Cartographer (Geospatial Database Specialist) Job

Vacancy No. R9-25-12587299-AF-DE Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Salary $96,684.00 to $153,354.00 Grade 12 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/28/2024 Close Date 11/12/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Collins, COLakewood, COBaileys Crossroads, VA


Summary

This position is a Cartographer (Geospatial Database Specialist), GS- 1370-12/13 working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service R9-Division of Realty in one of the following locations:

Locations:
Fort Collins, CO
Lakewood, CO
Baileys Crossroads, VA.

This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R9-25-12587300-AF-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Duties

As a Cartographer (Geospatial Database Specialist) your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Design, develop, and document geospatial database applications, geospatial datasets, nonspatial databases, and procedures that assist the Realty Division with tracking and reporting of land acquisition throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System.
  • Develop appropriate server or client scripting and/or processing solutions (e.g., Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, and/or other web technologies). Understand server and geodatabase architecture and design principles to develop resource information management and information delivery services/systems;
  • Install, configure, and manage enterprise GIS services, ArcGIS Server, ArcSDE, ArcGIS Enterprise and Portal technologies.
  • Automate the publication of the national authoritative spatial data layers after roll-up is complete. Update metadata for each authoritative spatial layer. Publish updated data as a geodatabase in ServCat and on AGOL/Portal.
  • Provide customer service to individuals and offices on Realty enterprise GIS and database systems.
  • Receive and respond to phone calls, emails, and instant messages from realty and GIS professionals throughout the United States. Provide outstanding and patient instruction

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.
  • Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
  • Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date 11/12/2024 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification for the grade level at which you would like to be considered.

Basic Requirement GS-1370 Series:
  1. Degree: Possess a degree in cartography; or a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography and/or directly related science, and related mathematics. Such course work includes, but is not limited to, cartography, astronomy, geodesy, photogrammetry, physical and geological oceanography, computer science, land surveying, geophysics, physical geography, and remote sensing. The 30 semester hours must have included at least 6, but no more than 15, semester hours of college level, non-business mathematics or statistics (i.e., college level algebra, trigonometry, calculus, or scientific mathematics or statistics requiring equivalent college-level courses as prerequisites). Note: Transcripts are required. OR
  2. Combination: Possess a combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in cartography, or a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography, and/or directly related science, and related mathematics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Note: Official Transcripts are Required.
AND
Minimum Qualification [GS-13]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized Experience may include: 1) Independently writing advanced technical scripts and developing innovative tools, processes, workflows, and backend utilities for highly sophisticated geospatial applications and data management; 2) Leading the comprehensive development, rigorous testing, and strategic deployment of cutting-edge geospatial enterprise database platforms and solutions; 3) Establishing and enforcing strategic-level standards and procedures for Geographic Information System (GIS) processes, including robust quality control and data input protocols; 4) Defining strategic requirements, developing comprehensive data standards, and implementing transformative geospatial data solutions in close collaboration with a diverse team of customers and other subject matter experts. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration.
OR
Minimum Qualification [GS-12]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized Experience may include: 1) Writing technical scripts and developing tools, processes, workflows and backend utilities for geospatial applications and data management; 2) Developing, testing, and establishing geospatial enterprise database platforms and solutions; 3) Developing standards and procedures for Geographic Information System (GIS) processes including quality control and data input; 4) Defining requirements, developing data standards, and implementing geospatial data solutions with a team of customers or other subject matter experts. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Additional information

PCS INFORMATION: -Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. -In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.

Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application.
For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

Duty Station Information:
Fort Collins and Lakewood, CO Salary Range:
GS-12: $96,684 - $125,685
GS-13: $114,970 - $149,465

Baileys Crossroads, VA:
GS-12: $99,200 - $128,956
GS-13: $117,962 - $153,354

Additional questions regarding placement should be reserved for the interview process. Locality tables may be found at: 2024 General Schedule (GS) Pay Tables

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications outlined above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
1.Understanding of data automation and integration processes, with the ability to efficiently automate the consolidation and synchronization of spatial and non-spatial data, ensuring streamlined workflows and reducing the need for manual intervention.
2. Expertise skills to apply data validation and QA/QC techniques, including the ability to implement automated quality assurance rules using tools like FME, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of Realty Division datasets for reliable reporting and decision-making.
3. Understanding of scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, and JavaScript. This includes developing automation processes for data processing, reporting, and system integration, which streamlines workflows, reduces manual effort, and enhances data processing efficiency.
4. Proficiency in geospatial database design and development; requires an in-depth understanding of geospatial database principles, both relational and non-relational. This includes expertise in designing, developing, and maintaining databases for tracking land acquisition, with the ability to create scalable, efficient database structures that ensure data integrity and accessibility.
5. Customer service skills to provide responsive and courteous support to individuals and offices on Realty enterprise GIS and database systems. This includes the ability to address technical inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and ensure high levels of satisfaction and effective technology transfer.

All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. The category ratings for this position are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified

The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).

Required Documents

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

Required Documents:

1. Resume: Your resume must describe your job-related qualifications (paid and non-paid work experience) that includes job title, beginning and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and description of job duties. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form, you must ensure this information is provided. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience.

  • Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
    • Classified or government sensitive information
    • Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Photos of yourself
    • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
    • Encrypted and digitally signed documents
2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.

Additional Documentation, if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.

3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

4. Current and former federal employees - It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Multiple Hurdle Evaluation Criteria:
This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle will consist of applicants completing an occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. The second hurdle will consist of applicant resumes being reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule. This process will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration.

How To Apply:
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.

Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

  1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12587299.
  2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
  3. Applications must be received by 11/12/2024 ,11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
  4. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login) as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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