How to Be Forestry GIS Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 4, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increased demand for forestry GIS specialists is a direct result of the growing importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the forestry industry. With GIS, forestry professionals can accurately map and analyze terrain, vegetation, and wildlife as well as track trends in land use. By utilizing GIS, forestry staff can make better decisions about land management, conservation and forestry operations.

As GIS becomes increasingly important to the forestry industry, there is a growing need for professionals who are trained in GIS technology and understand how to apply it to forestry management. Forestry GIS specialists must have a solid understanding of GIS technology, cartography and forestry principles, as well as strong skills in problem-solving and communication.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a degree in a field related to GIS and Forestry. Areas of study that will prepare you for a career as a forestry GIS specialist include geography, environmental science, natural resources management, or forestry.
Gain experience in the field of GIS. Internships and volunteer opportunities can provide invaluable experience in the use of GIS technology.
Become certified in GIS technology. Certification programs are available through the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and the United States Geological Survey.
Develop a strong understanding of forestry principles and practices. A background in forestry is essential for a successful career as a forestry GIS specialist.
Participate in continuing education courses to stay up on the latest developments in GIS technology and forestry.
Consider joining professional organizations such as the Association for Geographic Information or the Society of American Foresters to network with other professionals in the fields of GIS and forestry.

Staying ahead and competent in Forestry GIS requires a commitment to continual learning. It is essential to stay up to date with the latest technology and trends in the field, and to stay informed about the newest software and hardware tools available. having a good understanding of relevant regulations and best practices is also important.

Attending conferences, seminars, and workshops related to Forestry GIS can help ensure one is informed on the latest developments and can provide networking opportunities with peers and colleagues. Finally, obtaining certifications and/or continuing education courses can help demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the subject. By investing in learning opportunities, a Forestry GIS Specialist can stay ahead and remain competent in their field.

You may want to check Fire/Forestry Technician Lead, Forestry Researcher, and Fire/Forestry Educator for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement GIS-based applications for forestry professionals.
Design, develop, and implement GIS-based forestry management plans.
Utilize GIS software and data to analyze and interpret spatial information.
Develop GIS-based tools for forest resource management, such as for forest inventory, forest health, and wildlife management.
Create, modify, and maintain geospatial databases.
Develop GIS-based reports, maps, and other visual formats to present data analysis results.
Integrate GIS information with other forestry applications, such as GPS and remote sensing.
Collaborate with forestry professionals to identify and solve forestry-related problems using GIS technology.
Stay current on advances in GIS technology and related software.
Train forestry personnel on the use of GIS technology.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of forestry principles and practices, including silviculture, forest management and related topics
Familiarity with GIS software, such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or MapInfo
Ability to create and analyze maps, spatial analyses, and other data sets
Experience with GPS and digital mapping technologies
Proficiency in data management, including data collection, analysis, and organization
Knowledge of timber harvesting, wildlife management, and other natural resource management techniques
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage GIS projects
Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
Working knowledge of relevant laws and regulations

Having a strong understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is essential for forestry GIS specialists. GIS uses mapping and spatial analysis software to collect, organize, analyze, and display data related to the environment. By using GIS, specialists can visualize various aspects of the environment, such as land cover, animal population, air quality, and even the effects of climate change.

As a result, GIS is necessary to understand how different environmental factors interact with each other and how they can be used to make informed decisions on land management. a good GIS specialist must have a solid understanding of computer programming and be able to create custom GIS applications to help manage data and automate tasks. Finally, it is important for a GIS specialist to have good communication skills in order to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders and other stakeholders.

Forestry Engineer, Forestry Supervisor, and Forestry Educator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in GIS technology related to forestry?
How would you apply GIS technology to improve a forestry project?
What challenges have you faced when working with GIS for forestry projects?
What strategies would you use to develop and manage spatial databases for forestry projects?
How would you use GIS technology to analyze environmental data?
What techniques do you use to ensure the accuracy of GIS data?
How do you communicate GIS data to stakeholders?
What experience do you have in developing mapping applications?
How do you stay up-to-date with new GIS software and technologies?
How do you ensure the security of GIS data?

Common Tools in Industry

ArcGIS. GIS software developed by Esri used for creating and managing geographic data, maps, and analysis. (eg: Create a map of forest fire hotspots)
QGIS. An open-source GIS software used for creating and managing geographic data, maps, and analysis. (eg: Analyze the deforestation potential of a certain area)
Google Earth Pro. A powerful GIS tool used for discovering and exploring geographic information. (eg: Compare the terrain of two forest areas)
MapInfo Professional. A powerful GIS software used for creating and managing spatial data. (eg: Analyze the effects of climate change on a particular forest)
Global Mapper. A GIS software used to analyze and present spatial data. (eg: Generate a 3D visualization of a forest area)
ENVI. A GIS software used for analyzing and visualizing satellite images. (eg: Monitor changes in vegetation cover of a particular forest over time)
ERDAS IMAGINE. A GIS software used for analyzing and manipulating digital images. (eg: Analyze the health of a forest based on aerial imagery)
FME. A GIS software used for transforming and integrating spatial data. (eg: Convert forestry data in one format to another compatible format)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)
Association of American Geographers (AAG)
Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP)
Society of American Foresters (SAF)
International Association of Forest Landscape Ecologists (IAFLE)
Association of Geographic Information Laboratories for Europe (AGILE)
International Cartographic Association (ICA)
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
US Forestry GIS Users Group (USFUG)

We also have Fire/Forestry Planner, Forestry Biologist, and Forestry Extension Agent jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Remote Sensing. The use of satellite or aircraft-based sensors to measure and monitor the physical characteristics of an area.
GIS (Geographic Information System). A computer system used for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geographically-referenced data.
Forest Stand Delineation. The process of delineating the boundaries of a forest stand, such as trees or shrubs, based on a variety of factors including age, species, and health.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). A remote sensing technology that uses light pulses to measure the distance between a sensor and the ground, allowing for the creation of three-dimensional images.
Forest Inventory. The systematic collection of data on the characteristics of a forest stand, including species composition, age, health, and size.
Land Use Planning. The process of determining how land can be used in an efficient, equitable, and sustainable manner.
Forest Health Monitoring. The process of collecting data on a forest's health and assessing its condition over time.
Forest Management. The use of scientific principles to manage forests for multiple values including timber production, wildlife habitat, soil and water conservation, and recreation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Forestry GIS Specialist? A1: A Forestry GIS Specialist is a professional who uses geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze, manage, and plan activities related to forestry and natural resources. Q2: What skills are needed to be a Forestry GIS Specialist? A2: A Forestry GIS Specialist needs to have strong knowledge of GIS software and mapping, as well as an understanding of forestry principles and practices, as well as data analysis and management. Q3: What types of tasks does a Forestry GIS Specialist typically work on? A3: A Forestry GIS Specialist typically works on tasks such as collecting data, analyzing data, creating maps and visualizations, developing spatial models and simulations, and providing technical support. Q4: What qualifications are needed to become a Forestry GIS Specialist? A4: To become a Forestry GIS Specialist, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in forestry, geography, environmental science, or a related field. In addition, experience with GIS software is also important. Q5: What is the salary range for a Forestry GIS Specialist? A5: The salary range for a Forestry GIS Specialist can vary depending on factors such as experience and location. In the US, the salary range for a Forestry GIS Specialist is typically between $50,000 and $90,000 per year.