Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
• Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
• Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
• Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
• Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
• Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitising of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.
• Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
• Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
• Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
• Perform integrated or computerised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.

Further Information

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Technician - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

A degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession. however most entrants have relevant qualifications in subjects such as management sciences. cartography. surveying. geology. computer science/studies. town planning. geography. information technology or software/computer engineering.

Gaining a postgraduate GIS qualification is advantageous. particularly for graduates without relevant qualifications and/or experience. The University of Ulster provides a course in GIS which is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. In the Republic of Ireland institutes such as NUI Maynooth and University College Cork offer postgraduate qualifications in GIS.

Training & Development 

FET PLC Courses: Applied Sciences, General Engineering at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Allied Engineering Apprenticeships, Geo-Driller Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Geography and Geoscience, Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Science - (Mathematical, Physical and Geological Sciences), Geographic Science, Geology and Physics, maths and physics NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study Options Geoinformatics for Environmental Geology, Geology - Applied Environmental Geology, Geology - Offshore Environmental Geology, Earth Sciences - Research, Geology - Exploration Field Geology, Geocomputation - National Centre for Geocomputation - Research, Geographic Information Science, Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing, Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Demography NFQ level 9

Proffessional Development & Associations 

Geological Society of Ireland 

Society Of Chartered Survyors Ireland

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €64k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Salaryband/ Glassdoor

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to quantity surveyors and issues with recruitment of quantity surveyors were also evident in both the Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey data.

The supply of quantity surveyors has increased since 2016, with 336 awards in 2021 in higher education. The demand for these skills is expected to be sustained in the coming years, although the tasks may be incorporated into other occupations e.g. structural engineer. With supply increasing, issues with recruitment may lessen in future years. Demand for architects and town planners is likely to continue, although the data does not currently point to issues in relation to sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles. 

• Geological Survey of Ireland

  • Beggars Bush, Haddington Rd., Dublin 4
  • (01) 678 2896
  • Click Here

• Ordnance Survey Ireland

  • Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
  • (01) 8025300
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here