Careers and Higher Education

1. Careers and Higher Education Class 14 GISG 110

2. Objectives Careers and Higher Education • University and College GIS/related programs • Career areas in GIS • Local agencies using GIS • Types of jobs available • Professional organizations • Interviewing tips

3. Presenters • Dr. Ming Tsou – SDSU • mtsou@mail.sdsu.edu • Mike Calandra – SANDAG • mca@sandag.org • Melisa Caric – PBS&J • MICaric@pbsj.com • Adrienne Perry – County HHSA • Adrienne.perry@sdcounty.ca.gov • Justin Shepard – TAIC • shepa006@cox.net

4. Local Universities SDSU Bachelor of Science in Geography, GIS Emphasis Master of Science in Geography, GIS Emphasis PhD in Geography (Systematic Geographic Specialties: Methodological Techniques) Joint program with UCSB UCSD and USD (non-GIS, complimentary degrees) Urban Studies and Planning (UCSD) Computer Science and Engineering Environmental Studies Economics Sciences: Geology, Biology, Oceanography

5. Local Colleges • Cal State San Marcos (non-GIS, complimentary 4 year degrees) • Computer Science • Environmental Studies • Economics • Global Studies • San Diego Mesa College GIS Certificate and AA Degree • Real Estate Program

6. Career areas in GIS • Geology, Geography & Oceanography • Physical and Life Sciences • Environmental Planning • Natural Resource Management • Landscape Architecture • Economics and Market Research Analysis • City and Regional Planning • Engineering and Transportation Management

7. Career areas in GIS • Property and Real Estate Management • Real Estate Broker Appraisal • Communications and Utility Operations • Police, Fire & Ambulance Dispatch • Surveying and Mapping Services

8. Local public agencies using GIS • The County • The eighteen cities • SANDAG • Caltrans • San Diego County Water Authority • Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District • Port Authority

9. Local private and non-profit firmsusing GIS • Workforce Partnership • BMJ Marketing • American Cancer Society • Gemnological Institute of America • YMCA • North County Health Services • Economic Planning Systems • Caltrans • RBF Consulting

10. Local private and non-profit firms using GIS (cont.) • Katz Okitsu & Assoc. • CH2MHILL • Parsons and Wilbur Smith • AMEC Environmental • KEA Environmental • DUDEK • EnviroMINE, Inc • PBS&J • TAIC • HDR

11. Job resources • GIS Job Clearinghouse • National URISA Job Marketplace • Careers café • GeoCommunity • GeoSearch • GISJobs.com • TechJobsCafe

12. GIS Job Titles/Positions • GIS Internship • GIS Technician/Specialist • GIS Analyst (or Associate GIS Analyst) • GIS Programmer • Senior GIS Analyst • GIS Manager

13. GIS Intern Example of responsibilities/requirements Under the direct supervision of senior level staff, intern duties will include • Assist with researching, collecting, analyzing and mapping data and information from various sources; ensure the accuracy and quality of information. • Assist with maintaining comprehensive project databases and documentation. • Perform basic statistical computations and prepare tables, graphs, and charts to display information for written reports and presentations. • Provide maps, demographic and economic data to requesting agencies and individuals. • Other related work as assigned. • An educational background in geography, economics, urban planning, sociology, or a related field. • Experience with ESRI's ArcGIS software. • Windows-based computing skills including the Microsoft Office suite of programs are required; proficiency in Excel and Access or other relational database technology is highly desirable. • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. • Familiarity with sources of economic and demographic data. • Research/data collection experience and the ability to recognize and correct inconsistencies in datasets. • Pay: $13-15/hr, no benefits

14. GIS Specialist Example of responsibilities/requirements • This position requires design, layout and production of GIS datasets and cartographic output • Strong communication and organizational skills are essential. A test of practical skills may be required of applicants. • Bachelor's or graduate degree in Geography, Urban Planning, or related • 2+ years professional experience using ESRI software • Proven proficiency in ArcGIS 9x including Spatial and 3D Analyst • Knowledge of principles of cartography • Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows XP • Knowledge of principles of metadata generation and maintenance • Data management and data conversion

15. GIS Analyst/Programmer Example of responsibilities/requirements • A degree in Computer Science, Geography or other relevant field. • Strong knowledge of customizing ESRI product line including ArcIMS, ArcGIS, and ArcGIS Server. • In depth knowledge of ESRI architecture such as ArcSDE, ArcTools, Geodatabases, scripting, and geoprocessing. • Internet development skills with proven proficiency in VB.NET and ArcObjects. • GUI design skills needed to design and implement effective and pleasing applications. • Database Design and System integration experience. • Ability to produce technical documentation, presentations, and graphics as needed. • Desirable, but not necessary skills the candidate may possess are: • Familiarity with Azteca Systems Cityworks product, Geocortex's IMF product, Laserfiche DMS, FME, Cadastral Editor, GPS, or UNIX. • Familiarity with local government datasets such as landbase and utilities. • Experience with Python, JAVA, ESRI web services • Self motivated and directed with attention to detail • Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks • Good communication and people skills

16. Senior GIS Analyst Example of responsibilities/requirements • Conducts data gathering, conversion, analysis, manipulation and processing of spatial data using a computerized geographic information system (GIS). • Prepares data documentation or metadata for GIS projects. Recommends solutions to problems. • Participates in or conducts client needs analyses. Provides cost estimates. • Monitors and coordinates quality control efforts and/or provides direction on quality control efforts within area of responsibility. • Develops and evaluates plans and criteria in terms of quality assurance and quality control. • Maintains continued knowledge of technology developments in the GIS field and use of GIS software. • Performs such other duties as supervisor may from time to time deem necessary. • B.A. or B.S. or M.S. in Geography, computer science, or GIS-related environmental discipline commensurate with hiring discipline. This level may be achieved by GIS practitioners with 5-6 years of experience since Bachelor's degree or 3-4 years since Master's. Typical incumbent has 6 -7 years experience. • Experience with Floodplain Mapping, Planning Applications, ArcIMS, Arc Objects. Experience in Engineering, Water Resources and Environmental fields a plus. • Excellent technical writing and communication skills.

17. CA GIS Professional Organizations • Southern California Chapter of URISA (SoCal URISA) • California Geographic Information Association (CGIA) • Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA) • San Diego ArcGIS Showcase

18. SoCal URISA • Official chapter of the International Urban and Regional Information Systems Association • Non-profit association of information technology professionals with specific emphasis on (non-vendor specific) applications in state and local government • SoCal URISA goal/benefits: • Keep members well-informed on local GIS industry news, education opportunities, and job listings • Provide local meetings, workshops, and other events and networking opportunities • Host annual state conference (alternates north and south) • www.socalurisa.org

19. CGIA • Non-profit, state-wide organization • Facilitates coordination, collaboration, and counsel for California's Geographic Information System (GIS) community • Benefits of membership • Relays important industry news • Sponsors policy forums to further geographic information leadership, management, financing, legislation, data sharing, and coordination • Promotes data sharing partnerships • Awards program • www.cgia.org

20. GITA • Nonprofit educational association serving the global geospatial community • Focus is on geospatial technology for utilities and infrastructure agencies • Gas and electric utilities (pipelines and communication networks) • Automated Mapping and Facilities Management (AM/FM) (fast mapping to manage facility info) • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) (capture of real-time info for processing and analysis) • www.gita.org

21. San Diego ArcGIS/ESRI Showcase • Free meetings • Networking opportunities (and continental breakfast) • ESRI Technical and user presentations • Help desk questions • Usually held in Mission Valley • http://laguna.sangis.org/esriug/

22. Interviewing tips • Study employer web site and any other info they provide • Bring a copy of resume, cover letter and references • Bring map portfolio/notebook (include certificates) • Bring two to five questions to ask them • Wear a suit • Don’t wear perfume

23. On the job…

24. What’s next? • Job interview • Good luck! • Exercise 4 due at end of class • Next class (10/16): • Project presentations and paper due • Review for final