I hop on the computer to greet my colleagues, check-in regarding project goals and priorities, and then get to review, process, and visualize geospatial data. The latter typically requires slinging code (i.e. writing, running or debugging database SQL queries, Python or Node scripts, or JavaScript applications).
CAREER
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$92,870
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+5.7% (as fast as the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians Do
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Other Job Titles Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians May Have
GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist), GIS Technician (Geographic Information Systems Technician), Geographic Information System Analyst (GIS Analyst), Geographic Information Systems Administrator (GIS Administrator), Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst), Geographic Information Systems Coordinator (GIS Coordinator), Resource Analyst
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
When business is good- it's just task by task, constantly juggling and prioritizing as things come across my inbox. I never know what each day will bring, but there are deadlines for each request and they need to worked without error and proper documentation.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
- Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
- Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
- Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
- Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (43%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Geographic Information Science and Cartography
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
You must love to learn and improve to be good in this type of job. Spare time is spent learning new tricks. Building models and scripts to run large tasks while not at the computer is a huge time saver. Things like this can really make a difference in my ability to turn around high quality projects in a quick manner.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
