|
|
|
|
 |
| |
 |
|
|
 |
A
Job To Love
Have you ever wondered what it would
be like to discover an underground cave
or watch the elk migrate to their summer
ranges? You could do these things and
more, using special technology to analyze
plant life, temperatures, wildlife traffic,
and water. You could be the next person
to discover some of nature’s secrets
and explore how human activity affects
those secrets. Not only would you be
able to find a cave or see elk migrate,
but you could also make sure that these
natural wonders are protected.
Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) analysts
gather data and use computer programs
to analyze and map it for use in forest
management, geology, engineering,
environmental studies, and land use
planning. They work mostly in offices,
but spend some time in the field.
Many Aboriginal GIS analysts protect
animals by researching their wildlife
habitats, and recommending ways to
improve them.
While
this job isn’t physically demanding,
it can still be tough. As a GIS analyst,
part of your job will consist of creating
small, complex computer programs that
take a lot of thought and logic to
produce—and all the coding has
to be error free. All those hours
in front of a computer could lead
to eyestrain, wrist, neck or backaches.
But at the same time, the work can
be very interesting—almost like
learning a special language.
Job
Description
Using GIS, it’s possible to analyze
and map thousands or even millions of
pieces of information. That information
is then used by a GIS analyst who examines
soils, vegetation, and groundwater to
determine how something like mining
affects the environment. GIS analysts
work for utility companies, research
organizations, environmental consulting
firms, the government, and the armed
forces.
Job
Duties
- Develop
and operate geographical information
systems
- Develop
specialized computer software routines,
Internet-based GIS, databases, and
business applications to customize
geographic information
- Assist
environmental scientists in using
computer models
- Train
and provide technical support for
GIS users
- Design
and prepare maps
- Interpret
aerial photographs
- Budget
and manage GIS projects
- Collect
data from other organizations
Fact
Nunavut became Canada’s newest
territory on April 1, 1999. It makes
up one-fifth of Canada, and spans
2,093,190 square kilometres. Nunavut
has a population of approximately
27,000 people.
|
|
 |
 |
|
High
school courses that will prepare you
for this job include math, social studies,
geography, statistics, computers, and
English. Aboriginal studies, history,
and languages will prepare you for working
in a multi-cultural setting. Talk to
your career or academic counsellor about
options such as graphic design, drafting,
and blueprint reading.
The
minimum education requirement for
this job is a two-year technology
certification program at a college
or training institution. A university
degree in earth sciences, geography,
engineering or a related field with
specialized GIS training, will make
you more competitive in the job market
and make it easier to get a job and
negotiate your salary.
Before
entering the workforce, some GIS analysts
require training in:
- Orienteering
- Field
sampling
- Standard
and Wilderness First Aid
Look
into specific high school prerequisites
set by the college or university you
would like to attend.
|
|
|
 |
|
GIS
analysts with a college diploma make
an average of $42,000.00 per year.
GIS analysts with a university degree
make an average of $61,000.00 per
year.
GIS analysts with several years experience
and education make an average of $74,000.00
per year.
Financial Assistance
In addition to the general scholarship
tips listed in the BUILD MY CAREER
section, the following award is specific
to GIS analysts:
The Geomatics Canada Scholarship
Program
Hans Klinkenberg Memorial Fund and
Awards
For student submissions to Geomatica.
Contact: The Canadian Institute
of Geomatics
1930 Prince of Wales Drive, Suite
400
Ottawa, ON
K2C 3N6
Telephone: (613) 224-9851
Fax: (613) 224-9577
email: admincig@magma.ca
website: www.cig-acsg.ca
|
|
|
 |
|
Some
of the best knowledge you’ll
gain for this job will come from listening
to the stories and wisdom of your
relations. Join your family on snowmobile
and camping trips. Ask your Elders
to tell you how animal populations
and migration patterns have changed
over the years. Your outdoor experience
and understanding of the natural world
will make your studies easier and
will appeal to employers.
Relate to people in similar jobs:
- Geologist
- Land
use planner
- Remediation
scientist
- Survey
technician
Relate
and interact with GIS analysts. Ask
them what they like about their jobs,
and how you should get started.
Contact the Aboriginal Mapping Network
for information about their annual
conferences, publications, and aboriginal
groups who are using GIS technology:
Aboriginal Mapping Network
202- 1226 Hamilton Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 2S8
Telephone: (604) 682-4141
Fax: (604) 682-1944
email: info@nativemaps.org
website: www.nativemaps.org
Check out the work of GIS analysts
at:
The National Atlas of Canada
615 Booth Street, Room 650
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0E9
Fax: 613-947-2410
website: www.atlas.gc.ca
Geomatics Industry Association
of Canada (GIAC)
Suite 1204, 170 Laurier Avenue W
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5V5
Telephone: (613) 232-8770
email: giac@giac.ca
website: www.giac.ca
The Canadian Institute of Geomatics
1930 Prince of Wales Drive, Suite
400
Ottawa, ON
K2C 3N6
Telephone: (613) 224-9851
Fax: (613) 224-9577
email: admincig@magma.ca
website: www.cig-acsg.ca
Relate with other students. There
are Aboriginal student associations
and resource centers at most colleges
and universities. Visit these centres
to find out what they have to offer.
Also, look into community, friendship,
and multi-cultural centres.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
