Patrick Mahler

As a Wildfire Data Analyst at Forsite Consultants, I support data-driven wildfire management through advanced modelling, geospatial analysis, and operational decision-support tools. My work combines wildfire science, programming, and applied analytics to deliver deeper insight into fire behavior, risk, and mitigation opportunities across diverse landscapes.

As a GIS Specialist, the role focuses on supporting wildfire planning and response through spatial data management, mapping, and analysis. Responsibilities include creating detailed maps and spatial products using ArcGIS, developing automated tools for wildfire analysis, and maintaining GIS databases with structured metadata and data standards. The position involves conducting spatial and raster analysis, integrating remote sensing data, and using SQL to manage and query spatial databases.

As part of the Wildfire Analytics research team at the University of Alberta, I am primarily involved in GIS mapping activities, land cover classification and spatial data management. My role supports several ongoing wildfire research projects.

I have been part of the Alberta Wildfire Helitack program based out of the Grande Prairie and Edson Districts for the past four summers. This job has allowed me to learn the importance of teamwork and communication in high intensity work environments. I have learned many skills including leadership training, wildfire suppression techniques and helicopter safety. Through these training opportunities, I have further developed my risk management and leadership skills to ensure a safe and cohesive work environment for myself and my coworkers.

During summers as a member of the vegetation restoration crew, I learned the importance of ecological integrity within Jasper National Park. I was given supervisory roles to ensure crew goals were met. Our tasks involved vegetation restoration operations including tree planting, invasive species removal and trail reclamation.