UWSP Geo News
A publication of the UW-Stevens Point Department of Geography and Geology SPECIAL ISSUE | JOBS & CAREERS | June 2017
JOBS & CAREERS ISSUE
< CARTOGRAPHERS
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< ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALISTS
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< GEOGRAPHERS
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< GEOSCIENTISTS
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< GIS/GEOSPATIAL SPECIALISTS
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< URBAN & REGIONAL PLANNERS 7 < CAREER SEARCH RESOURCES
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"ON TOP OF THE WORLD" Kristine Bucholtz UWSP Class of 2007 Bachelor of Science - Geography
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UWSP Geo News
| SPECIAL ISSUE | JOBS & CAREERS | JUNE 2017
CARTOGRAPHERS What They Do Cartographers collect, measure and interpret geographic information to create and update maps and charts for regional and environmental planning, education, and other purposes. Cartographers are mapmakers who design user-friendly maps. U.S. News and World • Create visual representations of data • Examine and compile geographic data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images • Prepare maps and 3-D visualizations for digital or hard-copy presentation
Cartographer #3
"BEST ENGINEERING JOB" Report, 2017
Pay & Job Outlook The median annual wage for cartographers was $62,750 in May 2016. Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists are expected to grow 29 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than average for all occupations. Cartographer is listed as the #3 best engineering job by U.S. News and World Report.
How to Become a Cartographer Cartographers need a bachelor's degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, or surveying. UW-Stevens Point hosts a Bachelor of Science in Geography that should be coupled with a GIS and Spatial Analysis Minor and a GIS Focal Certificate in Cartography.
UWSP Geography and Geology Alumni Profiles Audrey Mennenga Geography, Geoscience, 2011
Ian Grasshoff B.S. Geography, 2005
Cartography Technician GARMIN
Owner Smart mAPPS Consulting
Joe Martell B.S. Geography, 2014
Bryan Deegan B.S. Geography, 2013
GIS Coordinator Langlade County, Wisconsin
GIS Technician Continental Mapping
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists. htm (visited May 20, 2017). U.S. News and World Report, Careers, Best Jobs, 2017, on the Internet at http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/cartographer (visited May 20, 2017).
UWSP Department of Geography and Geology
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SPECIAL ISSUE | JOBS & CAREERS | JUNE 2017 |
UWSP Geo News
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALISTS What They Do Environmental specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences and engineering principles, and develop human partnerships to address problems related to the environment and human health. They work to clean up polluted areas, advise policy makers and develop sustainable practices. • Collect and compile environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, food, and other materials for scientific analysis • Analyze environmental data and other information to identify and assess threats to the environment and human health • Develop plans to prevent, control or fix environmental problems, such as land or water pollution • Advise governmental officials, business administrators, stakeholders, and the general public on possible environmental hazards and health risks and possible solutions to address the problems • Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain their research and findings
Pay & Job Outlook The median annual wage for environmental specialists was $68,910 in May 2016. Employment is projected to grow 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than average for all occupations.
How to Become an Environmental Specialist Environmental specialists need a bachelor's degree in geography, geoscience or other science-related field for most entry-level positions. UW-Stevens Point offers a Bachelor of Science in Geography and in Geoscience. Students will find it advantageous to complement these majors with minors in GIS and Spatial Analysis and other sciences.
UWSP Geography and Geology Alumni Profiles Michael Tanner B.S. Geoscience, 2011
Ecologist Hampton, Lensini and Renwick, Inc.
Anna Courtney B.S. Geoscience, Soil and Land Management, 2012
Soil Scientist Trinity National Forest
Kristine Bucholtz B.S. Geography, 2007
Jake Budish B.S. Geoscience, 2011
Fire Program Specialist WDNR
Environmental and Zoning Spec. Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Environmental Scientists and Specialists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm (visited May 20, 2017).
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UWSP Department of Geography and Geology
UWSP Geo News
| SPECIAL ISSUE | JOBS & CAREERS | JUNE 2017
GEOGRAPHERS What They Do Geographers study the earth’s physical and human environments. They gather geographic information to make evidence-based decisions regarding the environment, climate, economics, land use, human culture, tourism, and agriculture, among many other societal issues. U.S. News and World Report, 2017 • Gather data through field observations, maps, photographs, satellite imagery, and censuses • Conduct research, using methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups • Analyze the geographic distribution and relationships of physical and cultural characteristics • Integrate geographic information with data pertaining to a particular specialty, such as economics, the environment, health, or politics
Geographer #9
"BEST SCIENCE JOB"
Pay & Job Outlook The median annual wage for geographers was $74,260 in May 2016. Geographer is listed as the #9 best science job by U.S. News and World Report.
How to Become a Geographer Geographers need a bachelor's degree for most entry level positions. UW-Stevens Point hosts a Bachelor of Science in Geography.
UWSP Geography and Geology Alumni Profiles Dr. Daryn Hardwick B.S. Geography, 2011
Omar Muhyar B.S. Geography, 2011
Research Assistant Oklahoma Biological Survey
Copy Writer Backcountry.com
Jeremy Jenkins B.S. Geography, Geoscience, 2009
Corinna Neeb B.S. Geography, Geoscience, 2009
Lake Protection Manager Liberty Lake Water District
Emergency Mgt. Specialist UW-Stevens Point
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Geographers, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geographers.htm (visited May 19, 2017). U.S. News and World Report, Careers, Best Jobs, 2017, on the Internet at http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/geographer (visited May 20, 2017).
UWSP Department of Geography and Geology
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SPECIAL ISSUE | JOBS & CAREERS | JUNE 2017 |
UWSP Geo News
GEOSCIENTISTS What They Do Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the earth, such as its composition, structure and processess, to learn about its past, present and future. • Plan and carry out field studies, in which they visit locations to collect samples and conduct surveys • Analyze aerial photographs, well logs (detailed records of geologic formations found during drilling), rock samples, and other data sources to locate deposits of natural resources and estimate their size • Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field • Make geologic maps and charts • Prepare written scientific reports • Present their findings to clients, colleagues, and other interested parties • Review reports and research done by other scientists
Pay & Job Outlook The median annual wage for geoscientists was $89,780 in May 2017 and is growing at a pace faster than average.
How to Become a Geoscientist Geoscientists need a bachelor's degree for most entry level positions. Some states require that geoscientists have a license. UW-Stevens Point offers a Bachelor of Science in Geoscience. Students will find it advantageous to couple the Geoscience Major with minors in GIS and Spatial Analysis and other sciences.
UWSP Geography and Geology Alumni Profiles Paul Fix B.S. Geoscience, 2013
Michael Brice B.S. Geography, Geoscience, 2012
Geologist AngloGold Ashanti
Geoscientist Tetra Tech, Inc.
Angela Eichler B.S. Geoscience-Hydrogeology, 2010
Karina Casey B.S. Geoscience-Hydrogeology, 2014
Laboratory Manager JCCT
Project Geoscientist Amec Foster Wheeler
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Geoscientists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm (visited May 19, 2017).
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UWSP Department of Geography and Geology
UWSP Geo News
| SPECIAL ISSUE | JOBS & CAREERS | JUNE 2017
GIS/GEOSPATIAL SPECIALISTS What They Do A Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/ or Geospatial Technology Specialist utilizes computer technologies and data, such as from GIS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), LiDAR, drones, and remote sensing to collect, maintain, analyze, visualize, and communicate geographic information. • Develop and gather geospatial databases that represent Earth's objects, features, events, and phenomena • Analyze geographic patterns, trends and relationships, such as proximity, adjacency, containment, and geographic overlay • Communicate geographic information using maps, tables, 3D simulations, and other graphics • GIS developers create and customize GIS software interfaces and automate procedures
Pay & Job Outlook
GIS-related jobs in the U.S. are anticipated to grow between 16 - 35% between 2010 and 2020
The average salary for GIS Specialists was $53,538 in 2011 and $69,842 for GIS Managers. Job growth is estimated between 16 and 35 percent for 2010 - 2020.
How to Become a GIS/Geospatial Specialist GIS/Geospatial professionals need a bachelor's degree for most entry level positions. UW-Stevens Point offers a Bachelor of Science in Geography and in Geoscience that should be accompanied by the GIS and Spatial Analysis Minor and/or the Geographic Information Systems Professional and Focal Area Certificates.
UWSP Geography and Geology Alumni Profiles Jesse Holm Graduate GIS Professional Certificate, 2017
Bathymetry Specialist LakeMaster, Johnson Outdoors
Gretchen Martinez B.S. Geography, 2012
Technical Support Engineer ORACLE
Brennan Rhode B.S. Geography, 2013
Brandon Lee B.S. Geography, 2016
GIS Analyst City of Green Bay, Wisconsin
GIS Inspection Technician Stevens Point Water Dept.
URISA, Salary Survey, on the Internet at http://www.urisa.org/clientuploads/directory/Documents/Books%20and%20Quick%20Study/ OverallFindings11.pdf (visited May 19, 2017). Geospatial World. (2016). The crux of US geospatial industry - 8 facts for you!, on the Internet at https://www.geospatialworld.net/thecrux-of-us-geospatial-industry-8-facts-for-you (visited May 19, 2017).
UWSP Department of Geography and Geology
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SPECIAL ISSUE | JOBS & CAREERS | JUNE 2017 |
UWSP Geo News
URBAN & REGIONAL PLANNERS What They Do Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth and revitalize physical facilities in rural, suburban and urban areas. • Meet with public officials, developers and the public regarding development plans and land use • Administer government plans or policies affecting land use, the environment, zoning, historic buildings, public utilities, community facilities, housing, community design, and transportation • Gather and analyze market research data, censuses, economic reports, and environmental studies • Conduct field investigations to analyze factors affecting the community, including land use • Review site plans submitted by developers and assess feasibility of proposals • Present and recommend projects to communities, planning officials and planning commissions • Stay current on zoning or building codes, environmental regulations and other legal issues
Pay & Job Outlook The median annual wage for urban and regional planners was $70,620 in May 2016. Employment is expected to grow at a pace of 6 percent, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
How to Become an Urban and Regional Planner Most urban and regional planners require a master's degree from an accredited planning program. UWStevens Point hosts a Bachelor of Science in Geography that should be coupled with an Urban Planning and Geodesign minor.
UWSP Geography and Geology Alumni Profiles Jeff Hintz B.S. Geography, 2008
Samuel Schroeder B.S. Geography-Urban Planning, 2012
Planner II City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Zoning Administrator City of Marshfield, Wisconsin
Philip Gritzmacher, Jr., AICP B.S. Geography-Urban Planning, 2011
Melissa Kraemer Badtke B.S. Geography, 2002
Transportation Planner Madison Trans. Planning Board
Principal Trans. Planner East Central Plan. Commission
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Urban and Regional Planners, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/urban-and-regional-planners.htm (visited May 20, 2017).
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UWSP Department of Geography and Geology
UWSP Geo News
| SPECIAL ISSUE | JOBS & CAREERS | JUNE 2017
Career Search Resources Department of Geography and Geology College of Letters and Science 2001 Fourth Avenue, Science D332 Stevens Point, WI 54481 Phone GIS Center Fax Web Web2
American Geosciences Institute www.americangeosciences.org/workforce/career-resources Directions Magazine www.directionsmag.com/
715-346-2629 855-GIS-UWSP 715-346-3372 www.uwsp.edu/GEO www.uwsp.edu/GIS
< David Ozsvath, Professor and Department Chair David.Ozsvath@uwsp.edu
American Association of Geographers www.jobs.aag.org/
EarthWorks www.earthworks-jobs.com/
GeoSearch www.geosearch.com/
< Mary Clare Sorenson, Academic Department Associate Mary.Clare.Sorenson@uwsp.edu
GIS Careers www.giscareers.com/
< Kevin Hefferan, Professor
GIS Jobs www.gisjobs.com
< Neil Heywood, Professor < Samantha Kaplan, Associate Professor
< Tim Kennedy, Assistant Professor < Christine Koeller, Faculty Associate < Eric Larsen, Professor < Karen Lemke, Professor < Douglas Miskowiak, Senior GIS Education Specialist
GIS Lounge www.gislounge.com/gis-career-resources/ The GIS Jobs Clearinghouse http://www.gjc.org/ Wisconsin State Cartographer's Office www.sco.wisc.edu/labels/jobs.html
< Ismaila Odogba, Associate Professor < Ray Reser, Director of Museum of Natural History < Keith Rice, Professor and Director of GIS Center < Michael Ritter, Professor < Diane Stelzer, GIS Center Associate < Lisa Theo, Instructor
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