Careers in Geographic Information Science

GIS has grown from a concept in the 1970s to a $6.9 billion industry in 2001 (www.Daratech.com). Mapping and spatial analysis tools have entered virtually every segment of society, including utilities and urban management, emergency planning and response, forest management, food security, precision agriculture, ecological modeling, market research, and the like. GIS is no longer new; yet its horizons continue to expand.

Geographic information analysts have applied skills in the fields of Geodesy, Cartography, Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis and Decision Science, and strong working knowledge of the Global Positioning System, GIS and Digital Image Processing software, Dynamic Modeling and Geostatistics. They are skilled in the problems of spatial georeferencing, error modeling and the propagation of uncertainty, the modeling of spatial processes, and procedures for multi-criteria and multi-objective decision making. In addition, they have the graphic communication and cartographic skills required for the production of effective map displays and geographic information presentations.

Where do GIS analysts work?

GIS analysts work in a wide range of settings, including:

What is the job market like?

The job market is excellent at all levels of expertise. GIS technicians typically graduate from a community college professional development program. However, GIS analysts typically have a university degree. A Bachelors program provides the basis for entry-level positions as a GIS analyst or research assistant. Lead positions in GIS analysis almost always require a minimum of a Master's degree. Those pursuing a Ph.D. in GIS are typically preparing for an academic career or a lead agency position in GIS analysis. To get a sense of the market, check out the "Current Positions" section of Geosearch.com (select the GIS Applications Specialist section of Job Category Search) and GIS Jobs Clearinghouse.

Sample Job Descriptions

The following are actual job descriptions for GIS-trained professionals in 2001. These listings are meant simply as examples of the varied job possibilities for GIS graduates.

GIS Specialist, Harris Miller Miller & Hanson, Inc., Burlington, M.A.
ArcView & AudoCAD experience are required for this newly created position. Math skills are a plus. Good communications skills are required for effective interaction with noise consultants. This individual will work on several projects simultaneously and must be flexible & organized; a graphic/presentation background is helpful. HMMH is a nationally recognized environmental noise consulting firm. Projects primarily involve aviation, highway, rail and construction noise.

The Town of Groton, Massachusetts is working on an implementation plan for installing a GIS, and is looking for candidates for a position building and maintaining the database for this system.

Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation, a leading full service environmental consulting, engineering and remediation company, has an opening for a Geographic Information Systems Technician at their Boston location. This person will: Provide leadership in developing and maintaining GIS and data base systems for projects; intensive chemical data, environmental impact and soil/groundwater evaluation. Two years experience with Arc View (or ArcInfo) in environmental consulting. Experience with CAD based GIS packages, or AudoCAD and data base management desirable.

Geographic Data Technology, Lebanon, New Hampshire seeks a Senior Cartographer to help design and develop digital mapping systems for our growing mapping services team. Candidates must be deadline-oriented, able to function in a team environment, and experienced in translating customer requirements into map specifications. The position requires a degree in cartography, geography, mapping sciences, computer engineering or a related field. Interested applicants should have a minimum of two years experience with demonstrable accomplishments in the design and management of large-volume automated map production systems. The successful candidate will have experience with cartographic software and knowledge of a variety of cartographic production and output techniques. Requires the ability to use scripting environments such as AML, MapBasic and Avenue, plus knowledge of Windows NT, ARC/INFO, ArcView GIS and MapInfo. Knowledge of Visual Basic and Map Objects is a plus.

CVS Realty Co. of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, seeks a Junior Research Analyst. Reporting to the Manager of Market Research, this position is responsible for providing research assistance to CVS Realty's field personnel. Principle responsibilities include performing basic data analysis and mapping using MapInfo. In addition, this position will be responsible for preparing existing market and new market overview reports. The position provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of several in-house GIS, data retrieval, and sales forecasting systems. Qualifications: Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Access and Excel. In addition the candidate should have a working knowledge of one major GIS (preferably MapInfo). Candidate must be self-motivated with strong organizational and communication skills. Candidate must enjoy learning new software. Degree in geography, statistics or related field preferred.

Onsite Companies, in Westford, Massachusetts, seeks a GIS specialist. This position is with a large environmental/civil engineering firm in the Boston area. The person interested in this position will be using GIS, Arcview, and Arcinfo to construct environmental/civil maps and databases. The person interested in this position needs to have experience with GIS, Arcview, and Arcinfo. Avenue programming and knowledge of Autocad R14 is a plus. This position is a full-time, permanent position.

Louisiana Geographic Information Center (LAGIC) sees a Computer Manager 2. Hiring Range: $40,672-$51,000. Salary range to $63,000. Responsibilities: Plan and direct the activities of a statewide geographic information center. Develop and manage program work plans, personnel, and budget under the direction of the Louisiana Geographic Information Systems Council. Oversee operations and be responsible for production of information services and deliverables. Direct system development and participate in technical design and data population. Coordinate with program sponsor and related organizations. Provide written and verbal presentations. Develop interdisciplinary research proposals to support Center activities. Requires a Bachelors Degree in computer science, geography, land planning, or related field. Four years experience in the application of geographic information systems (GIS) technology. Project management experience. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals of widely varying technical backgrounds. PREFERENCE given to candidates with the following qualifications. Masters Degree in related field. Experience with state GIS issues and the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize support tasks for a multi-agency GIS Council. Experience with multiple GIS software packages and the NT operating system. Experience with metadata, GIS data management, and data distribution via the Internet.

Geospatial Data and Information Software Engineer, Harvard University Library, Office for Information Systems, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Harvard University Libraries are embarking upon a major initiative, known as GEODESY, to provide campus-wide access and exploratory analysis services to its large and rapidly growing geospatial data and information resources (e.g., scanned maps, GIS data layers, aerial photography, satellite remote sensing, geographically referenced social science data). We seek a lead software engineer and programmer for a project team implementing this system for the Harvard Library Digital Initiative. Team responsibilities include the creation of a system to catalog, store, retrieve, and archive geospatial data and information resources for the Harvard community. This is a two-year, term appointment. Required Education Degree in library science, computer science, or geography or equivalent experience.

Sample Positions and Salaries

Here are some examples of positions and salary ranges (excerpted from the GeoSearch 2000 Salary Survey) typical in the commercial sector and public sectors and for which a B.A. in Geography with a specialization in GIS at Clark would be appropriate preparation:

GIS Technician (technical program certificate or B.A.)$25-36k
GIS Specialist (B.A. + 1 or more years experience)$33-46k
Senior GIS Specialist (M.A. or B.A. with 3+ years experience)$39-55k
GIS Programmer (B.A. + 1 or more years experience)$37-53k
Senior GIS Programmer (B.A. + 5 years experience)$44-60k
GIS Coordinator (M.A. or B.A. + 5 yrs experience)$46-67k
GIS Project Manager ( M.A. or B.A. + 3-5 years experience)$45-60k
GIS Database Manager (M.A. or B.A. + 3 years experience)$44-61k
GIS Software Engineer (BS Computer Science + GIS entry level)$48-73k
GIS Software Engineer (BS Computer Science + GIS + 3 yrs)$59-75k


With a graduate degree an even wider range of possibilities with commensurate salary ranges open up.