An officer of geographic information systems or GIS deals with the management, analysis, and interpretation of spatial and geographic data. This career is vital in many industries like municipal engineering, environmental science, government, and private agencies.
Here we cover the job description of a GIS officer, his/her key responsibilities, skill requirements, and career opportunities in the future.
Also read: Database Developer Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills & Qualifications)
Who is a GIS Officer?
A GIS Officer is a professional who specializes in the capture, analysis, and management of geospatial data.
They use specialized GIS software to create maps, carry out spatial analysis, and contribute to the decision making at various levels.
GIS officers deal with data from numerous sources such as satellite pictures, global positioning system (GPS), and field surveys.
What does a GIS researcher do daily?
A GIS scientist’s daily tasks will rely on the sector they are assigned to, whether urban planning or environmental management. One of their primary duties is operating the mapping software to examine the area and produce maps.
Usually, they are part of the team involved in the data capture stage, gathering data through field surveys, photographs or even from satellite images.
GIS researchers prepare and manage their databases, making sure that all of the geographic data is current. For instance, if a GIS researcher assists a company in trying to develop new facilities, he or she has to observe the site to ensure that the company’s building decisions are based on actual conditions.
Key Responsibilities of a GIS Officer
Every sector has its specific functions, and the activities of a GIS Officer are no different. A typical officer will, however, carry out the following duties:
- Data Collection and Management
- Acquire spatial and geographic information through surveys, remote sensing, and fieldwork.
- Develop plans for the organization and development of GIS databases.
- Spatial Analysis and Mapping
- Use GIS applications and other data visualization tools to create maps and other data sets.
- Carry out spatial analysis exercises to enhance decision-making processes.
- Software and Technology Usage
- Employ a range of GIS software packages, such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth.
- Employ Remote sensing/ GPS technology as part of GIS.
- Technical Support and Training
- Assist other users of GIS data with relevant technical support.
- Educate users and other staff members on the application of GIS software and tools.
- Project Management and ReportingÂ
- Coordinate GIS projects to ensure they get completed within set deadlines.
- Give lectures and display data reports from the spatial analyses undertaken.
Industries that Employ GIS Officers
GIS officers: do not only work in a specific sector, but also many different fields hire them
- Environmental Management – Checking the use of land, climate change, and natural resources.
- Urban Planning – Providing support during the construction of new infrastructures, as well as during the city construction.
- Government Agencies – Assisting to enhance public gatherings, emergency response, and policy-making.
- Oil and Gas Industry – Gathering information on the location of pipelines, exploration sites, and assessing environmental impacts.
- Agriculture – Using GIS to enhance precision farming and land management
Essential Skills for a GIS Officer
The position of the GIS Officer requires a combination of soft and technical skills including the following:
Soft Skills Include:
- Outstanding problem solving and analytical skills
- Exceptional verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Great level of focus on the accuracy and detail related to data processes
Technical Skills Include:
- Use of GIS software such as ArcGIS, MapInfo, and QGIS
- Understanding and performing data analysis, including data and spatial statistics
- Knowledge and understanding of GPS and remote sensing technologies
Certifications and Professional Development
Some of the common certifications that can be pursued by professionals are:
- Certified GIS Professional (CGP)
- Esri Certified Associate
- Esri Certified Professional
A professional GIS officer is expected to stay on top of other practitioners by discovering new technologies, methodologies, and attending conferences or workshops. Maintaining skills and other pertinent knowledge can be achieved through taking online courses.
Education and Qualifications Required
Most GIS Officers have a background in:
- Geography
- Environmental Science
- Geospatial Science
- Urban Planning
- Geology
A bachelor’s degree in any of these fields is often required, while advanced roles may need a master’s degree or additional certifications in GIS technologies.
Tools and Technologies Used by GIS Officers
GIS Officers rely on a wide array of tools and technologies, such as:
- GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
- Remote sensing and satellite imagery tools.
- GPS devices for data collection.
- Data visualization and mapping platforms.
Career Path and Growth Opportunities
GIS Officers have various career progression opportunities, such as:
- GIS Analyst – Specializing in data interpretation and analysis.
- GIS Manager – Overseeing GIS teams and projects.
- Remote Sensing Specialist – Focusing on satellite and aerial imagery analysis.
- Urban Planner – Working on city planning and infrastructure development.
Salary and Job Outlook for GIS Officers
How much does a Gis Officer make in the United States?
According to data from Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Gis Officer in the U.S is $87,210 per year, while salaries range from $68,000 to $113,000 per year depending on the level of experience, location, industrial sector and company size.
ZipRecruiter says that GIS officers in the United States are paid average salaries of $94,566 per year and $45 per hour, while Indeed reported that GIS officers receive an average salary of $60,389 per year.
How much does a Gis Officer make in Nigeria?
According to Worldsalaries, the average monthly salary of GIS offers working in Nigeria is 304,950 NGN, the average highest monthly salary of a GIS officer is 459,891 NGN while the average lowest salary they receive is 165,050 NGN
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for photogrammetrists and cartographers is predicted to increase by 5% by 2030. This is the same speed as the typical position of a GIS officer.
How to Become a GIS Researcher/Officer
Earn a degree:
A bachelor’s degree in some field is necessary for almost all positions in GIS research. Undergraduate computer science and engineering students, as well as geoscience and geography majors, are likely to learn the fundamentals of digital mapmaking.
In addition, students are taught the basics of software tools used in digital cartography.
Complete an internship
Having no prior experience may not dissuade some applicants from applying for junior GIS Research positions, but the chances of obtaining a role in this field greatly improve when relevant experience is present.
Make sure to complete a work placement if possible. Interns assisting with GIS research aid in data gathering and report writing.
They familiarize themselves with the day-to-day activities of GIS researchers and the employment-grade GIS analytical instruments available to them.
Join professional bodies and attend Certification courses
The attendance of various bodies and enrollment into certification programs aids in enhancing the students’ work applications in the same way as other professional bodies would do.
Key example is the Institute for GIS Certification which offers a written certification examination accompanied with obligatory continuing education program attendance.
Final Remarks on GIS Officer Job Description
Economy, healthcare, education, and other industries depend on the logical use of geographic data and information for decision-making solutions.
A professional with expertise in geospatial science, engineering technology, and imagery analysis is sure to be successful and satisfied with the computer technology industry.
A person fond of geography, maps, and troubleshooting is encouraged to pursue a career in GIS.