Geographic Information Systems Officer (WA)

Education and Training:

To become a geographic information systems officer you usually have to complete a VET qualification in spatial information systems or spatial science. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree with a major in geographic, spatial or geospatial information systems; geographical, spatial or geospatial science; geography; geomatics; or surveying. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your WACE at Stages 2 and 3. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, earth and environmental science, physics, chemistry, physical sciences and mathematics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

Graduates and students may be eligible for membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

The major employers of geographic information systems officers are federal, state, territory and local government organisations, statutory authorities and private companies involved in land use, planning and management. There is a demand for specialist skills, ranging from systems development (designing and building geographic databases, spatial management and analysis tools, and web delivery systems) to the application of geographic information systems to provide specialist solutions in environmental, business and development activities.