Volunteers sought for 2011

altLITTLE MISSENDEN, 11 Nov – MapAction is seeking emergency mapping volunteers to expand its capacity. The charity has commenced selection of a small group of GIS experts to join its main UK-based volunteer group in early 2011.

A hand-picked and thoroughly trained volunteer group is the backbone of MapAction’s unique capability to respond immediately to disasters anywhere in the world. Team members commit to making themselves available to deploy at short notice in emergencies. Continuation training is ongoing throughout service with the charity and involves monthly face-to-face weekend workshops – for that reason volunteers must be UK based.

Volunteers, although unpaid, are all highly skilled with geographical information systems (GIS) generally. A prerequisite for selection is being practised with the ESRI ArcGIS software that is MapAction’s main tool in the field.

MapAction’s chief executive Nigel Woof said: “The requirements are obviously strict, given what we do in the field, but still we get many applicants and selection is always very competitive. We assess technical abilities, team working skills and commitment to availability for deployment and ongoing training.”

Information about specific requirements and how to apply is on the Volunteers page of the charity’s website www.mapaction.org. The closing date for applications is 15 December 2010.