Career Facts
GIS/Geospatial Technology Program
What They Do:
Geographic Resource and Environmental Technology combines
computer technology, 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 technology 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 remediating sources of
environmental pollutants.
Who Would Enjoy It:
An individual in this field should enjoy working with geography
based information. They should enjoy computer technology 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 technology 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 technology. 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 technology 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.
- Alternative Energy Engineering Technology
- Architectural Technology
- Civil Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Fashion Technology
- Geographic Information Systems
- Heating Ventilating & Air Conditioning Technology
- Horticulture
- Interior Design Technology
- Landscape Architecture
- Precision Agriculture
- Residential Building