About

Thanks for stopping by. Read below to learn more about myself and my background.

Ryan Ulsberger coaching his son.

Background

I am a GIS Developer at Pierce County, where I design and develop geospatial applications for departments such as Planning and Public Works, Surface Water, and Human Services. My work involves leveraging GIS to improve workflows, provide actionable insights, and enhance public services.


Previously, I supported the Wildlife Program at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). In this role, I built GIS tools and applications to conserve wildlife, protect open spaces, and support outdoor recreation throughout Washington State. My experience there enhanced my ability to manage spatial data, develop interactive maps, and tackle environmental challenges using GIS.


My expertise spans a wide range of GIS capabilities, including:

  • Developing GIS applications using Python and modern web frameworks
  • Managing relational databases and GIS servers
  • Performing spatial analysis for urban planning and environmental management
  • Creating engaging visualizations and dashboards for data-driven decision-making
  • Teaching and mentoring others in GIS concepts and tools

Outside of work, I’m passionate about giving back to my community. I volunteer as a T-ball coach, teaching young players the fundamentals of teamwork and sportsmanship. I also teach Sunday school, where I foster curiosity and engagement in a supportive learning environment.


When I’m not working or volunteering, I spend my time fishing in the Puget Sound, hiking Washington’s breathtaking trails, and enjoying life as a husband and father to two kids.

Education

Master's in Geospatial Technologies

University of Washington, 2015

  • Focus Areas: GIS Web Development, Python programming, and applications in Urban and Environmental practices.
  • Specialization in Software Development, Relational Database Management and GIS Server Management.

Bachelor's in Sustainable Urban Development

University of Washington, 2012

  • Focus Areas: Urban planning, environmental studies, and sustainable design.
  • Specialization in GIS analyis for Low Impact Development

GIS Certificate

University of Washington, Completed alongside Bachelor's, 2012

  • Capstone Project: Tracking Non-Point Source Pollution in Tacoma, Washington.
  • Skills: Spatial analysis, cartography, and GIS programming.

Skills

With over a decade of experience in geospatial technologies and software development, I have developed a versatile skill set that bridges GIS expertise and full-stack development. My skills include:


  • Software Development: Proficient in Python, JavaScript, and SQL. Experienced in building RESTful APIs, developing web applications, and managing DevOps workflows.
  • Web Development: Skilled in front-end frameworks such as React and Svelte, as well as building interactive web maps using ESRI, Leaflet and Mapbox. Familiar with back-end systems like Node.js and Flask for API integration.
  • GIS Development: Expertise in ArcGIS (Pro, Enterprise, Online) and open-source GIS tools such as QGIS, PostGIS, and GDAL. Proficient in automating workflows and developing geospatial applications.
  • Cloud and Server Management: Experience deploying GIS servers and managing cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) to integrate GIS solutions with enterprise systems.
  • Database Management: Extensive experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and spatial databases, including schema design and query optimization for large datasets.
  • Data Visualization: Proficient in creating interactive dashboards and visualizations using ArcGIS Dashboards and programmatic tools.
  • Team Collaboration: Experienced in Agile workflows, technical reporting, and stakeholder communication. Passionate about mentoring and teaching GIS and software development concepts.

My ability to work throughout the software stack—while specializing in GIS—enables me to create innovative solutions for both spatial and non-spatial challenges. I bring a unique perspective to problem-solving, blending advanced technical expertise with practical applications.