What's in a GIS job title? A Look at common geospatial Career Opportunities
Written by Glenn Letham
01 August 2006
Ever wonder what separates a GIS specialist from a GIS analyst. Or, what about a GIS project manager from a GIS coordinator? Well, you're likely not alone. Typically many of these positions are requiring the same skill set but are offering a broad range in salary. So how many titles are there? Here's just a sampling of the job titles advertised in just the past month alone in some of the popular GIS career boards:
GIS Analyst - provide technical support to the organization's Geographic Information System (GIS). Generally requires a min. Bachelors degree or a diploma in GIS and can offer a salary that ranges from $30k - $50k... a huge range!
GIS Specialist - a BA/BS degree and 5 years experience in GIS with demonstrated ability to design, develop, maintain, and present spatial data for various projects using a specific platform.
GIS Manager - Requires a Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Information Systems or a field requiring GIS coursework (up to 60k)
Senior GIS developer - A minimum of 5 years professional Information Technology experience with a minimum of 3 year of hands-on experience as a developer. The "senior" typically pushes this job over the $50k range in salary
IT Director - responsible for the design, development and maintenance of an information technology. With "director" in the title look for a $70k+ salary
GIS Technician - Assists GIS staff, Bachelor’s degree in geography, cartography, GIS, or closely related field with emphasis on GIS for spatial analysis and mapping applications (typically paid by in an hourly rate like $15 hr)
GIS Coordinator - Manages the Geographic Information System (GIS)/Mapping function for a company or government agency. Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree + and will normally offer salary in the $50-$60k range
Mapping Analyst - Analyst will support the analysis, production, and presentation of geographic data. Often pays similar to a technician and will require a bachelors degree
GIS Data Steward - assists the GIS Data Manager in developing strategies, processes, and environments supporting spatial data access, management, and integration. Will pay nicely at $60-$90k and requires BSc heavy on computer programing.
Other commonly seen job titles that focus on GIS experience: - sales rep. - GIS IT specialist - GIS marketing manager - product engineer - sales manager - software developer - web programmer - IMS manager - Geospatial analyst - GIS biologist - GIS production manager - inside sales rep (?) - cortographic specialist - Geospatial evangelist
Technicians and analysts are likely the positions in highest demand, however, there is also a large range in salaries and expectations. Some positions are advertised with a salary as meagre as $12 per hour and may require a B.Sc, 5+ years of experience and much more, others may simply demad a proven track record and will offer a salary in the $60k range.
Some keys to getting the big bucks. Be heavy on programming skills, have 10+ years of practical and relevant experience, be willing to relocate, have managerial skills, be a leader, be fluent in the latest technologies (AJAX, Oracle, SQL, yadayada). Titles with the terms, intern, technician, entry level, etc... may often require 5+ years of experience and a min. BA degree but typically only offer a pay rate of $12 hour or max $30k. Looking for a nice payday? Keep an eye open for buzzwords like director, coordinator, manager in the title... but beware as you should have a masters degree, loads of project management experience, and 10+ years of related experience. To help justify your experience see about getting certified as a GISP or other "professional". A question to you... have you ever had your resume and skill set queried and verified? As an employer you should always try to verify some of the information provided by applicants prior to hiring them - easily done with a couple of phone calls.
Have you heard of any GIS job titles that aren't listed here? What's your thought on certification? Comments?
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