MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

"Every time a 911 line rings, a valid address is found, the proper equipment is dispatched and a timely and accurate response occurs, I see what I have done is working."

"Opportunities are increasing every day. As more people become aware of GIS in the public safety realm, and as the fire protection, law enforcement and emergency medical services technologies have become more widely used, finely-tuned, and user friendly, public safety agencies are looking for people with knowledge of GIS and public safety to help keep them up to date."

 

GIS Coordinator - Rachel Kilby

Job Title: GIS Coordinator
Field: Public Safety
Place of Employment: Guilford Metro 911, City of Greensboro, North Carolina

What is your current job and what does it entail?

GIS Coordinator, Guilford Metro 911. I coordinate the mapping activities for three 911 Public Safety Answering Point centers in the county, more than 20 responding EMS, police, sheriff and fire departments, and three GIS departments (two city, one county), to provide accurate information dictating all emergency response in the county. This includes accurate road centerline information, address locations, municipal boundaries, different public safety agency response areas and planned growth areas.

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

I interact with the 911 director, police chief, sheriff, EMS director, fire chief, addressers for the local government, department of transportation officials, annexation coordinators, planning department, building inspectors—all primarily local government employees. Less frequently, I interact with citizens, typically when something goes wrong or there is a complaint about service.

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

I need a broad understanding of GIS and its capabilities, as well as the different technologies used, in terms of software, compatibility and capability. The most important part is a basic knowledge of GIS and how it impacts all areas of local government; the specific technicalities come in time.

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

The most important skills include diplomacy, interpersonal and communication skills, and cooperation. The job also requires an in-depth understanding of public safety, its special requirements/needs, and how it relates back to the government structure.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

I have always been interested in the applications of GIS to all aspects of public safety.

What do you like most about your career?

I like the interaction with such a broad array of people, and also the fact that I see the effects of my work instantaneously. Every time a 911 line rings, a valid address is found, the proper equipment is dispatched and a timely and accurate response occurs, I see what I have done is working.

What do you like least about your career?

My least favorite part is the research, the grunt-work of having to find out what is going on when a question regarding an address or street arises.

What do you do to relax?

Work out!

Who are your heroes/heroines?

I don’t have any.

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

I’d advise them to expose themselves to many different areas of their fields of interest and learn how they all work together. I’d also suggest trying to understand the inner workings of the public agency/agencies involved; most of the time this is the most complex part of the job. The technical stuff is much easier to learn and do!

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

Opportunities are increasing every day. As more people become aware of GIS in the public safety realm, and as the fire protection, law enforcement and emergency medical services technologies have become more widely used, finely-tuned, and user friendly, public safety agencies are looking for people with knowledge of GIS and public safety to help keep them up to date.

E-mail: rachel.kilby@greensboro-nc.gov

Salary Range: $60-80,000

Degree Major Institution

B.S.

Urban Planning

Appalachian State University

B.S.

Geography

Appalachian State University