Geographers

Also called : Earth Observations Scientist, Geographer, GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer), GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist), Scientist

What they do

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local

On the job, one would

KNOWLEDGE

Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

SKILLS

Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.

Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

ABILITIES

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Related Occupations

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Anthropologists and Archeologists

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Sociologists

Political Scientists

TECHNOLOGY

Analytical or scientific software

Computer aided design CAD software

Data base user interface and query software

Geographic information system

Graphics or photo imaging software

Internet browser software

Map creation software

Office suite software

Presentation software

Spreadsheet software

Web page creation and editing software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Extensive Preparation Needed
Education
Graduate Degree or higher.
Experience
Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations.
Jobtraining
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.