C.V.

EDUCATION

 M.S. Forestry Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2014
Thesis: Classification of plot-level fire-caused tree mortality in a redwood forest using digital orthophotography and LiDAR

B.S. Forestry and Natural Resources, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2006
Concentration in Environmental Management
Senior Project: Timber type map for Swanton Pacific Ranch

 EXPERIENCE

December 2020 – Present: Research Data Specialist II, Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, Sacramento, CA

  • Gather, integrate and maintain data to conduct geographic spatial and statistical analysis on wildfire mitigation; measure and verify program outcomes in several areas including wildfire mitigation impacts such as compliance, fire threat, infrastructure, environmental and demographic information, plans and the overall performance of utility wildfire mitigation activities with ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Online, Tableau, and other data analytic tools. Coordinate, conduct and assess wildfire mitigation initiatives, including the development of research questions, statistical methods/procedures, data analyses and conclusions.
  • Work with senior staff to develop, maintain, validate, format, organize and coordinate studies using complicated research methods and techniques, particularly GIS database and user geographical interface and visuals including maps displaying utility infrastructure such as grids, utility poles and demographic information, to facilitate the rapid handling of data at a level of detail required by the Division. Identify and evaluate structured and unstructured data to forecast trends and assess potential impact in areas where changes are being implemented and a body of knowledge of experience does not exist. Assess impacts resulting from changes in data values and/or planning assumptions. Maintain linkages between different geographic areas, including those of the United States Census, utility service territory boundaries, metropolitan areas, and other political subdivisions of the state.
  • Design and direct major research projects or activities (both quantitative and qualitative) in the areas of regulatory effectiveness, wildfire mitigation impacts, and field operations performance and process improvement; solicit, collect, and analyze stakeholder input; identify and evaluate options for policy development and implementation (and their associated resource needs and constraints); and consult
    with Division and executive staff/management on information and data obtained from the research and analysis and technical application of data analysis. Plan, design and implement complex data processing steps and/or custom GIS analyses that support the Division’s business objectives by modeling and scripting. Develop complex queries against utility systems utilizing tools, including Esri, Microsoft SQL Server, and other commercial data analysis platforms. Develop sensitive reports related to research findings. Present research results to senior department management, executive management, legislators, the public and other external stakeholders.

 

November 2019 – November 2020: Research Data Specialist I, CDFA Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, Sacramento, CA

  • Compile, edit, and interpret data from several systems including the Pest Damage Report (PDR) database, laboratory data from Plant Pest Diagnostics Center (PPD), and data received from state, federal, county, and other cooperators throughout California to verify citrus pest and disease information is correct and complete.
  • Validate data collected from all sources to ensure data accuracy and integrity. Identify trends and patterns regarding pest and disease costs, prepare graphs and tables to assist in the development and maintenance of effective analysis of fiscal and program information.
  • Analyze and prepare time-sensitive and detailed initial reports of citrus pest and disease threats to California’s agricultural and natural resources by creating detailed maps of areas as needed.
  • Examine data to help reduce the impact, if any, to establishments and locations affected by citrus pests and diseases. Prepare reports and maps and presents research findings to management.
  • Perform ad-hoc data analysis, using advanced spatial concepts, needed for new surveys requested by management to determine the impact of sanction provisions of new citrus pests and disease finds. Use statistical and other quantitative estimating techniques to complete special projects to derive valid and reliable conclusions to detect and identify anomalies applicable to citrus pests and diseases.
  • Gather and integrate program data from a variety of automated and manual sources within Citrus and other Divisions as needed to report statistical data and comparisons on subject matter such as insect and disease trends, quarantine incidents, and other relevant data.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data; perform statistical evaluations to derive valid and reliable conclusions applicable to help Citrus Division management with activities, initiatives, and policy needs.
  • Compile reports and prepare presentations for management and stakeholders to measure effectiveness of Citrus Division pest and disease activities and to plan for redirection of efforts as necessary.
  • Organize and collect data from all Citrus Division cooperators. Plan, design, and implement maps to display Citrus pests and diseases for both field office, headquarters, and other cooperators as needed. Prepare statistical reports to measure the new and current find areas to assist field staff.
  • Advise senior leadership and stakeholders by creating and delivering reports and presentations explaining GIS analysis methodologies and imparting information, findings, and potential impacts allowing them to make informed decisions.
  • Work closely with PDR System Statewide users and PDAS staff to investigate complex issues, gain in-depth knowledge of problems, and communicate resolutions to users, staff, and management.
  • Independently design research methodology for new projects; conduct and oversee the most complex research to retrieve and compile information and data for various statewide citrus projects by performing spatial analysis as requested using PDR data and other available data to assist scientific personnel.
  • Independently and as part of multi-stakeholder teams, develop databases and GIS tools for tracking and interpreting data collected from the field or cooperators throughout the State. Prepare various written documents, (e.g. technical/final research reports, memoranda, correspondence, interagency agreements for statistical tables, charts, and graphs) for display and uploads files and online reports on the web upon management review.
  • Independently develop appropriate methodologies through GIS data management and other appropriate software to test complex spatial data for survey and forecasting techniques to identify and analyze demographic trends and weather data to assess future movement of citrus pests and diseases.
  • Conduct staff meetings, responds to inquiries, and handles correspondence as requested.
  • Develop training and user support materials with program staff, information technology staff, and information technology contractors, and contractors.
  • Attend conferences and participates on interdisciplinary teams and workgroups sponsored by CDFA stakeholders that may include county commissioners, program partners, contractors, and the committees on topics related to strategic planning of programs and to identify emerging trends in statistical analysis and visual displays used by other states or nations.
  • Provide day-to-day GIS coaching and support for Citrus Division and other CDFA staff with local GIS project design, and other related activities.

 

September 2018-Octber 2019: GIS Specialist, Franklin Neighborhood Development Corporation, Sacramento, CA

  • Liase with City and County of Sacramento, Sacramento Regional Transit District, SACOG, CA Dept. of Conservation, and others to acquire and update data for the Franklin District
  • Build and maintain geodatabases for FNDC and Franklin Boulevard Business District
  • Analyze zoning and general plan data; create new vector data showing suitability for potential community development projects
  • Analyze walkability to a variety of community infrastructure
  • Supervise student interns in field data collection; perform quality control, correct data, and link collected data (business attributes and community engagement interviews) to spatial data
  • Produce paper and digital map products (Vacancies and Zoning, Transit and Schools, Time to Walk to a Park) for stakeholder and public outreach and internal uses

 

July 2018-Present: GIS Specialist, Grizzly Incident Support, Somerset, CA

  • Produce high quality digital and paper map products for emergency response on large incidents (fires) managed by CALFIRE incident management teams
  • Research, acquire, and process data from a variety of sources to meet needs of planning team and firefighters on the ground
  • Download and process field observation data
  • Automate tasks in ArcGIS using model builder and Python
  • Provide technical guidance to CALFIRE and other agency personnel on the use of ArcGIS

 

May 2015-April 2018: GIS Specialist, Advanced Resource Solutions, Cameron Park, CA

  • Instructed and supervised GIS technicians and interns in photointerpretation of roads using ESRI ArcGIS and Google Earth, topology editing, and quality control of GPS data
  • Standardized and improved quality control of GPS data collected by field crews to reduce GIS analyst workload by 20-30% while delivering higher quality data
  • Refined data dictionaries used for field data collection to improve efficiency and minimize errors
  • Managed multi-year data collection projects, allocating work between 2 GIS analysts, 3 technicians, and up to 3 interns. Implemented project tracking using Asana to save time and better track complicated GIS projects taking 2-5 years to complete
  • Created and updated geodatabases for clients, either from our own design or to match federally-mandated schemas; created and managed Microsoft Access databases of planning data for road networks to be joined to GIS data

 

January 2012-May 2014: Graduate Research Assistant, Cal Poly Natural Resources and Environmental Science Dept., San Luis Obispo, CA

  • Analyzed LiDAR, aerial and satellite imagery, and field data for several research projects using GIS to integrate remote sensing data with field measurements in forestry, fire science, and forest hydrology applications
  • Manipulated remotely-sensed, GPS, and other data using ESRI ArcMap and ArcScene and extensions (Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst); ERDAS Imagine; FUSION LTK; RapidLasso LAStools; MCC-LiDAR; QCoherent LP360; and DNRGPS
  • Prepared presentations and publications, including maps and other spatial data, using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; ESRI ArcMap; IBM SPSS; and JMP
  • Taught undergraduate courses in land and resource measurements and dendrology; guest lectured in courses in silviculture, introduction to forestry, careers in natural resources, applications in GIS

 

January 2006-October 2010: Forester, Redwood Empire Sawmills, Capitola, CA

  • Managed 10,000 acres of private forest in San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties
  • Prepared Timber Harvest Plans and worked with state and local agencies on review of THPs and other projects
  • Searched for and identified cultural resources (arch./historical sites) on THP areas; prepared site records as necessary, consulted with CALFIRE archaeologists on protection measures
  • Prepared maps for THPs and other reports and projects
  • Represented Redwood Empire at a variety of public meetings and other forums; presented information to and addressed concerns of public agency representatives and local citizens

 

September 2004-December 2005: Assistant Resource Manager, Swanton Pacific Ranch, Davenport, CA

  • Supervised student interns in a variety of field situations including stream restoration and road maintenance and construction
  • Performed field and lab work for the Little Creek Project, a paired watershed study, including turbidity and suspended sediment measurements and calculations
  • Mapped timber types for the property using a combination of GPS data collection and paper-map recording/screen digitizing in ArcMap

 

June – August 2004: Planning and Stewardship Intern, East Bay Regional Park District, Oakland, CA

  • Field-mapped vegetation in and around fuel breaks in parks in the Oakland and Berkeley hills for NEPA/CEQA review process using a combination of GPS data collection and paper-map recording
  • Designed mapping protocol to ensure consistency of data
  • Worked with the District GIS specialist to create GIS layers from field maps

 

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Proficient with Windows and Mac operating systems, MS office, ESRI ArcGIS Desktop and Pro, Trimble Pathfinder Office.

Familiar with ERDAS Imagine, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil3D, FUSION LTK, LP 360, LAStools, Quantum GIS, Google Earth, DNRGPS, MCC-LiDAR, Python including ArcPy.

Experience with MS Access, basic web design, JavaScript Dojo API, R.

Comfortable with field data loggers, conventional and RTK survey equipment, GPS units.

 

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

2013. Bishop, B; Dietterick, B.C; White, R.A; Mastin, T. Fusion of LiDAR and Imagery to Estimate Stand-Level Tree Mortality Following Wildfire in a Coast Redwood Forest. Oral Presentation at American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA.

2013. Bishop, B. Classification of Tree Mortality Following Wildfire Using Imagery and LiDAR. Poster Presentation as GIS Day, San Luis Obispo, CA. https://bit.ly/2HFmlOd

2014. Bishop, B; Dietterick, B.C; White, R.A; Mastin, T. Classification of Plot-level Fire-caused Tree Mortality in a Redwood Forest Using Digital Orthophotography and LiDAR. Remote Sensing 6(3): 1954-1972. http://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/6/3/1954

2014. Bishop, B. Classification of plot-level fire-caused tree mortality in a redwood forest using digital orthophotography and LiDAR. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1171/

 

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING, SHORT COURSES, AND AFFILIATIONS

GISP #160494

URISA Member

2021: Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Administration Workflows (3-day online course)

2014: Society for Conservation GIS Conference, Pacific Grove, CA

2012-13: GIS User’s Group, San Luis Obispo, CA

2012: American Geophysical Union Fall Conference, San Francisco, CA

2012: UCSC Center for Integrated Spatial Research. Web Mapping Development using the ArcGIS JavaScript API (short course) – Santa Cruz, CA

2009: CDF Archaeological Training Program, Redding, CA