MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

Jonathan Kim

"I really like to be able to work outside in the mountains during the summer and fall making geologic maps. Since I get to do high-level geology year-round and diverse projects, my level of enthusiasm stays high."

"At each step of my academic career, I had an advisor who really took time to provide guidance and support. Without these mentors, I never would have made it to the next level."

Geologist - Jonathan Kim

Field: Geology
Job Title: Geologist
Place of Employment: Vermont Geological Survey, Waterbury, Vermont

What is your current job and what does it entail?

I am a Geologist with the Vermont Geological Survey (a state agency) in Waterbury, Vermont. I have a number of duties that focus on the relationship of geology to human health (radioactivity, arsenic, and nitrates in ground water), mitigation of geologic hazards (erosion, landslides, and earthquakes), and educational outreach (to the public and schools). In order to approach health and geologic hazard problems, it is often necessary to collect geologic data in the field and to construct geologic maps. The geologic maps and data are then put into Geographic Information System (GIS) software to provide a context for understanding the problem(s). I also do a considerable amount of geochemical analysis of ground water, rocks, and soils.

In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly?

I interact frequently with geologists at universities, consulting firms, and other state and federal agencies. In addition, I communicate regularly with drinking water engineers and toxicologists at the Vermont Dept. of Health.

For your position, what skills do you need in geospatial technologies?

The use of geospatial technology is only part of my job. As I geologist, I use Geographic Information Software (GIS) daily. This software allows one to overlay multiple geologic data sets on maps in the computer in order to assess complex geologic problems. In addition to geospatial software, I also regularly use graphics software. The necessary geospatial technology skills can be learned either through formal classes or on-the-job.

For your position, what skills outside of geospatial technologies are required?

Since I am first and foremost a geologist, a rigorous and diverse background in the geological sciences is necessary (at least to the Master’s level). My training also includes a number of years constructing geologic maps in the mountains of Vermont and Massachusetts.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

After my junior year at Colgate University, we were required to spend twelve weeks outside studying field geology in the Northeast. The different modules took us to the Connecticut Valley (Massachusetts), the Taconic Mountains (New York), the St. Lawrence lowlands (New York), and the Adirondacks (New York). After that I was hooked. Although I tried four years in the oil exploration industry after my M.S. and traveled around the world, I had the itch to get back to field geology. I finished my Ph.D. in 1996, studying the bedrock geology of part of the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.

What do you like most about your career?

I really like to be able to work outside in the mountains during the summer and fall making geologic maps. Since I get to do high-level geology year-round and diverse projects, my level of enthusiasm stays high. I get to work with undergraduate geology majors from local colleges throughout the year. The fact that the geologic work that I do directly addresses human health and geologic hazard issues.

What do you like least about your career?

When working in a state agency system, it can often take longer to get things done than one would like.

What do you do to relax?

I am an avid skier, biker, and hiker. I like to read a lot.

Who are your heroes/heroines?

Although there are a number of outstanding geologists that I know and admire, the mentors I have had over the years have made the greatest difference to me. At each step of my academic career, I had an advisor who really took time to provide guidance and support. Without these mentors, I never would have made it to the next level.

What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?

I would say to get a solid background in science in high school and then pursue a rigorous geology curriculum in college. Having a genuine love of the outdoors is essential.

Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?

I would say that opportunities in geology are roughly staying the same overall. Employment for geologists tends to be cyclical. Since state and federal budgets fluctuate due to economic issues, getting a job at a state or federal geological survey usually depends on"being in the right place at the right time". With the high price of oil, petroleum geologists are in higher demand now. The Environmental Consulting business has been cyclical as well.

E-mail: jon.kim@state.vt.us

Salary Range: $40-60,000

Degree Major Institution

B.A.

Geology

Colgate University

M.S.

Geology

University of South Florida at Tampa

Ph.D.

Geology

State University of New York at Buffalo