Roofers

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Physical Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society

Overview: Roofers are responsible for replacing, repairing and installing roofs of buildings and residential houses. It is a physically demanding work because it involves climbing, bending, kneeling and heavy lifting. Their work generally entails inspection of the problems on the roofs and determining the best ways to repair them including the cost and materials required.

Roofers work needs geographic skills for various reasons. First, they must be able to locate buildings or houses of the clients especially if they have multiple jobs at once. Using GIS tools would help them analyze various aspects of their jobs such as job site info, distance and travel time and cost. Likewise, they also need to be aware of sun’s path and direction, wind and other weather patterns in order to determine the types and material of the installations. Roofers are also responsible for utilizing green technology rooftops such as vegetative roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar panels and tiles. Due to the outdoor nature of their work they also need to be aware of the extreme temperatures and weather conditions which can severely affect their health and wellbeing, particularly due to the fact that roofers have one of the highest rates of work related injuries and illnesses as well as the highest rates of occupational fatalities.

Geographers at work:  Environmental geographers, geographic information scientists, physical geographers

Recommended College Courses:  Human geography, environmental geography, geographic information science, physical geography

Skills:  Mapping and modelling, geographic information systems, computer and database systems, spatial analysis, map reading and interpretation, environmental and weather interpretation

Occupation Group: Construction and Extraction

Learn more about Roofers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm#tab-1