Career Fact Sheets
GIS Technician GIS technician analyzing mapping data. Photo: Ducks Unlimited Canada, a PLT Canada Green A geographic information system (GIS) is a set of digital mapping tools that helps to organize, communicate, and understand the science of our world. GIS technicians use scientific research, spatial data, and expert opinions to help with plans and management strategies. They also analyze patterns and trends, map natural disasters, track wildlife, measure logging rates, and much more. Typical duties include preparing maps and reports and compiling a wide variety of data to help monitor the environment. Similar positions to a GIS technician
Is it right for me?While some GIS technicians do field work, they mostly work at a desk. Computer skills, statistical and analytical skills, and problem-solving skills are very important. They are good at focusing on details when managing, analyzing, and mapping data. They can also see connections between spatial data and things that happen in the real world. Take our Green Jobs personality quiz GIS technician salarySalaries vary by location and employer. Wages vary from $21.40 to $47.18 per hour, or $41,730 to $92,000 annually. GIS technician education*GIS technicians usually have an undergraduate degree in geographic information systems, geomatics, geography, computer science, or environmental sciences. A one-year graduate certificate can help them get more work experience. A master’s degree can provide more opportunities and a higher salary. This is especially true if the master’s degree is focused on a specific GIS application. In high school, study geography, computer science, and physics. College
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Volunteer opportunities and workshops*Not a complete list of resources. More resources | MORE FACT SHEETS
Urban ForesterUrban foresters care for city trees by managing the planting, pruning, and removal of any trees located on public land including streets, greenways, parks, and city property. Additionally, they are often the tree advocates for the city, and lobby for the importance of trees in the community. They do so by working with city staff members and various stakeholders to ensure that the correct resources are distributed to improve the health of the urban forest. Many cities today are trying…
Consultation CoordinatorConsultation coordinators advocate for Indigenous communities. They are a community’s main point of contact for outside groups. They review reports and help to negotiate agreements, such as when working with forestry companies to develop forest management plans and business opportunities. Consultation coordinators ensure Indigenous rights are respected. They also help to ensure that Traditional Indigenous Knowledge is properly collected and used. Consultation coordinators also organize opportunities for others to engage with the community.
Environmental EducatorEnvironmental educators love helping people understand nature and their relationship to it. They speak and write well and are good at getting their messages across. They provide facts, answer questions, and lead interactive activities, like games, field trips, hikes, and workshops. Environmental educators often make presentations outdoors. Forests and camps are their classrooms. They also spend time doing research to make sure their content is factual and relevant.
ForesterEvery day, foresters across Canada lace up their boots, put on their high-visibility vests; and venture out into the wild. They gather information, predict and identify problems, and come up with solutions to help manage forests sustainably. Some may even consider them caretakers of the forest. They balance ecological, social, and economic values. They also create detailed plans to harvest, regenerate, and monitor the health of forests. In this way, they ensure that important wildlife habitats and cultural areas are… |
