Biodiversity Information Management Technician or Specialist
Biodiversity Informatics in South Africa, as in other parts of the world, is a young and dynamic field of science, requiring new techniques and innovations to analyse biodiversity data.
A range of professionals and technicians provide essential ICT services to biodiversity organisations. These people combine the necessary knowledge of Information and Computer Technology with their knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystems. Tasks include researching, analysing, organising and presenting biodiversity information and related scientific data and studying the literature related to conservation blueprints, priority landscapes and properties.
They may collect information in digital format, for example, GIS (Geographical Information System) technicians and specialists map information about plants, animals and their distribution patterns, or changes in soil, weather etc. in the form of digital maps.
They may design databases, enter information into databases, and take responsibility for keeping them updated. They may use information contained in existing mathematical models or which they may have to develop themselves.
GIS specialists produce digital maps that can be enlarged to show the various features of an area, e.g. its soil types, micro-climates, vegetation types, distribution of animal populations, human populations and their activities. A variety of other scientists and managers then use this information to develop policies, predict changes, and, where necessary, change the way in which the environment is managed. Very important in the context of climate change and ecosystem degradation, this work can be used to warn people about possible disasters such as storms, floods and droughts that could occur.
GIS specialists usually work in clean, well-lit and well-ventilated offices. They generally work in a shared environment, but can also work in their own cubicle equipped with computers and automated mapping equipment. The work often involves long hours working in front of a computer: some GIS professionals also go into the field to collect data.
Requirements
• have very good mathematical and general analytic skills
• good computer skills
• spatial reasoning
• visual aesthetes for map-making
• good attention to detail
• in some cases, modelling skills
• be meticulous and handle a lot of data with great care and accuracy
• have social skills
• be able to listen well and interpret the exact nature of the needs of other researchers and managers in order to come up with the correct products, software, models, etc. for them.
School Subjects
- National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
- National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution has its own entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics (to do modelling and programming)
Recommended Subjects: Geography, Information Technology, Computer Applications
Training
Degree: BSc, BA or BSocSc with subjects such as Environmental Management, Geography, Mathematics and Computer Science, all universities.
Postgraduate: Remote Sensing and GIS should be taken at this level.
It is essential to continuously improve one’s knowledge because systems are constantly changing.
Possible Career Paths
Entry level in this career is an information officer who can become a GIS specialist.
Employer
• research institutions such as SANBI, SAIAB and SAEON
• large conservation agencies
• museums
• other government departments.
Contact
Computer Society of SA
P O Box 1714
Halfway House, 1685
ICT House
546 16th Road
Constantia Park [Unit No.3]
Midrand
Tel: (011) 315-1319 Fax: (011) 315-2276
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Private Bag X101
Pretoria, 0001
2 Cussonia Ave
Brummeria
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 843-5000 Fax: (012) 804-3211
www.sanbi.org
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)
Private Bag 1015
Grahamstown, 6140
Tel: (046) 603-5800 Fax: (046) 622-2403
www.saiab.ac.za
Green Matter
P O Box 411703
Craighall, 2024
Hyde Park Shopping Centre
5th Floor, South Wing
Hyde Park
Tel: (011) 325-5124 Fax: (011) 325-6100
Information sponsored by GreenMatter.
www.greenmatter.co.za
www.cssa.org.za