AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate

AWS Cloud & Platform Engineering Projects

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate • CloudFormation • CI/CD • Python • Linux

About Me

I am Tim Smith, an AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate focused on cloud infrastructure, automation and deployment workflows.

My current interests include CI/CD automation, Infrastructure as Code and serverless AWS architecture, with hands-on experience building and deploying systems using CloudFront, S3, API Gateway, Lambda and DynamoDB.

I prefer practical, production-oriented learning through building and maintaining real systems, with a particular interest in infrastructure layering, IAM trust relationships and operational simplicity.

Featured Projects

Serverless AWS Resume Platform

A live AWS-hosted portfolio site built to demonstrate practical cloud infrastructure, deployment automation and serverless application patterns.

  • Static frontend delivery using Amazon S3 and CloudFront.
  • Dynamic visitor counter and contact form using API Gateway, Lambda and DynamoDB.
  • Infrastructure managed using CloudFormation.
  • CI/CD deployment using GitHub Actions and OpenID Connect (OIDC).
  • Designed with separation between runtime infrastructure and deployment workflows.

The project helped develop practical understanding of AWS service integration, IAM trust relationships, infrastructure layering and deployment failure handling.

View project on GitHub

GIS & Python Automation Tools

Python-based utilities developed to automate GIS workflows, data processing and mapping tasks within environmental consultancy projects.

  • Automated repetitive GIS and data-processing workflows using Python.
  • Built tooling to improve consistency, reduce manual processing and support repeatable outputs.
  • Worked with geospatial workflows using QGIS and Python scripting.

The project work focused on improving workflow efficiency, automation and consistency across GIS-based operational tasks.

View project on GitHub

Technical Focus

AWS Infrastructure

Building and deploying serverless AWS infrastructure using CloudFront, S3, API Gateway, Lambda and DynamoDB.

CI/CD Automation

Deploying infrastructure and website updates using GitHub Actions, OpenID Connect (OIDC) and Infrastructure as Code.

Infrastructure as Code

Managing AWS resources using CloudFormation templates with a focus on repeatability, simplicity and maintainability.

Python Automation

Developing Python scripts to automate data processing, GIS workflows and operational tasks.

Linux Environment

Working primarily in Linux environments for scripting, AWS tooling and general system administration tasks.

Cloud Architecture

Designing lightweight cloud systems with clear separation between infrastructure and deployment workflows.

  • Cloud & Infrastructure Engineering

    Independent Projects

    AWS, CI/CD and Infrastructure Automation

    • Designed and deployed a serverless AWS platform using CloudFormation, GitHub Actions with OpenID Connect (OIDC), API Gateway, Lambda, DynamoDB, S3 and CloudFront.
    • Implemented reproducible deployment workflows to reduce manual configuration and support repeatable infrastructure changes.
    • Applied least-privilege IAM policies and role separation across deployment and runtime workflows.
    • Used Linux-based tooling, Git and Python scripting to support cloud development and automation tasks.

  • Five Valleys Ecology

    February 2011 - Present

    Managing Director and Principal Ecologist

    • Lead a technical consultancy delivering structured survey, analysis, reporting and GIS-based outputs within regulated planning environments.
    • Manage client projects, documentation, quality control and delivery within regulated planning environments and time-sensitive constraints.
    • Integrate repeatable GIS and data-processing workflows to improve consistency, efficiency and traceability.

  • Ecology, Land and People

    October 2009 - February 2011

    Senior Ecology Consultant

    • Wetland ecology, GIS analysis and environmental assessment.
    • Protected species survey, technical reporting and habitat management planning.

  • Waterman CPM

    October 2007 - October 2009

    Senior Ecology Consultant

    • Ecological consultancy support across infrastructure and development projects.
    • Botanical survey, technical reporting and mentoring junior staff.

  • WWT Consulting

    July 2006 - October 2007

    Consultant Wetland Ecologist

    • Wetland survey, habitat design and hydrological assessment.
    • GIS mapping, reporting and ecological project support.

  • English Nature

    December 2005 - June 2006

    Assistant Conservation Officer

    • Planning consultation and protected species casework.
    • Provided advice under wildlife and habitats legislation.

  • Kent Wildlife Trust

    July 2005 - December 2005

    Assistant Conservation Officer

    • Local Wildlife Site survey coordination and habitat data management.
    • GIS mapping and liaison with landowners and stakeholders.

  • Environment Agency

    August 2003 - September 2004

    Ecological Appraisal Officer

    • Freshwater and wetland ecological survey and analysis.
    • Hydrology-related environmental assessment and technical support.

Skills

AWS Infrastructure
Python
CI/CD Automation
CloudFormation / Infrastructure as Code
Linux Environment
Serverless AWS Architecture
QGIS & Geospatial Workflows

Contact Me