News Release
NPS/C. BOEHLE
News Release Date: October 26, 2018
Contact: Tina Boehle, 208.387.5875
Kristin Swoboda has joined the National Park Service as the new fleet, pilot and unmanned aircraft (UAS) specialist for the Service’s Aviation Program, succeeding Jim Traub, who retired in 2014.
Most recently, Kristin worked for the Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) in Boise, Idaho as their regional UAS manager. During her time with the bureau, she initiated their involvement with UAS and helped guide it into becoming the successful program it is today. USBR’s UAS activities include dam inspections, mapping habitat restoration efforts, detecting landslide change projects, documenting public affairs media, and monitoring cultural sites. Kristin was instrumental in assisting the development of a department-level UAS policy for the Department of the Interior (DOI) and was part of the team of DOI subject matter experts who worked with NASA to evaluate and select potential new unmanned aircraft. Kristin completed her formal education at the University of Idaho where she graduated with a degree in Forest Resources Ecosystems Management and a minor in Wild Fire Management.
She began her federal career with the US Forest Service working in a variety of positions in wildland fire operations, prescribed fire, aviation, engine and water tender crews, as well as on an interagency hotshot crew.
Following her years with the US Forest Service, Kristin held various non-federal positions in natural resources where she gained valuable experience participating in multi-agency collaborations, team building with individuals having diverse levels of expertise, and working to provide solutions to challenging issues.
In the past few years, her interest in unmanned aircraft carried over into the creation of a personal commercial UAS business focused mainly on precision agriculture applications. This has aided in increasing her breadth of knowledge in unmanned operations, camera/sensor deployment, and the creation of multiple types of data products.
Kristin also holds a private pilot’s license and owns a Beechcraft Sierra B24R low-wing monoplane. She has experience in flying various types of aircraft including an Atec Faeta, Piper Archer, Piper Warrior, Cirrus SR22, Columbia 400 and Cessna Taildraggers. Fostering her love of flying has accelerated her passion to expand her aviation knowledge, and to develop this enthusiasm in others.
“Kristin’s expertise on the professional and personal level as well as her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge will be vital to our growing program in fleet unmanned aircraft as well as our fixed wing program,” stated Aviation Branch Chief, Meg Gallagher.
When Kristin is not flying manned or unmanned aircraft, she can be found snowboarding, mountain biking, or any other myriad activities that are enjoyed in the great outdoors. She also enjoys serving as a volunteer with the National Ski Patrol Mountain Host Program at the local ski hill north of Boise.
Kristin began her new position on September 30, 2018.
* A larger version of the image is available at http://go.nps.gov/kswoboda
Last updated: October 26, 2018