Follow-up study of the importance of mapping technology knowledge and skills for entry-level forestry job positions, as deduced from recent job advertisements
Palabras clave:
Content analysis, GIS, GPS, Mapping technology, Forestry employmentResumen
The purpose of this follow-up investigation is to further assess the importance of mapping technology knowledge and skills for entry-level forestry job candidates, based on relevant job advertisements available on the Internet. The study assumes that an expectation of the relevant details regarding educational background and desired work experience of an entry-level forestry position would be evident in the job advertisements. One hundred and seventy-two (172) job advertisements were analyzed from 91 employment and recruitment Internet sites over a six-month period of time between March 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017. Using a summative content analysis approach, we analyzed the word/phrase frequency of use of mapping technology requirements in these job advertisements. The results indicate that over half of the entry-level forestry job advertisements required candidates to possess knowledge (24.4%) or skill (26.2%) related to geographic information systems (GIS). Over one-quarter of the advertisements suggested knowledge (10.5%) or skill (16.9%) of global positioning systems (GPS) was important. Only one GIS system was specifically mentioned in the job advertisements. Knowledge and skill related to the use of a compass, aerial images, and in a broader sense, remote sensing were mentioned in much lower frequencies (6 to 13% of the time). We observed some variation with respect to the type of forestry organization seeking job applicants (public vs. private), and the region in which the jobs being offered were situated.
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