GIS and project support officer — Jennie Cowley

Jennie studied biology at the University of Stirling before becoming a GIS and project support officer for GreenPower Developments Ltd

How did you get your job as a GIS officer?

After graduation, I initially worked in retail in the jewellery business. I was made redundant and took the opportunity to volunteer with The Conservation Volunteers while looking for my next role. I was offered a six-month contract with SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) as an administrator in the Water Policy Unit, which I really enjoyed.

When this role came to an end, I applied for a role as an admin assistant and PA with GreenPower. This was a great route into the renewables industry where I really wanted to support a company doing something to benefit the environment. I was able to take on more responsibility in a project support role and assisting the GIS officer.

GreenPower have been really supportive in recognising my love of GIS and trained me in the different software packages required, so that when the GIS officer left, I was able to move into this role.

How relevant is your degree to your current role?

My biology degree included two years of environmental science. This has given me an understanding of some key areas which are helpful, such as ecology and ecosystems, which is a useful background for some of the maps I create.

While I was working in retail, I was also keen to develop my knowledge in areas which interested me, and I studied a module in oceanography with the Open University.

What does your role involve?

I use ArcGIS to create maps for internal and external use for our renewables projects. These include plans for land transactions, planning applications, environmental impact assessment work and any other project support functions where a map will answer the question.

I use different software (ArcGIS, WindPro, CorelDraw) to interrogate data for many purposes. This can include things such as determining which sites are suitable for renewables development, creating technical illustrations such as wirelines and photomontages to show how a wind farm would sit in the landscape, and looking at any impacts on local communities.

My role also involves background administration of all things GIS, including adhering to licencing requirements.

I support the project team with whatever they may need, and am the administrator for the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. This involves processing applications, dealing with all enquiries and organising and minuting the steering group meetings.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I have always loved maps, and it's great when someone asks a question and I know how to answer it with a map. I really enjoy using my problem solving and artistic skills to create a map, showing information as clearly as possible and that’s accessible to all users.

What are the challenges of your job?

Initially, I was a bit over-awed with the responsibility of the role, but I had a really supportive team and manager who understood that I needed to learn on the job. This was hugely encouraging and has allowed me to keep developing my skills.

The role involves juggling lots of deadlines and priorities, and good working relationships with the team have been crucial in helping with this.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to work in GIS?

I took an unconventional route into working in GIS, which shows it can be done, and my advice would be to build up your experiences through studies, work and volunteering.

Volunteering with a conservation organisation, in any capacity, can be really helpful to gain experience of the sector, and to show your commitment, which can be crucial in helping you in the application process.

Take every opportunity you come across. Don't be afraid to take any role you can with a company you are interested in and then develop from there, as this led me into the amazing job I have now.

Find out more

• Read all about being a geographical information systems officer.
• Take a look at the information technology sector.