Cartographic Technician

Summary

This position is located in the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Office of Survey Design and Methodology, Survey Design Branch, Frames Development Section located in Olivette, MO. In this position, you will perform technical tasks to construct, sample, and prepare final survey materials for land-area based surveys conducted by NASS as well as to provide technical support to Agency activities related to cartography or geography.

Duties

• •Provides assistance to the technical expert in quality assurance which requires knowledge of stratifications, digitization, sample selection and sample preparation procedures in order to identify and rectify problems and errors detected.
• •Independently uses imagery analysis skills with image processing/GIS software skills to stratify land or delineate segments for sampling in widely varying geographic area across the United States.
• •Monitors office procedures and coordinates changes or improvements with technical expert in the section.
• •Uses several computer operating platforms and a variety of image analysis/GIS software in performing daily tasks.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-09 Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience reading satellite images and maps to identify land features; converting paper maps into digital files; and following mapping procedures to create basic digital survey materials. OR Education: Two full years of graduate level education leading to a master's degree or master's degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include: Geography, Urban planning or related. OR A combination of specialized experience and education as described above. GS-10 Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. Qualifying experience for GS-10 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience interpreting different types of satellite imagery to confirm accurate boundaries and land use categories; identifying technical problems in mapping work and recommending simple fixes; and updating or clarifying instructions for mapping tasks. GS-11 Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-10 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience combining and adjusting digital map data for use in multiple GIS data layers; producing digital area frames and samples for agricultural survey segments; and applying advanced image projection and correction techniques to align data sources using various digital software. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.