Used public parcel data and GIS resources to identify and delineate project boundaries and support site research.
- Assisted biologists with compiling and organizing field data, mapping resources, and supporting documentation for environmental project reports.
Education
GIS
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino, CA06-2024
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA12-2022
Skills
- ArcPro
- ArcMap
- ArcGIS Online
- ArcGIS Portal
- Experience Builder
- ArcGIS Dashboards
- Microsoft
- Technical writting
- Trimble Geo 7x
- ArcGIS Maps
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Timeline
Wildlife / GIS Volunteer
Department of Conservation
10.2025 - 12.2025
GIS Specialist /Field Biologist
RVA
06.2023 - 01.2025
GIS
San Bernardino Valley College
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona