Cartographer Technician

Jenny Kynaston is a cartographic technician. She works for a university in the south of England.

How would you outline your role?

I work for the university's geography department. I produce maps for use by academic staff and students and look after the graphics suite.

What are your main responsibilities?

I am responsible for the drawing or computer production of maps, diagrams and posters which are needed for teaching, research projects and publications. For example, I might be asked to create a map showing the study sites for a research project run by one of the academic members of staff. I run seminars and tutorials to teach others how to use the graphic computer programmes and other relevant equipment. I also oversee the department's print services; printing files, binding things or providing a "mini" digital print bureau service. For example, if I am given information on a memory stick, it is my job to print it out. I have found that by working within an academic arena there is plenty of scope to take on new responsibilities and develop my role. I also look after the department's health and safety issues and oversee workstation assessments.

What hours do you work?

I work Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

What is your working environment like?

The graphics suite is an office with computers, including Apple Macs and PCs. It is a busy environment to work in. I need to ensure that it is kept clean and tidy.

Who do you work with?

I am a member of the department's technical team. There are six of us supporting the department and we take responsibility for different areas. My work brings me into contact with academic staff and students.

What skills or qualities do you need?

You manage your own work load so need to be organised, motivated and able to prioritise different projects. An eye for detail is essential. Patience is an important quality. You should enjoy working with people and be a good communicator. Taking a pride in your work is important as you are providing a service to the university's department.

Why did you choose this type of work?

I really enjoyed my geography and graphical communication A levels, so decided to study for a combined cartography and geography degree. On graduating I was very lucky to find my current role through a job advert my tutor gave me.

What training have you done?

Training is ongoing as I need to keep up to date with new graphics packages. Every year I attend a summer school run by the Society of Cartographers which enables me to learn about new techniques and how technology is changing the role of a cartographer. My employer has put me on various in-house training courses which has enabled me to develop responsibility in different areas, such as health and safety.

Do you use any special tools or equipment?

I use an Apple Macintosh computer, a PC, a large flat-bed scanner, a variety of printers including a large ink-jet printer, binding machines and a large and small laminator.

What do you like about your job?

I like the variety of my work and creating different map and graphic images. I enjoy taking responsibility for the different projects. I like having to use problem-solving skills to create a specific map. I get a buzz from successfully completing a job and enjoy providing a customer-focused service.

What are the main challenges?

More often than not I have more work than can be completed within the actual working hours in a day, so I need to prioritise my work. Sometimes you have to quickly learn new techniques to complete jobs, which can be challenging too.

How do you see your future?

In my current role I can continue to progress up the pay ladder. There may be the possibility to move into an administration-based role and take on management responsibilities. There are also opportunities to work in a graphics environment or I could pursue a pure cartography role and look for a job with a company such as Bartholomew Maps, the Ordnance Survey or Street Maps.

Jenny's route

• A levels in geography, graphics, English literature, general studies and advanced graphics.
• BSc joint honours degree in cartography and geography at Oxford Brookes University.
• Saw a job advert for a cartographic technician and successfully applied for the job.

Jenny's tips

• Do your research; check the Society of Cartographers (www.soc.org.uk) and British Cartographic Society (www.cartography.org.uk) websites. They have job adverts and career advice. It really helps to speak to someone doing the role; this could be arranged through the Society of Cartographers website.
• Look for geography degrees with cartography, GIS (Geographical Information Systems) or graphic elements.
• Voluntary work is a great way to get first-hand experience.