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Careers / Geographers |
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Summary Description |
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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 to global. |
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Sample Job Titles |
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Biogeographer |
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2. |
Earth Observations Chief Scientist (NASA) |
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Economic Geographer |
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Environmental Affairs Corporate Director |
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5. |
Environmental Scientist |
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6. |
Geographer |
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Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst) |
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Geographic Information Systems Program Director (GIS Program Director) |
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9. |
Geography Professor |
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10. |
Geomorphologist |
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11. |
GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer) |
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12. |
GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist) |
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13. |
Glaciologist |
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14. |
Imagery Analyst |
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15. |
Natural Resources Specialist |
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16. |
Physical Geographer |
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Political Geographer |
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18. |
Professor |
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19. |
Research Coordinator |
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20. |
Scientist |
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21. |
Urban and Metropolitan Policy Director |
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Job Tasks |
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Write and present reports of research findings.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
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Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
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Gather and compile geographic data from sources including censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Compile geographic or related data.
- Collect geographical or geological field data.
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Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
- Conduct anthropological or archaeological research.
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Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
- Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
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Provide consulting services in fields such as resource development and management, business location and market area analysis, environmental hazards, regional cultural history, and urban social planning.
- Advise others on business or operational matters.
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Teach geography.
- Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.
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Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
- Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
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Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
- Conduct anthropological or archaeological research.
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Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
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Conduct field work at outdoor sites.
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Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
- Collect geographical or geological field data.
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Work Activities |
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Getting Information —
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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Analyzing Data or Information —
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others —
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
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Interacting With Computers —
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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Processing Information —
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events —
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge —
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems —
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Communicating with Persons Outside Organization —
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
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Thinking Creatively —
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Documenting/Recording Information —
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates —
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships —
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information —
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
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Training and Teaching Others —
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
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Developing Objectives and Strategies —
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work —
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Provide Consultation and Advice to Others —
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
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Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings —
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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Scheduling Work and Activities —
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
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Coaching and Developing Others —
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
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Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People —
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others —
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards —
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Performing Administrative Activities —
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
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Developing and Building Teams —
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
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Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates —
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
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Monitoring and Controlling Resources —
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public —
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
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Staffing Organizational Units —
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization. |
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others —
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
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Selling or Influencing Others —
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. |
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Nature of the Work |
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Working Conditions |
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Did you know... |
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The MyPlan.com Financial Aid Guide provides detailed step-by-step advice on getting financial aid for college. |
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