Lauren Plesko Email & Phone Number

• Supported the execution of a suitability analysis across the TRCA’s full jurisdiction (nine watersheds) to guide long-term greenspace acquisition planning, providing high-level identification of areas of interest
• Gathered spatial data from a variety of open data sources, including but not limited to municipalities within the TRCA’s jurisdiction and neighbouring conservation authorities
• Produced high-quality map products in both print and web formats, leveraging ArcGIS Pro and Portal
• Performed QA/QC on data and mapping products to ensure accuracy and clarity of outputs
• Facilitated interdepartmental communication and collaboration between senior staff during project planning
• Practiced effective organizational and time management skills to work efficiently and handle competing priorities

• Created Python scripts (using ArcPy module) to automate map production, including adding and arranging map layers, modifying symbology, and publishing map services to a stand-alone ArcGIS server
• Supported the development and maintenance of a multifaceted custom application displaying customer-specific spatial data of greenhouse gas emissions using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of GIS specialists, full stack developers, UX/UI specialists, and consultants to meet continuously evolving technical requirements while upholding standard cartographic.
• Carefully handled large volumes of confidential information regarding the spatial distribution of global greenhouse gas emissions

• Developed a user-friendly custom web mapping application to showcase changes in food bank use over time in Ontario, and to summarize key demographic characteristics of visitors to food banks
• Retrieved and disseminated large volumes of province-wide tabular data from a central database, translating the data to display spatial distribution patterns with cartographic outputs
• Created the final product through four main steps: data preprocessing, spatial and statistical analysis, cartographic visualization, and web development
• Configured and further customized the interactive web mapping application using HTML5, CSS, and the ArcGIS API for JavaScript (v. 4x)
• Wrote and executed Structured Query Language scripts to extract data subsets in Microsoft Access

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Connected with customers and guided them through their in-store experiences, curating product collections and providing recommendations based on their interests
• Handled cash, debit, and credit transactions at POS terminals
• Ensured the floor was sufficiently stocked and met company-established visual standards

• Provided a safe and welcoming environment for some of Toronto’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations including individuals facing homelessness, mental illness and addiction, and underemployment
• Applied active listening and interpersonal skills to build rapport and support clients accessing Ontario Works resources, address clients’ concerns, and de-escalate conflicts
• Used computer applications such as Electronic Payment Application (EPA), Electronic Transit Application (ETA), and Fair Pass Application (FPA) to issue Ontario Works benefits to clients
• Maintained manual and computerized filing and retrieval systems for client records/documents, demonstrating the ability to consciously and appropriately handle confidential client records and personal information
• Utilized Social Assistance Management System (SAMS) to verify client information

• Held various titles over period of employment including Summer Camp Location Coordinator, Camp Counsellor, Specialty Instructor, Youth Program Leader, and Facility In-Charge
• Directed and oversaw the development of instructional and drop-in programs for children aged 18 months to 14 years, for groups of up to 60 children
• Supported the recruitment, hiring and training of part-time staff and volunteers by actively interviewing candidates and providing staff evaluations
• Established and nurtured positive, professional working relationships with colleagues, participants, and parents/caregivers to ensure the success of the programs
• Provided exceptional customer service to program participants and the public both on- and off-site, responding to inquiries promptly and courteously to ensure client satisfaction
• Promptly dealt with incidents and parent/caregiver concerns in accordance with Divisional policies and procedures

Toronto, Canada Area

• Provided support to develop Evergreen's urban agriculture programming, as well as for the ongoing project execution for Don River Valley Park and the Learning Grounds program
• Supported the delivery of urban agriculture grant asks
• Reviewed case studies for successful urban agriculture practices on both the national and international levels, and identifying areas for program development

Post-Graduate Certificate, Geographic Information Systems - Applications Specialist

Bachelor Of Arts (Honours), Major In Environmental Geography, Double Minor In Sociology And Geographic Information Systems