Occupation Details
Geographers
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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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$85,280.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$102,030.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$123,030.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
20,640
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
23,440
+280 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,850
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Abney levels
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Anemometers
- Atomic emission spectroscopes
- Automatic levels
- Cathodoluminescence microscopes
- Chain saws
- Compaction meters
- Conductivity meters
- Crosscut saws
- Deionizers
- Demagnetizing equipment
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital imaging microscopes
- Digital video cameras
- Digitizers
- Dissolved oxygen meters
- Drying ovens
- Dutch augers
- Electromagnetic current meters
- Electronic precision balances
- Flatbed scanners
- Flow meters
- Four wheel drive 4WD vehicles
- Fume hoods
- Gas-mixing furnaces
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Grab samplers
- Gravity convection ovens
Technology
- ACD Systems Canvas
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Caliper Maptitude
- Clark Labs IDRISI Andes
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS
- Golden Software Grapher
- Golden Software Surfer
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- Lemkesoft GraphicConverter
- MODPATH
- Martin D Adamiker's TruFlite
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- draw maps or charts
- operate land or site surveying instruments
- use measuring instruments to collect geological data
- use geographic positioning system (GPS)
- use meteorological equipment or instruments
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- advise clients or customers
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- write research or project grant proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- observe weather conditions
- monitor meteorological conditions
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- compile information through interviews
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- plan surveys of specified group or area
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- confer with research personnel
- make decisions
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret aerial photographs
- interpret charts or tables for social or economic research
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
- use current social research
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use field notes in technical drawings
- use interviewing procedures
- use land surveying techniques
- use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
- use scientific research methodology
- maintain awareness of social trends
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use physical science research techniques
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- identify properties of rocks or minerals
- recognize interrelationships among individuals or social groups
- analyze spatial data
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- compile data on economic, social, or physical factors affecting land use
- classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computer graphics design software
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- use geographical information system (GIS) software
- develop or maintain databases
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- read maps
- collect social or personal information
- obtain land survey data using surveying instruments
- collect geographic or physical data
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- conduct geological surveys
- analyze social or economic data
- analyze ecosystem data
- perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
- analyze geological research data
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Teach geography.
- Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
- Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
- Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
- Conduct field work at outdoor sites.
- Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
- Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
- 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.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Geological Institute
AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in their profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources and interaction with the environment.
Learn MoreCornell University Cooperative Extension New York City 4 H Youth Favorite Places
4 H Youth Favorite Places (YFP) is an activity designed to help teach youth about Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning System (GIS/GPS) as well as provide a service to their community, in which youth "map" their favorite places in their community.
Learn MoreDiscovery Channel School's Lesson Plans Library
View the list of brand-new lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school students. Lesson plans include the sciences, mathematics and technology. Hundreds of original lesson plans, all written by teachers for teachers are easily accessible. Use the pull-down menus to browse by subject, grade, or both.
Learn MoreEarth Science Educator
The Earth Science Educator contains hundreds of teaching and learning web resources and provides teachers and students with quick access to a set of rich and scientifically-oriented educational resources on a wide range of Earth science research activities. The Educator is the educational portal site of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Earth-Sun Exploration Division.
Learn MoreExploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere
What exactly is the Earth's magnetosphere, what are its interactions with the Sun and why should these be of interest to a non-scientist? What of all that should be presented to students in middle and high school? The Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere is an overview of space research on the Earth's environment in space and answers these questions and more.
Learn MoreLink Summer Science Explorations
Link Summer Science Explorations introduces students to hands-on, high-tech science. This Summer Exploration offers weeklong science programs that include At Home in Our Galaxy, Planets in the Solar System, Violent Weather and its Effects, Mars, Gas Giants, Alien Moons, and Space Travel and finally, Super Science Explorers.Completed materials need to be returned by April 20, 2007.
Learn MoreRader's Geography4Kids
Geography4Kids.com is a website that teaches the basics of geography and earth sciences to all ages. It has sections on earth energy, earth structure, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere, climates, and BGC cycles (biogeochemical).
Learn MoreSocial scientists, other
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreSummer Institute
Kopernik Space Education Center Summer Institute offers weeklong science programs for young people in grades 3-12. Programs include Moon Craters and Catastrophes, New Views of Mars, It's All About Me, Meteors and Dinosaurs, Junior Astronomers and Super Science Explorers.
Learn MoreThe Great Magnet, the Earth
The Great Magnet, the Earth is a nonmathematical historical outline of the study of the Earth's magnetism. This web site tells the story of Gilbert and his book, "De Magnete"--"On the Magnet" with glimpses of London in 1600, and with studies of magnetism before and after Gilbert.
Learn MoreVirtual Field Trippin: The Rocks of Central New York of Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys
The rocks of the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys of upstate New York tell a fascinating story, both through the rock layers themselves, as well as the life contained within them. This visual tour is intended as a jumping-off point for those with no knowledge of the rocks of east-central New York State.
Learn MoreWave Hill Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship
Wave Hill and Lehman College collaborate to provide a summer opportunity combined with academic studies in Basic Mapping Science, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Site visits to environmentally significant locations and small work crews prune or clear excess vegetation, plant native species, fortify hillsides, and repair woodland trails to prevent erosion along the Hudson River. Lehman College's Department of Environmental, Geographic and Geological Sciences offers laboratory sessions and lectures by graduate students for three college credits, tuition-free.
Learn More