Summary
This position is located within the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Core Science Systems, Cartographic Data Services.
Duty Locations:
- Rolla, Missouri
- Lakewood, Colorado
- Reston, Virginia
Salary (GS-11):
- Lakewood, CO: $83,265 (Step 1) to $108,251 (Step 10)
- Rolla, MO: $74,678 (Step 1) to $97,087 (Step 10)
- Reston, VA: $85,447 (Step 1) to $111,087 (Step 10)
This job is open to
Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
Land and base management
Current or former employees of a base management agency.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Military spouses
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.
Special authorities
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.
Clarification from the agency
Open to current or former Federal employees with competitive status or eligible under a noncompetitive hiring authority, including VEOA, VRA, 30% or More Disabled Veteran, Schedule A, Military Spouse, LMWFA, Public Lands Corps, Peace Corps/VISTA, Certain Former Overseas Employees, Foreign Service Employees, Interchange Agreements, CTAP, and ICTAP.
Duties
At the full performance level (GS-11) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
- Conduct research for the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) by responding to inquiries, collecting and analyzing geographic names information from multiple sources, and compiling data for case briefs and special projects.
- Prepare case briefs for proposed new and changed geographic names for publication in the BGN Docket List and presentation to the Domestic Names Committee.
- Provide technical support to senior BGN staff by participating in monthly committee meetings and offering expertise on geographic names issues.
- Serve as a technical liaison with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and private organizations on geographic names policies, standards, and projects.
- Represent the National Geospatial Program (NGP) at meetings, committees, and working groups to support geographic names research, coordination, and information sharing.
- Collaborate with the Domestic Names Committee (DNC) Executive Secretary, Senior Researcher, and other stakeholders to develop, implement, and maintain geographic names initiatives and projects.
- Assist with planning, tracking, and documenting annual work activities, contracts, and project deliverables supporting the geographic names program.
- Research, evaluate, and recommend geographic names information to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and related national geospatial products.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Key Requirements
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Must be suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
- Selectee may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
- Federal employees applying under merit promotion procedures must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- Additional requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
Conditions of Employment
A background investigation is required. Continued employment is contingent upon successfully completing the required background investigation and receiving a favorable suitability determination.
Throughout the recruitment process, we will communicate with applicants via email. You are responsible for ensuring the email address provided in your application remains current. If your email address changes, notify the point of contact listed in this announcement.
If selected, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period. During this period, the agency will evaluate your performance, conduct, and continued suitability for Federal employment to determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest, supports organizational goals, and promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment beyond the probationary period is contingent upon the agency's written certification that you have successfully completed the probationary period.
Qualifications
Basic Education Requirement
Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for the Geographer Series, GS-0150.
A. Education
Successfully completed a bachelor's or higher degree in geography or a related physical or social science, such as geology, meteorology, economics, statistics, sociology, anthropology, political science, history, cartography, computer science, urban studies, or planning, that included at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience
Successfully completed a combination of education and experience that included coursework equivalent to a major in geography or a related field, with at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields, as described in A above, plus appropriate experience and/or additional education. The combination of education and experience must be comparable in type, scope, and depth to that acquired through successful completion of a four-year course of study as described above.
Minimum Qualification Requirements for the GS-11 Grade Level
In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, applicants must meet one of the following:
A. Specialized Experience
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing duties such as:
- Analyzing and interpreting geographic information, maps, digital geospatial data, and related datasets to solve geographic problems.
- Researching, evaluating, and selecting information from multiple sources to support the location, documentation, and standardization of geographic names and features for maps, charts, or gazetteers.
- Analyzing the spatial distribution of geographic phenomena and comparing relationships among natural or human-induced features.
- Assisting higher-graded researchers on geographic studies, projects, or analyses by collecting, organizing, evaluating, and interpreting geographic information.
- Performing independent assignments or significant portions of larger projects while applying established geographic principles, methods, and procedures to resolve routine problems.
OR
B. Education
Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in geography or another directly related field of study.
OR
Successfully completed three years of progressively higher-level graduate education (54 semester hours, 81 quarter hours, or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D. in geography or another directly related field, provided the education demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
OR
C. Combination of Graduate Education and Specialized Experience
Successfully completed a combination of graduate education beyond the second year of graduate study and specialized experience, as described above, that together meet the qualification requirements for the GS-11 grade level.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
- 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 completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit:https://www.usgs.gov/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs
Additional information
Other Information:
- This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies in the advertised office or other U.S. Geological Survey offices in the local commuting area.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies in other U.S. Geological Survey offices.
- Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
- Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position.
- USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private, direct or indirect interests in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations.
- The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
- DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
- As part of the application process, a series of four short essay questions will be included. Applicants must certify that their own words were used to answer the questions.
- Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Agency Benefits:
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
--Resume Length:
Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
Basis of Rating:
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the result of the assessment required for this position. Your responses must be substantiated by your resume. If you do not respond to the application questions you may be rated ineligible.
Resume Review Assessment Required: If you meet the eligibility and basic qualification requirements for this position subject-matter-experts will perform a structured review of your resume to evaluate your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competences as they directly relate to the duties of this position.
As part of the online application process, you will be assessed on your possession of the following knowledge skills, abilities and/or competencies:
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Influencing/Negotiating
- Reasoning
Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and awards during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review.
--NOTE: If it is determined that you have rated yourself higher than is supported in your description of experience and/or education as described in your resume/application, or that your resume or application is incomplete, you may be rated ineligible, not qualified, or your score may be lowered.
To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13008307
Required Documents
Required Documents
Required documents may be uploaded directly from your computer or from your USAJOBS stored attachments.
Resume
Submit a resume that does not exceed two single-sided pages. Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered. Body text must be at least 10-point font. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. Maintain 0.5-inch margins on all sides. Supplemental pages, attachments, or other documents submitted as extensions of the resume will not be reviewed.
Supporting Documents
Submit all supporting documentation applicable to your eligibility or qualifications by the closing date of the announcement.
Transcripts
If you are qualifying based on education or this position has a positive education requirement, you must submit unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) showing coursework, semester hours, and grades by the closing date. Failure to provide transcripts will result in removal from consideration.
Performance Appraisal (Due Weight)
Submit:
- Your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation; and
- A list of performance awards received within the past five years (e.g., Superior Performance, Special Act/Achievement, Quality Step Increase).
If your appraisal is unavailable, submit a statement explaining why. Performance documentation will be provided to the selecting official for due weight consideration.
Current or Former Federal Employees
Current career/career-conditional employees and former Federal employees eligible for reinstatement must submit a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing competitive status, tenure, position, series, grade, and step.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)
Applicants claiming VEOA eligibility must submit a DD-214 (Member 4 copy or equivalent) or other official documentation showing qualifying service and an honorable discharge. Active-duty applicants must provide documentation verifying qualifying service and character of service. See the VetGuide for additional information.
CTAP/ICTAP
Applicants claiming CTAP or ICTAP eligibility must submit:
- Agency certification/notice;
- Most recent performance rating; and
- Most recent SF-50 showing position, grade, and duty location.
Applicants must meet the requirements of 5 CFR Part 330, Subparts F and G by the closing date to receive priority consideration.
Special Hiring Authorities
Applicants claiming eligibility under a special hiring authority must submit documentation supporting their eligibility by the closing date. Examples include:
- 30% or More Disabled Veteran: DD-214 and VA or military disability documentation.
- Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA): DD-214 and, if applicable, documentation supporting VRA eligibility.
- Schedule A (Individuals with Disabilities): Proof of disability issued by a licensed medical professional, vocational rehabilitation specialist, or appropriate Federal or State agency.
- Military Spouse: Documentation verifying eligibility, such as military orders, marriage certificate, VA disability documentation, or DD-1300, as applicable.
- Certain Former Overseas Employees: SF-50 documenting eligibility and a performance appraisal.
- Peace Corps/VISTA: Certification of Volunteer Service or SF-50 documenting eligibility.
- Public Lands Corps (PLC): Signed Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring Status issued by the PLC Coordinator.
- Certain National Guard Technicians: Documentation verifying eligibility under the applicable appointing authority.
Failure to submit the required documentation by the closing date may result in loss of consideration under the claimed eligibility.
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
--Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.
--Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement: 1)Click the blue "Apply Online" button. 2)If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3)As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application. 4)Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. 5)Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy. 6)Submit required documents. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.
Next steps
--If you are rated as one of the most highly qualified candidates, you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30-45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified via email of the outcome. You can also go to "My Account" within USAJOBS to review your Application Status.