How to become a Geographic Information Systems Officer
Geographic information systems officers design, develop and customise geographic information systems and provide technical and analytical support to address issues such as environmental management, exploration and mining, land ownership and titles, urban and regional planning, utilities and asset management, and demographic marketing.
Personal requirements of a Geographic Information Systems Officer
- Able to analyse and solve problems
- Good communication and computing skills
- Interested in the environment
- Able to produce detailed and accurate work
- Able to work as part of a team
Education & Training for a Geographic Information Systems Officer
To become a geographic information systems officer you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree with a major in geographical, spatial or geospatial science; geography; geomatics or surveying. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Additional Information
Graduates and students may be eligible for membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute and the Mapping Sciences Institute, Australia.
Duties & Tasks of a Geographic Information Systems Officer
Geographic information systems officers:
- manipulate and analyse data such as geographic and land information source maps and survey data
- link spatial data for land administration purposes
- develop and customise computer programs used in geographic information systems (GIS)
- prepare, edit and revise cartographic output for the preparation, reproduction and publication of maps.
Working conditions for a Geographic Information Systems Officer
The cartographic and analytical output produced by geographic information systems officers is used to aid in the efficient management and use of land assets within Australia.
Employment Opportunities for a Geographic Information Systems Officer
The major employers of geographic information systems officers are federal, state, territory and local government organisations; statutory authorities; and private companies involved in land use, planning and management. There is a demand for specialist skills, ranging from systems development (designing and building geographic databases, spatial management and analysis tools, and web delivery systems) to the application of geographic information systems to provide specialist solutions in environmental, business and development activities.
Avg. weekly wage:
$1,958
Future growth:
Decline
Employment by state:
ACT 5.1%
NSW 26.6%
NT 1.1%
QLD 23.9%
SA 6.7%
TAS 3.2%
VIC 18.2%
WA 15.2%
Hours worked:
40
Unemployment:
Average unemployment
Gender split:
Male 66%
Female 34%
Education level:
Not completed Year 12: 11.5%
Highest qualification is secondary school: 6.9%
Highest qualification is a Certificate 3 or 4: 6.7%
Highest qualification is a Diploma or Advanced Diploma: 16.8%
Highest qualification is a Bachelor degree: 39.5%
Highest qualification is a Postgraduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 28.1%
Age brackets:
15-19 - 0%
20-24 - 6.1%
25-34 - 26.8%
35-44 - 22.6%
45-54 - 19.5%
55-59 - 8.2%
60-64 - 7.1%
65 and Over - 9.5%
*The data above is sourced from the Department of Employment’s Job Outlook website.
Personal requirements of a Geographic Information Systems Officer
- Able to analyse and solve problems
- Good communication and computing skills
- Interested in the environment
- Able to produce detailed and accurate work
- Able to work as part of a team
Education & Training for a Geographic Information Systems Officer
To become a geographic information systems officer you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree with a major in geographical, spatial or geospatial science; geography; geomatics or surveying. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Additional Information
Graduates and students may be eligible for membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute and the Mapping Sciences Institute, Australia.
Duties & Tasks of a Geographic Information Systems Officer
Geographic information systems officers:
- manipulate and analyse data such as geographic and land information source maps and survey data
- link spatial data for land administration purposes
- develop and customise computer programs used in geographic information systems (GIS)
- prepare, edit and revise cartographic output for the preparation, reproduction and publication of maps.
Working conditions for a Geographic Information Systems Officer
The cartographic and analytical output produced by geographic information systems officers is used to aid in the efficient management and use of land assets within Australia.
Employment Opportunities for a Geographic Information Systems Officer
The major employers of geographic information systems officers are federal, state, territory and local government organisations; statutory authorities; and private companies involved in land use, planning and management. There is a demand for specialist skills, ranging from systems development (designing and building geographic databases, spatial management and analysis tools, and web delivery systems) to the application of geographic information systems to provide specialist solutions in environmental, business and development activities.
Avg. weekly wage:
$1,958
Future growth:
Decline
Employment by state:
ACT 5.1%
NSW 26.6%
NT 1.1%
QLD 23.9%
SA 6.7%
TAS 3.2%
VIC 18.2%
WA 15.2%
Hours worked:
40
Unemployment:
Average unemployment
Gender split:
Male 66%
Female 34%
Education level:
Not completed Year 12: 11.5%
Highest qualification is secondary school: 6.9%
Highest qualification is a Certificate 3 or 4: 6.7%
Highest qualification is a Diploma or Advanced Diploma: 16.8%
Highest qualification is a Bachelor degree: 39.5%
Highest qualification is a Postgraduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 28.1%
Age brackets:
15-19 - 0%
20-24 - 6.1%
25-34 - 26.8%
35-44 - 22.6%
45-54 - 19.5%
55-59 - 8.2%
60-64 - 7.1%
65 and Over - 9.5%
*The data above is sourced from the Department of Employment’s Job Outlook website.
