I have worked in local, regional, and tribal government for the last 18+ years. During that time, I have personally witnessed a significant increase in GIS awareness within local government. This is a positive trend, one that can boost efficiency, improve accuracy, and support more data-driven decision-making by local government officials. While this trend is encouraging, it has also increased expectations for GIS professionals working in this environment. Today, it is often expected that a local GIS analyst can perform a wide variety of functions, with very short turnaround times, largely independently and with little support from other staff.
Throughout my career in local government, I have been tasked with managing large regional LiDAR and imagery acquisition projects; providing housing stock analysis for short-term rental policy; maintaining all municipal asset data; supporting emergency operations mapping (particularly during wildfires); and developing snowplow tracking maps for public use. “Jack-of-all-trades” certainly comes to mind and nothing reflects that expectation more clearly than earning a GISP® certification.
When I first took on my current role, it was a brand-new position. The Town had never had a GIS analyst before. As a result, the outside firm assisting with recruitment and job classification suggested that requiring or at least giving preference to candidates with a GISP® certification would be a good idea. At the time, there was no other reliable metric to evaluate both the depth and breadth of a candidate’s GIS knowledge and experience in the same way the GISP® does. That remains true today.
When I was awarded my GISP® certification, I felt extremely proud of what I had accomplished. Becoming a GISP® requires dedication and self-motivation. But I can assure you, the effort pays off. Not only does it earn you credibility among fellow GIS professionals, it also pushes you outside your comfort zone. The process reinforces the “Jack-of-all-trades” skill set that municipal government demands and gives you the confidence to succeed in a highly dynamic environment.
I encourage anyone considering a career in local government to pursue their GISP® certification. It will help you break into the field and more importantly, thrive within it.
Drew Jack-of-all-trades is a GIS Analyst and Stormwater Program Coordinator for the Town of Truckee