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Kamila Svorad

Geographic Systems and Data Officer
What employment sector do you work in?

Public Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

4 months

Salary Range

£25,000 – £30,000

Please describe the work that you do.

I work with spatial data, undertake complex analyses on them and create visualisations in the form of maps for colleagues in and outside of the organisation. I use various GIS tools and often use automation and scripting for smooth processing.

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

I like the purpose of my role – it is supporting the work of ecologists and conservationists, and their work supports all of us.

What inspired you into this career? 

Initially, it was the topic of climate change. I’ve realised I want to have a positive impact on the world with a career that has meaning.

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

As I’m only at the start of my career, I can only evaluate the process of getting into the career.

During the final semester of my studies, while writing my dissertation, I applied for many jobs in the Ecology and Environmental sector. The number of applications filled out with no interviews or even responses was frustrating. From tens of applications (maybe even more than a hundred?), I was seriously considered for 3 jobs, for which I had 6 interviews. Which doesn’t sound like much, and it isn’t. But when the right one comes, it is worth it.

What education/training did you have?

I studied Computer Science degree for 3 years at Czech Technical University in Prague, Czechia (I didn’t finish it). I took a gap year and worked in a corporation. And then I studied Ecology at the University of Stirling, UK.

While studying, I worked part-time as a Data Analyst (in a customs team), which helped me develop more data analytical skills. I also asked for any opportunities within the department at the university after the 2nd year and landed a part-time GIS Technician role. The lecturer I was working with focused on Environmental Informatics, which ultimately led me to GIS and spatial data. My dissertation was largely focused on using remote sensing and statistical analysis in Ecology.

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

During those 4 years of my undergraduate degree, I noticed how difficult and competitive this career can be. But it is possible! Think ahead, think of tools and knowledge you think you will need, but also the ones you can’t currently imagine incorporating into the career. You can use a large variety of skills in a simply-looking role.

Tags: Scotland, Data and Mapping Roles, Public Sector

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