A geographic information systems analyst is responsible for tracking information on everything from a projected storm path to what impact an oil spill will have. The job certainly has its stressful moments, but more than 55 percent of those currently in this field consider the job low stress. Granted, there is a place for exciting challenges in the workplace, but it’s always a plus when stress levels can be kept at a minimum while enjoying a rewarding career with an average salary of $51,980.
Tracking Wildlife
What could be more relaxing than tracking wildebeests, buffalo, cattle, and horses? Possibly the least stressful GIS related job, tracking of wildlife involves following where certain groups of animals are now and predicting where they were eventually move to over time. It’s an important job when it comes to figuring out animal patterns and how these patterns change as environmental conditions are altered.
Computing Delivery Routes for Trucks
This could get a little intense during the holiday season when millions of people are sending out packages that “have to” be there by Christmas, but usually tracking delivery routes isn’t all that stressful.
Helping to Design GIS Databases
Another common task is to assist with creating databases using GIS and integrating GIS with other technology. This involves some skill, but not really a lot of stress. It might even be somewhat self-satisfying to apply your skills to helping to create a GIS database that will be used to track everything from migration habits to storm paths.
Historical Geography
Some aspects of GIS involve looking at previous tracking patterns to predict future patterns. This is usually an ongoing process without strict deadlines, which equals a lower stress level. This may encompass looking at weather patterns from the past to predict seasonal temperatures or storm patterns. However, you’re not really dealing with tight deadlines and other typical workplace stress points.
Solving Technical Problems
Solving technical problems isn’t really as stressful as it might sound. If you have a true love of what you do, solving problems can actually be a challenge that you look forward to tackling. As long as you have help from co-workers, solving GIS-related technical problems shouldn’t be all that stressful.
Mapping
Mapping was originally the main responsibility of somebody in the GIS profession. Today, mapping can still be part of the job. This involves mapping terrains, ocean depths, or even heights of waterways to prevent barges from getting stuck on sand dunes. Again, this is challenging, but not really all that stressful.
Chronic stress at work can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure and an increased chance of heart-related issues. The job of geographic information systems analyst can be demanding at times, especially in emergency situations. Most of the typical situations involved with this position, however, aren’t that stressful. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts “excellent” job growth in the GIS field over the next decade. That’s got to help relieve stress.
– Michelle Larsen writes for education blogs where you can find out more about geography degrees. Several schools offer GIS degrees including University of Southern California and University of California Riverside.
