Green Jobs

GIS Specialist

Forestry GIS Specialists help support sustainable forestry management practices through the use of geographic information systems (GIS). They use specialized software tools to create, maintain and analyze geographic information to help the forestry organization manage a healthy and productive forest.

GIS is a digital mapping tool that allows the forestry organization to gather, analyze, and visualize spatial and geographic data. This very important tool can be used to map and monitor forests, including types of tree species, stand density, tree height, and other beneficial factors. From this data, the GIS specialist can then help develop forest management plans to monitor the overall productivity and health of working forests.

This position may also be referred to as a GIS Analyst, GIS Technician, Technical Analyst or GIS Coordinator.

Emily Ramirez

Technical Analyst, Rayonier

Every day, I get to use different skills from an array of subjects. I think of it like a giant toolbox: some days I need to lean more into art and design while I am making maps, other days I am relying on programming skills to write scripts. Communication skills are always used because we support almost everyone in the company!

Education

A GIS Specialist should have a Bachelor’s of Master’s Degree in forestry, engineering, GIS or a related field with an emphasis on the use and application of GIS technology. 

Helpful courses to take in high school include geography, computer science and physics courses are beneficial.

Tools of the Trade

  • GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS and MapInfo to create, edit, and analyze geospatial data.
  • Remote sensing software to process and analyze satellite and aerial imagery.
  • Geospatial technologies such as satellites, aerial imagery technology and GPS.
  • Excel spreadsheets to create charts and graphs based on collected and compiled geospatial data.

Important Skills

A GIS Specialist should have an interest in and knowledge base of spatial analysis. The GIS Specialist needs to be able to analyze and interpret spatial data in order to identify patterns, inconsistencies, etc.

Programming, mapping, and modeling skills are necessary, as this is a primary portion of the GIS specialist’s job. GIS specialists will frequently have programming skills in various software systems such as Python, SQL, FME and other automation or scripting languages.

The GIS Specialist must be a good communicator. Good communication skills are critical to sharing and explaining findings of geospatial information to various key stakeholders in the forestry organization.

Job Responsibilities

GIS specialists use GIS tools, technology, and techniques to manage spatial databases,  convert data as needed, and develop programs/scripts to automate the workflow.

Although this individual may spend some time out in the forest collecting data, the majority of their time is spent at a computer. GIS specialists focus the majority of their time on analyzing, managing, and presenting data collected from the field and derived through analysis.

Primary job responsibilities include:

  • Compiling geospatial data from various sources, such as GPS, field surveys, and aerial imagery.
  • Creating and maintaining databases of geographic information. Data on land use, topography, tree measurements, management activities, and more are included.
  • Creating maps and model representations of data.
  • Developing and implementing GIS-based solutions to support planning, strategies, and management of the forest.
  • Support other users of spatial information and tools in the organization.

From their work, the GIS specialist provides the forestry organization with detailed insight into the productivity and health of working forests. The data and findings ultimately help the organization make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and support ongoing sustainability efforts.

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