Geographical information systems manager

Geographical information systems manager job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Geographical information systems combine social, economic and topographical data that is used for a variety of purposes including flood defence planning, healthcare, road traffic management, market research etc.

Responsibilities of the job vary, but typically comprise:

• supervising a team of staff including programmers, cartographers, data managers, analysts, support specialists etc
• managing budgets and project costs
• consulting clients to ascertain project purpose, needs, information required etc
• recruiting and training staff
• dealing with problems
• answering queries
• promoting to clients the benefits that GIS presents
• managing the development of GIS software packages
• evaluating the functionality of systems
• keeping up-to-date with new technology
• making sure that projects keep to pre-determined timescales and deadlines
• investigating new GIS applications.

Typical employers of geographical information systems managers

Most geographical information systems (GIS) managers work for:

• specialist software development companies and consultancies
• local/police authorities
• emergency services
• government departments (such as HM Land Registry)
• motor vehicle rescue services
• utilities.

Vacancies are advertised by careers services and specialist recruitment agencies, in local and national newspapers, local authority jobs lists and in relevant publications including Computer Weekly, Computing, New Scientist, Opportunities, GI News, Earthworks and GeoPlace.

Initial professional positions can be difficult to secure, so networking and speculative applications are worthwhile. The Association for Geographic Information Systems Yearbook is a useful source of contact information.

Qualifications and training required

Although a degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, most entrants have relevant qualifications in subjects such as management sciences, cartography, surveying, geology, computer science/studies, town planning, geography, information technology or software/computer engineering. Gaining a postgraduate GIS qualification is advantageous, particularly for graduates without relevant qualifications and/or experience.

Key skills for geographical information systems managers

Employers look for candidates with strong problem solving, project management, analytical, organisational, time management, interpersonal, leadership and communication skills. It is unusual for new graduates to gain a GIS manager position immediately after graduation. Almost all opportunities require candidates to possess relevant experience (particularly experience gained within the fields of project management, team leadership or computer operations).