MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

Tiffany Vance

"It is also very useful to be able to explain spatial concepts and patterns to others."

"Take all the science classes you can, but also take English classes and get as much experience reading and writing as you can. The better a writer you are, the easier things will be in the future."

Geographer - Tiffany C. Vance

Field: Marine GIS applications and programming
Job Title: Geographer/Computer Specialist
Place of Employment: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Seattle, Washington

What is your current job and what does it entail?

I work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the National Marine Fisheries Service. I am a project manager and programmer for a variety of projects for a research group looking at the recruitment of larval fish in the North Pacific.

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

Scientists, programmers, oceanographers and fisheries biologists.

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

Good general spatial abilities – ability to think spatially. It is also very useful to be able to explain spatial concepts and patterns to others. Specific skills include cartography, use of GIS, use of remotely sensed data and general programming skills.

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

General communication skills. The ability to understand the terminology and concepts of a variety of disciplines. The ability to explain my areas of specialization to others, and to listen carefully when they explain their areas.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

Chance – I was offered a job as a student programmer at NOAA as my grad school funding was running out. Ended up (20 years later) still working for NOAA – though in a rather different job

What do you like most about your career?

Independence, responsibility, and getting to go interesting places on research cruises.

What do you like least about your career?

Bureaucratic hassles

What do you do to relax?

Garden, travel, read murder mysteries

Who are your heroes/heroines?

Kofi Annan,  UN Secretary General. He started working at the UN as a fairly low level budget officer, ended up as Secretary General. One of the most eloquent speakers I have ever heard.

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

Take all the science classes you can, but also take English classes and get as much experience reading and writing as you can. The better a writer you are, the easier things will be in the future.

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

Hard to tell. Government research is decreasing. Whether university and private research will increase is yet to be seen.

E-mail: vancet@geo.orst.edu

Degree Major Institution

B.A.

Geography

Dartmouth College

M.S.

Oceanography

University of Washington