Emergency Services, Wildfire Behavior Expert, GIS Analyst
Resume:
PROFILE
Resilient and versatile professional with
20+ years of experience across
emergency services, geospatial
technologies, and community
leadership. Recently earned dual
Bachelor of Science degrees in
Geography and GIS from Arizona
State University (4.0 GPA, Summa Cum
Laude) with a focus on applied spatial
analysis, programming, and
cartographic design. Proven ability to
mentor, train, and support peers in
advanced GIS coursework and
software troubleshooting. Extensive
wildland firefighting and public service
background, complemented by
technical proficiencies and a passion
for lifelong learning. Seeking full-time
remote or hybrid work in a
government or mission-driven
organization.
CONTACT
PHONE:
LINKEDIN:
www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-harris-
9643536a
EMAIL:
***********@*****.***
SCHOLAR EPORTFOLIO
HTTPS://ASU.DIGICATION.COM/
VANESSA-HARRIS-2/HOME-1
VANESSA
PREASMEYER
HARRIS
GIS ANALYST WILDLAND FIRE
VETERAN REMOTE WORK-
READY PROFESSIONAL
EDUCATION
Arizona State University
August 2023 – May 2025
Bachelor of Science in Geography
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science & Cartography Summa Cum Laude, GPA 4.0
Allan Hancock College
January 2020 – May 2022
Associates of Science in Fire Science Technology
GPA: 3.9
American River College
2003-2004
USFS Wildland Fire Apprenticeship Training (14 units) Cuesta College
1998-2023
General Education Transfer (IGETC)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Peer Mentor, Arizona State University — GIS Department May 2024 – May 2025
• Provided technical, academic, and software support via Zoom to students in 7 advanced GIS courses.
• Courses included GIS I–III, Cartographic Principles, Python Programming, Multivariate Statistics in R, and Quantitative Spatial Analysis.
• Guided students through geospatial analysis projects using ArcGIS Pro, Python, StatCrunch, and RStudio.
• Collaborated with faculty and peer mentors to coordinate student support and learning resources.
HOBBIES
Beekeeping
Gardening & Fruit Tree Grafting
Backpacking
Wildland Fire Behavior Study
Cooking
Wine Tasting
Wildland Firefighter/Engineer, U.S. Forest Service – Los Padres National Forest
March 2002 – March 2009
• Suppressed wildland fires across California and Western U.S. under extreme conditions.
• Operated and maintained Type III Engine, served as Squad Boss trainee on Hotshot Crew, and acted as ABRO at Air Base.
• Performed public education and fuels reduction work; supervised seasonal staff and coordinated payroll/training documentation.
• Graduated top 10% of USFS Apprenticeship Academy; best of class in Serpentine Drill at Apparatus Academy.
Small Business Owner/Farmer, Heart of Paso Produce Feb 2011 – Dec 2019
• Founded and operated 2-acre organic farm; sold produce to markets, local businesses, and online.
• Managed finances, logistics, and community outreach. Additional Roles:
• Wine & Service Educator, Cass & Hammersky Vineyards (2018– 2021)
• Supervisory Daycare Provider, Kennedy Club Fitness (2015– 2017)
• Paid Call Firefighter, San Luis Obispo County Fire (2001–2003)
• Apprentice Firefighter, City of San Luis Obispo (2001–2002) SKILLS GIS & Technical Skills:
• ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Python (Jupyter, Google Colab.), RStudio, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib
• Spatial analysis, multivariate statistics, suitability modeling, geodatabases, coordinate systems
• Cartographic design, 3D visualization, map layouts, labeling, symbology
• Zoom-based training, screen sharing, whiteboard tools, digital learning platforms
Emergency Services & Leadership:
• Wildland fire suppression, fuels reduction, structural triage, fire apparatus operation
• Team leadership, mentoring, public education, inter-agency coordination
• Incident command systems (ICS/NIMS), aircraft
communications, dispatch operations
• Small business operations, community organizing, volunteer program management
CERTIFICATIONS & TECHNICAL TRAINING
• Esri Web Courses: Regression Analysis, EBK Interpolation, 3D Visualization, Map Layouts, Coordinate Systems, ArcGIS Pro Basics, Suitability Modeling (All scores 90–100)
• WSET II in Wine & Spirits (Certified with Distinction, 2019)
• NWCG & USFS Fire Qualifications: I-100 to I-300, S-series (e.g., S- 130, S-190, S-215), L-180, D-110, and more
• CA Food Handler Certification (ServSafe)
• Former Class B Driver’s License with Air Brake & Tank Endorsements
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
• Liaison, Jardine Community Fire Safe Council (2021–2023); used GPS/KML to coordinate chipping events
• Volunteer Educator, One Cool Earth & Paso Robles School District (2013–2018)
• Creator/Admin: Jardine Neighborhood Watch & Community Forum (6+ years, 900+ members)
• Organizer: Fundraiser for Wildland Firefighter Foundation ($600 from "Planes: Fire & Rescue" event)
REFERENCES
• Dr. Wen-Ching Chuang — ASU Professor with School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Supervisor -- wen- *****.******@***.***
• Dr. Drew Trgovac — ASU Professor with School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning -- ****.*******@***.***
• Laurie Halas Donnelly — Retired Battalion Chief, SLO County Fire Station 62 — 805-***-****
• Jared Krenkel — Former coworker, Engineer at Ft. Hunter Liggett Fire (DOD) — 805-***-****
• Mike Preasmeyer — Retired USFS/LPF Division Chief, Father and former coworker — 805-***-****
• Mark Courson — Former coworker, Cal OES Assistant Chief Region II — 916-***-****
• Sandra Inman Carpenter — Former coworker, USFS Prevention Captain — 209-***-****
• Abby Bolt — Former coworker, PG&E Fuels Management Supervisor — *********@*****.***
• Polo Rodriguez — Former coworker, Crew Captain CalFire —
• Ted Mathiesen — Former USFS Superintendent H-527, SLU Unit Prevention Technician — 805-***-**** —
************@*****.***
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