Are you in an entry-level GIS job and see yourself in a management position someday?  You might be wondering what you need to do to prepare for that opportunity.  How do you make the shift from your current GIS job to GIS manager?  What does managing a GIS team entail? As one of the GIS sector’s most highly-sought staffing agencies, GeoSearch has helped hundreds find their niche in the geospatial industry and we want to share our insights with you.
 
If you are interested in becoming a GIS manager, keep reading to learn what it’s like to manage a GIS team.
 
What does a GIS Manager do?
 
When GIS technicians are recording data, their managers are ensuring the data is accurate.  Many times, data is collected by those in entry-level GIS jobs.  GIS managers coach and train their team in the best practices for extracting the information and structuring the geographic data.  They are also often responsible for spatial analysis and modeling, if needed.
 
GIS technicians spend most of their time in an office environment evaluating and analyzing data, developing models while also providing some technical support.  GIS managers focus their time on the business side of the industry while performing both technical and managerial functions related to the implementation, deployment, and use of GIS and related technologies.
 
What technical functions does a GIS Manager perform?
 
GIS managers perform many technical functions.  They identify, design, and develop GIS applications, strategies, and procedures for integrating GIS programs with existing databases.  They also coordinate system administration, system security, application development and strategic GIS activities while performing system administration duties regarding operating systems and software issues. 
 
A GIS manager utilizes various equipment, tools and supplies to define project specifications.  These tools may include ESRI’s ArcGIS tools, and coordinate geometry (COGO).  They may conduct GPS based field surveys, including processing and integrating the information into the GIS program.
 
What managerial functions does a GIS Manager perform?
GIS managers supervise, direct and evaluate their staff.  They do this while overseeing work schedules, processing employee concerns and counseling or disciplining employees as is appropriate.  Additionally, they conduct employee reviews, train and mentor their GIS staff in operations, policies, and procedures while directing the work.
 
They invest their time in everything from business development and public speaking about related projects to overseeing the team and making sure the details of a project are completed according to the plan - on time and on budget.  GIS managers focus on quality control and ensure the success of a project.   This also includes client management, working with sub-contractors and consultants while managing a potentially diverse GIS project portfolio.
 
Call GeoSearch, Inc. today for entry-level GIS jobs!
 
If you want to join the rapidly expanding geospatial industry and become one of the many successful GIS technicians or managers, GeoSearch, Inc. can help make it happen. As one of the leading staffing services for the geospatial sector, we’ve provided hundreds of prospective employees and companies with permanent or temporary staffing solutions. Contact our team to learn more about our services.

Land surveyor jobs are important for both commercial and residential projects as the Land Surveyor team determines property boundaries and prepares maps and survey plots accordingly. As one of the industry’s leading surveyor recruitment services, we at GeoSearch Inc. know that land surveying is not always easy and can take extensive time and resources, so we’ve collected some additional information for you below.
 
Here are the stages a thorough land survey job requires:
 
1. Research
 
To properly research a parcel of land it can take as little as a few hours to as long as a few days, depending on the size and features. A land surveyor may have to go to several different government agencies to obtain the necessary boundary information. A land surveyor must be extremely concise during the research stage, or else they risk paying costly fees down the road, or even legal recourse for those who have hired them.
 
2. Fieldwork
 
Much like the research phase of a land surveyor project, the fieldwork can take anywhere from an hour or two to several days. During this stage, surveyors search for existing boundary markers such as pins, pipes or stone monuments. Often this stage requires them to also assess the geographical area nearby to collect enough data to develop an accurate portrayal of a parcel of land.
 
3. Drafting & Computation
 
After collecting all of the available data for a land surveyor job, the survey team will draft a map representing your parcel of land. They will then compute the specific boundaries and details, comparing their analysis with existing maps created previously. This is to double-check the accuracy of previous boundary assessments and come up with a holistic view that incorporates all of the existing data, as well as any new data recently collected.
 
Contact our team for surveyor recruitment services!
For those in need of a land surveyor, or searching for temporary land surveyor jobs, contact the team from GeoSearch, Inc. today. We have helped hundreds of employees and companies find innovative staffing solutions in the geospatial industry.

If you are thinking about obtaining a GIS degree, you might be wondering what type of doors will open for you once you have completed your training. There are a host of different GIS careers spanning a wide range of industries for those who are certified. As one of today’s leading recruiting firms in the mapping and geospatial arena, GeoSearch, Inc. has gathered some information for you about the top career opportunities available to recent graduates or those looking to make a career change.
 
GIS Technicians / GIS Specialists
 
GIS technicians are typically involved in coding and preparing GIS projects. They prepare data for conversion and editing and will have knowledge of one or more GIS package. In addition to GIS Technicians, similar job roles include LiDAR Technicians and Survey Technicians. Entry-level to 5 years’ experience is commonly seen for these positions. GIS Specialists require more training and background knowledge with 5-10 years’ experience. They will have additional training or experience in Macro language programming.
 
Software Developers
 
Common job titles for Software Developers include GIS Software Developers, Web Developers, and Programmers. They are able to design, develop, and code new software or applications. This role requires a strong computer science and programming background through work experience or academic training. It also requires proficiency in C/C++ , C#, VB, .NET and/or other languages and familiarity with a variety of operating systems and databases.
 
Survey Personnel
 
Surveyors of all levels are in high demand! Survey Technicians, Crew Chief, and Professional Land Surveyors are some of the job titles you would find. Duties for Survey Technicians or Crew Chiefs include preparing maps and drawings from survey field data and require knowledge of AutoCAD, Google Earth, Trimble data collection, GIS, GPS, and robotic total stations. Supervisory experience is required for Crew Chief positions. Professional Land Surveyors require a PLS license and generally requires supervising survey personnel. The majority of these positions involve field work.
 
Photogrammetrists
 
Photogrammetrists specialize in using satellite images, aerial photographs, light imaging detection, and ranging technology to build models of the Earth’s surface and its features in order to create maps. They compile and analyze spatial data like distance and elevation. Several states require licenses for workers who use remote viewing equipment to conduct land surveys.
 
This is only a short list of the types of positions GeoSearch, Inc. works to fill on an average day. Your opportunities are endless and there is always room for growth no matter where you begin your career. Once you do start your career, you will be able to put your degree and training to use in a variety of industries. Common sectors include engineering, utilities, agriculture and mining, and local, federal and state governments.
 
Call GeoSearch, Inc. for GIS career options today!
 
Whether you are interested in landing a job in the government sector or want to hone your skills as a surveyor, GeoSearch, Inc. can match you with a GIS career that provides room for growth. Our team also has extensive expertise in connecting employers in the geospatial sector with skilled temporary staff members and full-service search services.
 
Contact our team today to learn more about how GeoSearch, Inc. can help you gain a leg up in the geospatial industry!

The geospatial sector is growing rapidly.  If you are looking for a stable career with the promise of future growth, you should look into what doors an entry-level GIS technician job could open up for you.
 
Entry-Level Jobs in a Variety of Industries
 
Many different industries utilize GIS technology. GIS technicians are responsible for collecting data, digitizing data and creating simple maps.  GIS careers can be found in environmental and government agencies, agricultural companies, academic agencies, the health sector, etc.
 
GIS Technician Duties Cover a Range of Applications
 
GIS technicians perform a variety of tasks.  They utilize map-making software like ArcGIS to graph and draw basic maps for information management. GIS technicians are also responsible for data collection and entry, as well as database management. More experienced GIS technicians perform spatial analysis, and explore the relationships between different geographical features or data sets.
 
Steady Salary & Room for Growth
 
Entry-level GIS technicians earn, on average, $40-60,000 per-year according to GISgeography.com.  Salaries vary based on job location and duties.  Experienced CAD engineers and GIS analysts are able to earn $60-80,000 annually.
 
Let us help you find a GIS technician job!
As one of the leaders in staffing for the geospatial industry, GeoSearch, Inc. can help you find your ideal GIS technician job, so contact our team today!
 

The job of a GIS technician continues to evolve over time, so it’s important to understand more about the industry and how to gain entry into a progressive position in the field. In this latest post, we’ll present a guide to the future of GIS careers and offer tips on enhancing job prospects.

A green-technology career

One of the reasons that careers within the GIS industry are becoming more lucrative is that many jobs within the industry involve green technology. With the investments in green technology in recent years, GIS technicians are now able to find jobs that offer both high compensation and the chance to make a difference in the local community. GIS technicians are integral in conservation efforts, providing data that aids in key decisions regarding wildlife, the Earth’s natural resources, renewable energy and mapping wilderness areas, just to name a few things.

Device and mapping data evolving

The way in which we use handheld devices and the growth of mapping systems has helped the GIS industry grow rapidly in recent years. Now thousands are turning to technicians for a greater understanding of geospatial concepts to help build data on local areas. From the health and energy sectors, to local and federal government agencies, many have come to rely on GIS technicians to provide data that is integral in making key decisions and policy plans.

Real-time analysis

With the increased numbers of tools, GIS teams are now better able to complete real-time analysis and resolve complex geospatial challenges that have confounded experts for many years. Experienced technicians are often employed as analysts to determine the sequence of operations needed to solve complex issues, such as the best location to build a new housing development or install wind turbines. Many also become GIS specialists who manage all the necessary GIS operations for an enterprise or governmental agency.

Tips for job hunting

In choosing GIS careers, it’s important that you take the time to understand how to maximize your potential value to the organization. Consider these tips for success:

• Assess skillset
  
• Go out into the world and meet people face-to-face
  
• Research answers to technical GIS questions before interviews
  
• Join GIS community groups for opportunities
  
• Always research potential employers prior to interviews
  
• Consider a GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional) certification
  
• Scan multiple boards regularly for postings
  
• Apply to as many postings as possible to gain interview experience
  

Working with a qualified specialist for GIS technician jobs can help you to land your ideal position. Our team at GeoSearch has significant experience in this area of the recruitment marketplace. To learn more about our services, call us today.