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On November 19, the Portland Geospatial community gathered for the 13th Annual PDX GIS Day. Once again, Ecotrust’s Irving Street Studio provided a warm, welcoming space—it was the perfect setting for a night built around the geospatial community.
And what a community it is. This year’s event drew a mix of around 350 geospatial professionals, students, educators, and map-lovers of all kinds. The energy in the room was unmistakable—lively conversations, animated reunions, new introductions, and the vibrant hum that always seems to fill the room when you put Portland’s geospatial world under one roof. Every year feels big… and every year somehow feels bigger. A Night of Connection, Gratitude, and Lots of Maps As always, our sponsors helped set a tone of playfulness and exploration. Attendees floated between tables hosted by:PNW Geospatial Professional Network, Gartrell Group, PCC GIS Club , ASPRS, NV5, 3J Consulting, OregonView, Jarrett Walker & Associates, EcoNW, Cascadia Partners, Dymaptic, Greentop Planning Development & Research, PSU Geography & Urban Studies, Clean Water Services, and Metro. From interactive map challenges to spatial guessing games, each table offered a chance to meet new people, try something hands-on, and spark conversation. And thanks to our sponsors, we enjoyed great food, plentiful beverages, and—this year—a truly impressive feat of dedication: 500 handmade cupcakes from Dymaptic CEO Mara Stoic. Behind the scenes, a tireless planning team and a large crew of volunteers—mostly PCC students—kept everything flowing smoothly. Their work is the invisible glue of this event, and this year we felt their impact more than ever. Keynote: Data, Intention, and Community This year’s keynote speaker, Sachi Arakawa, partner at Cascadia Partners, brought the spirit of community planning to the forefront. With a background that blends urban planning, geospatial thinking, and public engagement, Sachi explored how data, games and creativity intersect to shape more livable places with Scenario Planning. Her talk underscored exactly what the evening was celebrating: that the most meaningful work we do is rarely done alone. It is built with others, for others, and in deep partnership with the people whose lives and landscapes we aim to improve. Raffles, Maps, and Celebration Our annual raffle brought excitement back into the room, with prizes including:
And for those who love to leave GIS Day with armfuls of cartographic treasure, the Washington Geological Survey and DOGAMI once again provided stacks of maps for attendees to take home. A Community That Grows With Intention Since the earliest days this event has grown not just in size, but in spirit. People return year after year, and new faces arrive ready to join in. Each person brings something unique, and each person helps shape what this gathering has become. Community is what keeps PDX GIS Day thriving. It’s why we outgrow every venue. It’s why the room feels electric. It’s why people stay long after the formal program wraps up, still chatting, still connecting, still mapping out what comes next. Until Next Year… Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, presented, baked cupcakes, donated maps, or simply showed up with enthusiasm. You make this event what it is. We can’t wait to see where this community goes next—and we look forward to celebrating with you again next year. Full job description
Company Overview ZenaTech, Inc. is a technology company based in Tempe, AZ, specializing in AI-powered drone solutions and enterprise SaaS for mission-critical operations. Serving over 100 enterprise software customers across industries including land surveying, construction, government, agriculture, and logistics, ZenaTech delivers cutting-edge technology that drives operational efficiency, safety, and cost savings. Role: Junior UAS Survey Field Technician (Entry-Level, Full-Time, On-Site) ZenaTech is seeking a Junior UAS Survey Field Technician to support drone-based land surveying and geospatial operations. This is an entry-level position for candidates interested in both traditional survey fieldwork and drone technology, offering a clear growth path into advanced surveying and UAS operations. This role is hands-on and physically demanding, requiring work outdoors in all weather conditions, as well as heavy lifting and manual survey tasks. Candidates must be prepared for the dirtier aspects of surveying, including digging for monuments, carrying equipment, and working long hours in the sun or rough terrain. Key Responsibilities
Qualifications
Growth Path at ZenaTech
Job Type: Full-time Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year Benefits:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cowashingtonor/jobs/5153476-0/geographic-information-systems-gis-technician-i-intern
THE POSITIONWashington County's Land Use & Transportation Department is now hiring a limited-duration Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician I. The Position The GIS Technician I is responsible for many tasks within the division related to cartographic production data maintenance of geospatial datasets pertaining to the maintenance of roads and other transportation assets. The work assigned requires significant attention to detail and commitment to accuracy with repetitive data entry tasks in both a desktop GIS application and the County's Enterprise Asset Management System. Please note that this is a limited-duration position, expected to last approximately three months, with the possibility of extension. The anticipated start date is 06/15/2026. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate should be familiar with the fundamentals of cartographic production and techniques of data maintenance and be able to quality control their work, specifically geo-referencing, querying, and editing in ArcGIS Pro software. They will possess strong communication skills and have the ability to problem solve, look for opportunities for improvement, and work independently and as part of a team. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working with a varied group of stakeholders including engineers, field technicians, developers, utilities, contractors and other government agencies. Experience with the concepts covered in core GIS curriculum coursework as well as using ArcGIS Pro's advanced editing toolset, advanced labeling tools, attribute/SQL querying, joining tables and general troubleshooting techniques. Knowledge of engineering and transportation related data and terminologies a plus. SCGIS & NASA Free Virtual Webinar Part 2!
Advancing Conservation and Community Resilience with Thermal and Hyperspectral Remote Sensing: Applications from NASA’s ECOSTRESS and EMIT Missions (PART 2) December 2, 2025 3:00-4:00 pm Eastern / 12:00-1:00 pm Pacific (that's two weeks away!). REGISTER NOW! Advances in thermal infrared radiometry and hyperspectral imaging are revolutionizing how we observe and understand Earth’s environmental systems. These technologies provide detailed data on land surface temperatures, vegetation health, plant functional traits and phenology, water quality, and other critical indicators for tracking ecosystem change and climate impact. In this two-part SCGIS and NASA webinar series, we highlight real-world applications using data from two NASA instruments aboard the International Space Station: 1) Ecosystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) and 2) Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT). This webinar is open to the public. Thursday, December 4, 2025
10:00 – 11:30 AM EST Register HERE Click on “Add to your calendar” once you receive an email confirming your registration (Webinar in English with simultaneous interpretation in French and Spanish) Overview The Global Wildlife Program (GWP) Legacy Series showcases the impact and lessons learned of recently concluded or soon-to-conclude GWP projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. The series showcases results across key themes, including the conservation of wildlife species, efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and the promotion of wildlife-based economies. This webinar features the achievements of the GWP projects “Enhancing Jaguar Corridors and Strongholds Through Improved Management and Threat Reduction” in Belize, implemented with the Government of Belize and the Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative (CSFI) as the government’s executing partner, and “Integrating Landscape Considerations in Wildlife Conservation, with Emphasis on Jaguars” in Ecuador, implemented with the Government of Ecuador and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as the government executing partner. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the GEF agency, these initiatives have delivered significant results in jaguar conservation, landscape-level management, community empowerment, and biodiversity protection. Join us to explore how new protected areas and specialized jaguar management units are setting enhanced conservation standards in Belize. In Ecuador, an integrated landscape approach is shifting perceptions, elevating jaguars from potential threats to symbols of cultural pride and ecological resilience while expanding leadership opportunities for women and youth in conservation. The discussion will also highlight the practical benefits of participating in the GWP and opportunities for cross-project collaboration, along with key lessons and adaptive approaches that helped partners navigate and overcome implementation challenges. To join this call, register here. Featured Speakers
https://governmentjobs.com/jobs/5146365
THE POSITION Washington County's Department of Assessment and Taxation (A&T) is currently seeking a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician II to join their team! The Opportunity The GIS/Cartography team uses land records like deeds, surveys, and plats along with GIS software to create a base map of property boundaries in the County. This taxlot map layer provides the foundation for calculation and collection of property taxes in Washington County, which are used to support schools, libraries, public safety, and other community services. It's also used by emergency response and countless other agencies, businesses, and individuals. In addition to creating taxlot maps, the GIS/Cartography Section of A&T is also responsible for processing property ownership changes based on recorded deeds and other documents, updating taxing district boundaries to ensure properties are taxed in the correct jurisdictions, maintaining the main situs address repository for the County, and helping customers with mapping and ownership questions. Please note, this recruitment may be used to fill future GIS Technician II positions. https://governmentjobs.com/jobs/5134763
Purpose To outline essential job duties, qualification requirements and working conditions for the position of GIS Technician. Essential Job Duties
Apply on-line and attach your cover letter and resume.
Salary Details $62,714.00 - $84,210.00 Deadline Dec 09, 2025 Experience 2 - 6 years Join the City of Grants Pass, Oregon as a GIS Supervisor to lead and manage our City-wide Geographic Information System (GIS) program within the Public Works Department. This position plays a critical role in the planning, implementation, and administration of key GIS initiatives. Key responsibilities include:
This position works in the office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Question regarding this recruitment can be addressed to: [email protected] or 541.450.6050. Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and 4 years of related experience are required; including one year of supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed in the job description. Licensing Requirements:
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking a passionate and motivated individual to execute projects related to habitat restoration and invasive plant species control, and to provide guidance related to such projects to a diverse audience.
Conservation Technician: https://emswcd.org/about/employment/conservation-technician/ The work includes outreach to landowners, identification and mapping of noxious weed species using geospatial tools, as well as control work in forested ecosystems, riparian areas, roadside right of ways, and other residential and public properties. Senior Conservationist: https://emswcd.org/about/employment/senior-conservationist/ The Rural Lands Senior Conservationist will lead the StreamCare program to improve riparian areas and support enhancement of other priority habitats. Responsibilities include landowner engagement, restoration project design and implementation oversight, monitoring and reporting, and relationship management with contractors and partners. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has expertise in vegetation ecology, thrives in a team-oriented environment, and is passionate about our mission. Applications for the 2026 University of Chicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab are now open. In this paid summer research program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with faculty mentors to conduct research in basic and applied data science.
Through this pairing, students engage with and hone their skills in research methodologies, practices, and teamwork. We encourage participation from a broad range of students, and require no prior research experience to apply. The application is available here. It closes on January 12th at 11:59pm CT. Full application requirements can be found on our website. In addition, an upcoming virtual information session will take place on December 10 at 5pm CT. Students are welcome to register for the session here. Application (due 1/12/26): Summer Lab Application Information Session (12/10 at 5pm CT): Register here Website: DSI Summer Lab Questions? Email [email protected] |
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