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Cameron Johnson

GIS Technician
What employment sector do you work in?

Private/ Consultancy Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

3 months

Salary Range

£20,000 – £25,000

Please describe the work that you do.

In my role, I assist the team by producing all the maps needed to be sent out to clients once surveys have been done in the field. I also produce maps for use in the field and map out development plans sent to us by clients. I also input BNG data into the metric to attain whether a development has met the criteria or not, and if not provide recommendations on how to do so.

What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?

Every day there is something new coming in that needs mapping and I have to find the most efficient way to do this. As technology becomes more and more used in the sector my role is also expanding, helping the team to use technology in the field or to automate report writing for example. I also get to be involved with every member of our team as they all need different maps at different times whatever project they are on.

What inspired you into this career? 

I developed my GIS skills during a master’s in Biodiversity Conservation and found it to be something I was particularly good at. Whilst I never wanted to be at a desk-based job, being at the forefront of the sector’s development is an exciting position for me. Also, knowing that the technology is going to be used in the field I know I will get my chance outdoors! I feel like I’m making a positive impact on the country’s biodiversity and actively suggesting ways to improve it further.

Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far? 

I am still new to the role but already have a clear outline for where technological development will head in the next year or so within my company and the sector.

What education/training did you have?

BSc Geography from the University of Nottingham
MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Leeds
6-month wildlife conservation internship with GVI in South Africa

What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession? 

Don’t rush, there are an ever-growing number of roles in the sector even if it doesn’t feel like it, and you will find the right one for you. It’s a competitive sector but once you’re in you’ll find that what you do every day feels rewarding and like you’re making a difference. If you think you need more experience, find volunteering opportunities near you, I did it with the National Trust for 6 months at my local nature reserve.

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Tags: England, Private sector, Data and mapping roles, Ecologist, Policy and law roles

Date profile submitted: 11/10/2023

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