Amanda Quintero has a Master’s Degree from the University of Florida’s Interdisciplinary Ecology Program, with a focus in Urban Planning. Her field experience includes providing GIS analyses for the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Agricultural and Irrigation survey, which serves the purpose of estimating the amount of groundwater being used for agricultural purposes and to plan for future water supply demands. She reviewed polygons of agricultural land uses within the District and recorded the types of crops planted and irrigation being used at each location. For her Master’s research at UF, Amanda studied Florida scrub-jay behavior in the Ocala National Forest. She used survey data and territorial calls of the Florida Scrub-jay to determine the extent of responses of the targeted groups. These data were used to create statistical models to determine what habitat characteristics most affected scrub-jay occupancy.

For Quest, Amanda uses ArcMap software to perform a variety of landscape and impact analyses for transportation, mining and development projects. She conducts GIS research, database development, and cartography in support of a variety of studies and deliverables. Amanda also assists with permit compliance monitoring of wetland mitigation areas on reclaimed mined lands, which involves field data collection and analysis, report preparation, and mapping.

In her free time Amanda enjoys traveling, tubing & kayaking on the Hillsborough River, spending time with her rescue pets Curie & Plato, and attending local music events.