Career Facts GIS/Geographic Information Systems
What They Do:
Geographic Resource and Environmental Technologies combines computer Technologies, mapping technologies, aerial photography, and satellite imagery with the most current environmental resource management and environmental analysis software. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technicians work with computer drafting, design, database management, graphic design, and computer analysis of these various instruments. GIS technicians are employed with engineering and design firms, state and federal agencies, environmental firms, parks and recreation departments, and with municipalities and local government units. Environmental Technologies requirements include a working knowledge of natural systems and related regulations and their assessment, planning, restoration, and management. Environmental technicians perform laboratory and field tests to monitor environmental resources and determine the contaminants and sources of pollution. They may collect samples for testing or be involved in abating, controlling, or remdiating sources of environmental pollutants.
Who Would Enjoy It:
An individual in this field should enjoy working with geography based information. They should enjoy computer Technologies as well as technologies related to satellite imagery and global positioning systems. The application areas of this field are widely ranging from business applications to natural resources to health careers, so one must enjoy working in one of these fields. Environmental technicians perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations, so someone in this field must enjoy an outdoor work atmosphere.
What They Earn:
Starting hourly salaries range from $9.00 to $19.00 dollars per hour. Students with an Associate's two year degree may earn a starting salary of about $30,000 to $35,000 a year. This is an exploding field with many opportunities thus one's salary will increase depending on one's experience and the specialty which they are working in.
How Many Jobs Available:
Employment of science technicians is expected to increase about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2008. However, this is a relatively new field which has many career options, thus allowing more variance for opportunities. Although the overall outlook tends to be about average, job opportunities are expected to be very good for qualified graduates of Environmental and Science technician training programs or applied science Technologies programs, who are well trained on equipment used in industrial and government laboratories as well as different production facilities.
How Much Schooling, Training, or Skill Development:
Individuals can start positions with only a few computer based classes many employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized training or an Associate's degree in applied science or science-related Technologies. Because employers? preferences vary, however, some employees may prefer a Bachelor's degree. Many technical and community colleges offer Associate's degrees in a specific Technologies or a more general education in science, computers and mathematics. A number of 2-year Associate degree programs are designed to provide easy transfer to a 4-year college or university, thus allowing one to build upon their education as job requirements increase.
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