The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks a Cartographer for the Coastal Barrier Resources System Program in the Falls Church, VA Headquarters Office.
Description: Full-time Contract Position renewable annually up to 3 years based on performance and funding.
Start date: January-February 2017.
Location: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Headquarters. 5274 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.
Salary: commensurate with experience.
(I am looking for an entry level individual with a recent Baccalaureate or Master’s degree and a GIS certificate or course work demonstrating technical Geographic Information System expertise using natural resources data. Some work experience is a plus but not required).
Please send a cover letter and resume to: Jonathan T. Phinney PhD. (jonathan_phinney@fws.gov)
Background.
The Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) was established by Congress in 1982, to help save taxpayer dollars and reduce the intensity of development within hazard-prone and ecologically sensitive coastal areas. The CBRS is a map-based program comprising 859 geographic units that encompass 3.3 million acres of relatively undeveloped coastal barrier areas located along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes coasts, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most new federal expenditures and financial assistance that encourage development are prohibited within the CBRS, notably federally subsidized flood insurance and beach nourishment funding. Development still can occur provided that private developers or other non-federal parties assume the full cost and responsibility for developing and maintaining developed land in these dynamic areas.
More information about the CBRS can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/ecological-services/habitat-conservation/coastal.html
The incumbent works independently and with a team of five professionals to perform a wide-range of duties including compiling GIS map data to produce boundaries in coastal areas, data management of spatial and non-spatial geographic information databases, photointerpretation of habitat data, data assessment and validation, and geographic data discovery.
Specific skills and experience are required to conduct the following duties:
- Data Discovery, Assessment, and Validation
Conducts internet searches and coordinates, as necessary, with numerous stakeholders (e.g., federal, state, and local agencies; private conservation groups; and educational institutions) for the purposes of acquiring GIS data and other information relevant to the program. Conducts varied tests and makes data suitability determinations based on evaluations of data criteria pertaining to the best spatial and temporal resolutions and availability that will support program operations.
- Data Analysis and Map Production
Compiles, analyzes, edits, georeferences, and presents cadastral, natural resource and other geographic data (e.g., base cartographic, geomorphic, boundary, historic aerial imagery, etc.) using GIS. Creates maps and assists in the development of methods to improve the map production performance of the program.
- Data Management
Populates and maintains spatial and non-spatial geographic information databases. Builds metadata files and ensures that data is consistent with existing database contents and federal metadata standards. Provides document scanning support. Performs inventory and filing duties to maintain the program’s cartographic and aerial photograph files.
- Technical Writing
Documents operational methods, develops user instructions, and provides technical assistance to project personnel for GIS and other projects. Prepares presentation, briefing, and training materials.