Follow-up study of the importance of mapping technology knowledge and skills for entry-level forestry job positions, as deduced from recent job advertisements

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to assess the importance of mapping technology knowledge and skills for entry-level forestry job candidates, based on relevant job advertisements made available through 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 a job advertisement. One hundred and seventy-two (172) job advertisements were collected from 91 employment and recruitment Internet sites over a six-month period of time beginning on March 30, 2017 and ending on 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. Employers placed greatest emphasis on knowledge and skill related to geographic information systems. 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. We observed some differences with respect to the type of forestry organization seeking job applicants (public and private), and the region in which the job being offered was situated.