MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

Arin Mills

"I would advise any student to get as many internships and"real life" experiences as possible. You don’t really know what a career entails until you see and experience it first hand. Also, talk with as many working professionals in the career path as possible; they will all help you find and attain a job after schooling. The work world is a competitive place. Do as much as you can to improve your resume with education and experience."

"I believe knowledge of both environmental conservation and GIS is very important when building a career in my field."

Environmentalist - Arin Mills

Field: Environmental Conservation
Job Title: Environmentalist II
Place of Employment: N.H. Army National Guard, Concord, New Hampshire

What is your current job and what does it entail?

I am a Conservation Specialist for the N.H. Army National Guard. We work to ensure that land throughout the state used by the National Guard is in environmental compliance with state and federal regulations. We also train soldiers on a variety of environmental issues concerning the sites.

In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly (e.g., foresters, engineers, etc)?

I work with other environmentalists with expertise in a variety of other environmental program areas, such as air and water quality, pest management, and hazardous waste. I also work with National Guard soldiers, as well as other state and federal agencies (i.e. N.H. Fish and Game Department, N.H. Department of Environmental Services, Natural Heritage Bureau, N.H. National Guard Bureau).

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

I collect various geospatial data using a GPS unit. I also make a variety of maps for reports using Arc Map 9.x and frequently convert CAD and survey data to GIS for these maps. We also submit portions of our data to the federal government which requires the data in SDSFIE (Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment) format.

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

I also need many of my environmental skills I learned while in college. Skills in public speaking and effective communication skills are also helpful. My position requires me to write various reports, therefore my writing skills are frequently called upon.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

I chose this position because of its great integration of geospatial technologies with the environment. I enjoy collecting real life field data on the environment and having the ability to analyze it and make decisions using the GIS software. Another important factor was the benefits a state job offers.

What do you like most about your career?

I enjoy the field and the real-life component of my job. I enjoy getting outside in the environment and collecting real information. I also enjoy talking with and educating others on environmental areas I am knowledgeable in.

What do you like least about your career?

I dislike getting tied down in report writing and following federal guidelines. The reports I write are lengthy and require very specific information contained in a very particular format. Regulations are hard to read and hard to follow and comply with.

What do you do to relax?

I enjoy kayaking, walking in the woods and spending time with my daughter.

Who are your heroes/heroines?

I look up to others who can balance a full time career and a quality family life.

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

I would advise any student to get as many internships and "real life" experiences as possible. You don’t really know what a career entails until you see and experience it first hand. Also, talk with as many working professionals in the career path as possible; they will all help you find and attain a job after schooling. The work world is a competitive place. Do as much as you can to improve your resume with education and experience.

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

I believe opportunities are increasing in my field due to the need for more and stricter environmental regulations. The geospatial component of my job is also becoming more of a demand as the technology develops. I believe geospatial technologies will continue to develop and become more specialized to cater to the many disciplines that use it, including environmental. I believe knowledge of both environmental conservation and GIS is very important when building a career in my field.

E-mail: arin.mills@nh.ngb.army.mil

Salary Range: $25-40,000
Degree Major Institution

B.S.

Environmental Science

University of New Hampshire