MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

Joseph J. Kerski

See my work!

"The people in geography, science, and geospatial technologies are, in my opinion, the best in the world—people who are eager to learn new things, share what they know with others, and like to have fun doing it."

"The key factor in my career decision was a love of the earth, and of maps, and geography naturally fits into both things. Equally important, though, was a passion for making education the best we can, and a love for people."

"I enjoy working in the field of geography, which at its core, seeks to protect the environment and its people."

"Think of what your teachers do for you everyday! My real heroes are the everyday educators at all levels – K12 teachers, university professors, people in museums and libraries, and all those who have committed their lives to helping people learn. They receive little recognition for the enormous responsibility that they gladly take on and do with excellence."

"Pursue your dreams. Go for it! Geography is infinitely varied, interesting, and full of wonderful landscapes, issues, and people."

Geographer - Joseph J. Kerski

Field: Geography
Job Title: Geographer
Place of Employment: United States Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado

What is your current job and what does it entail?

I focus on four main tasks, all of which involve the application of geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to education:

  1. I teach about 40 workshops and classes annually, from half-day workshops to full semester courses, on geography, science, and GIS. These classes are for teachers, students, the general public, news media, government, nonprofit, and businesses who seek to enhance what they are doing with geographic, or spatial, thinking.
  2. I create lessons and curriculum that help people use GIS technology and methods.
  3. I study how and why GIS is being implemented in education, and what students learn with GIS that is different from what they learn with traditional paper maps and textbooks.
  4. I seek and nurture educational partnerships between government, Native Americans, educators, universities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, professional societies, and others for the advancement of geography and GIS education.

In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly?

Because my job involves partnerships, I work with thousands of people each year. I meet at least 100 new people at every conference I attend, and receive over 100 emails each day. The people in geography, science, and geospatial technologies are, in my opinion, the best in the world—people who are eager to learn new things, share what they know with others, and like to have fun doing it.

For your position, what skills do you need in geospatial technologies?

Skills in knowing how to apply the technologies to make a decision in the real world, whether it is where to locate a landfill, to lessen wetland losses, to curtail urban growth. We need people who know how to do more than just push buttons in GIS and Remote Sensing software! We need people who can step back, consider the options, look at the big picture, use GIS as one of the tools to do that, but moreover, use their brains—that’s the best tool of all!

For your position, what skills outside of geospatial technologies are required?

I spend a great deal of time writing—writing grant proposals for education, articles in journals and magazines, and creating guidelines and procedures, many of which are for the web. I also spend much time speaking to a wide variety of audiences each year. I also read quite a bit. Get familiar with the literature in your field, but also, in other fields. Don’t be too narrowly focused, but read other viewpoints. But, stand up for what you believe in. Be sure to listen—one of the most important skills of all, and be sensitive to each group that you meet with. Find out what their needs are so you can best help them.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

The key factor in my career decision was a love of the earth, and of maps, and geography naturally fits into both things. Equally important, though, was a passion for making education the best we can, and a love for people. These last two guided my decision to work in the educational field of geography and GIS.

What do you like most about your career?

I enjoy helping make the world a bit better in my own small way by helping students, teachers, GIS professionals, scientists, business partners, and others each day. I enjoy working in the field of geography, which at its core, seeks to protect the environment and its people. I enjoy traveling—I have taught in New Zealand, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, Canada, and most states of the USA. I enjoy working for a U.S. Government organization where we take "public service" seriously. The USGS has a fascinating history dating back to 1879; John Wesley Powell was our second director.

What do you like least about your career?

I like least that education consistently receives a lot of talk, but not much monetary or staff support, even in a large organization such as the one I work for.

What do you do to relax?

Geographers should be out there exploring the earth! And I like doing just that. In fact, I enjoy exploring under the earth, in caves of all shapes and sizes. I also enjoy visiting the intersections of latitude and longitude lines and out of the way places, such as the Nebraska Sand Hills. I also enjoy singing and playing the guitar.

Who are your heroes/heroines?

Think of what your teachers do for you every day! My real heroes are the everyday educators at all levels – K12 teachers, university professors, people in museums and libraries, and all those who have committed their lives to helping people learn. They receive little recognition for the enormous responsibility that they gladly take on and do with excellence.

What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?

I would say first and foremost: Pursue your dreams. Go for it! Geography is infinitely varied, interesting, and full of wonderful landscapes, issues, and people.

Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?

They are increasing! In 2004, the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary indicated the three hot fields for 21st century careers: geospatial technologies, nanotechnologies, and biotechnologies. GIS has grown at least 10% each year since 1980 as the applications for spatial thinking keep expanding.

E-mail: jjkerski@usgs.gov

Salary Range: $60-80,000

Degree Major Institution

B.A.

Geography

University of Colorado

M.A.

Geography

University of Kansas

Ph.D.

Geography

University of Colorado