Environmental data science, GIS and technology
GIS and environmental data skills cut across nearly every other area: conservation, planning, meteorology, geoscience, sustainability, water and consultancy.
Environmental organisations increasingly rely on data and technology to understand, monitor and manage environmental challenges. From mapping habitats and analysing climate data to predicting flood risk and monitoring environmental change, professionals in this sector use tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, modelling and data analytics to support evidence-based decision making. Opportunities exist across environmental consultancy, conservation, government, research, utilities, renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
Explore job roles
Job roles in this area include: Remote sensing analyst, Environmental data analyst, Earth observation specialist, Climate data analyst, Environmental modelling assistant, Digital sustainability analyst and Biodiversity data officer
- Explore data and mapping roles Green Jobs for Nature
Use the job profiles below to find out about skills, entry routes and experience
- Land Geomatics Surveyor Prospects profile
- GIS Officer Prospects profile
- Cartographer Prospects profile
- Hydrographic surveyor Prospects profile
Tip: Use the information about skills in the profiles to help you build a tailored CV.
Building skills and experience
- Directory of GIS Masters' courses Royal Geographical Society
Gain relevant experience and skills while you study
Use the job profiles above to check which skills are normally needed for the roles you are interested in.
- If GIS is not taught as part of your programme, teach yourself! QGIS is an open-source mapping programme (see also GRASS GIS, SAGA GIS). Open-access data portals include OS OpenData Hub and Natural England Open Data Geoportal. (List for schools but some useful links Free GIS and maps for fieldwork | RGS) and Free or Open Source | Center for Geographic Analysis
- Industrial placement or internships
- Internships and Placements - National Centre for Earth Observation
- Internships | Earth-i (remote sensing)
- LinkedIn learning – QGIS courses 😊
- Hub – volunteer from home with Missing Maps
- Online and in-person work experience & volunteering (RGS)
Finding and applying for jobs
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Find vacancies
- CareerConnect
- TargetJobs
Further resources
- links
Next steps
When planning your next steps you may have additional questions or want to explore certain aspects in more detail:
- Equality, diversity and your future career Explore diversity in the workplace and the support available to you.
- Careers meetings To help with planning your career, making decisions and exploring options.
