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Geographer, GS-0150-9/11/12, Census-MP-MBS

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Suitland, Maryland
Closing date
Sep 17, 2021
Duties

Summary

This vacancy is for a Geographer position in the Geography Division located at the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland. The Census Bureau is accessible from the Metro Rail Green Line - Suitland Station.

This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Geographer, GS-0150-9/11/12, FPL-12, positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

  • Use geographic concepts, tools and systems to update address listing systems and databases and/or produce geographic and cartographic products.
  • Write technical documents, letters, papers, and presentations for audiences of various levels and expertise.
  • Conduct and facilitate discussions, meetings, and presentations with a variety of staff and stakeholders to gather and disseminate information.
  • Manage geographic projects by developing and monitoring requirements, specifications, and schedules, and identify and analyze problems with geographic projects, generate/evaluate solutions, make recommendations and implement to achieve objectives.
  • Use software programs to track projects, develop reports and presentations, and communicate status.


Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
12

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. citizen.
  • Suitable for Federal employment.
  • Registered for Selective Service, if applicable. (www.sss.gov)
  • You may be required to complete a financial disclosure (OGE-450).
  • Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the announcement closing date.


Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

This vacancy is advertised under 2 different announcements. Please read the 'Who May Apply' section carefully to determine your eligibility. If you are not eligible under this announcement, please see GEO -2021-0009, Geographer, GS-0150-9/11/12, CENSUS-DE-MBS .

A probationary period may be required.

This position is ELIGIBLE for telework; additional criteria will be required (e.g., supervisory approval).

This is a BARGAINING unit position.

Relocation expenses MAY be paid.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and individual states being in different phases of reopening, once the selectee becomes an employee, the report date to the official duty station/facility may be delayed until such time that management notifies the employee of their requirement to report. Until it is safe to relocate, the employee may be approved to telework to the maximum extent possible, up to and including full-time.

Qualifications

Minimum Education Requirement:

Basic Requirements

  • Degree: geography; or 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
  • Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in geography, or a related field that included at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

  • AND

    Specialized Experience: For the GS-9, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes:
    • Using geography and geographic concepts to perform geographic and/or geospatial analysis and geographic operations related to geocoding and/or spatial updates;
    • Assisting with geographic information systems and address list development;
    • Preparing and writing documents, specifications, guidelines, and letters and using office software to generate reports and presentations;
    • Using Excel or other spreadsheet software to manipulate and analyze data and prepare reports;
    • Using automated tools to track projects and run queries in databases.

    Education: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree

    Specialized Experience: For the GS-11, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes:
    • Using geography and geographic concepts to perform geographic and/or geospatial analysis and geographic operations related to geocoding and/or spatial updates and coordinates;
    • Working with geographic information systems and address list development;
    • Preparing and writing technical documents, specifications, guidelines, and letters;
    • Conducting discussions, meetings, and presentations for various audiences;
    • Using office software such as Excel or other spreadsheet software to manipulate and analyze data and generate reports and presentations;
    • Using automated tools to track projects and design and run queries in databases.

    OR

    Education: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree

    Specialized Experience: For the GS-12, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes:
    • Using geography and geographic concepts to perform geographic and/or geospatial analysis and geographic operations related to geocoding and/or spatial updates and coordinates;
    • Developing and writing technical documents, specifications, guidelines, and letters;
    • Conducting discussions, meetings, and presentations for various audiences and conducting training and/or presenting complex technical information to non-technical audiences;
    • Managing technical projects in support of geographic operations involving multiple stakeholders;
    • Managing project documentation such as project plans and using office software such as Excel or other spreadsheet software to manipulate and analyze data and generate reports and presentations;
    • Leading teams, setting priorities and project schedules;
    • Working with teams and individuals to identify and resolve problems that affect the accomplishment of geographic program goals and objectives;
    • Using automated tools to conduct projects and design and maintain queries in databases.

    Education: There is no education substitution for specialized experience at this grade level.

    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

    Additional information

    The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures, or be eligible for a non-competitive appointment.
    • VRA (GS-11 or below)
    • VEOA ( permanent positions )
    • 30% or more disabled
    • Persons with Disabilities
    • CTAP
    • ICTAP

    The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users can contact the Human Resources Office via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.

    How You Will Be Evaluated

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

    Your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job opportunity announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions). Your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.

    Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR § 335.103(b)(3).

    The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response. The competencies listed are desirable at the full performance level of this position which is GS-12.
    • Skill using geographic information systems (GIS) and tools and performing geographic or geospatial analysis, and skill collaborating with teams or work groups.
    • Knowledge of population geography and geographic concepts.
    • Ability to represent the agency and lead meetings and discussions with various audiences to obtain, gather and disseminate information on matters related to geographic projects.
    • Ability to identify and resolve problems that directly affect the accomplishment of program goals and objectives.
    • Ability to manage and understand project documentation such as project plans and project requirements.

    We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process.

    Do NOT include the following types of information in your application:
    • Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Date of Birth (DOB)
    • Photos of yourself (if included on your resume you will not be considered for this position)
    • Personal information: such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.

    To preview questions please click here .

    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance
    Other

    Drug test required
    No

    Position sensitivity and risk
    Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

    Trust determination process
    Suitability/Fitness

    Required Documents

    A complete application consists of the following:
    • Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
    • SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," supporting your eligibility, with the exception of current Census Bureau employees.
    • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation, if applicable. For more information, please go to https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans/special-hiring-authorities/#VEOA .
    • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
    • Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (Schedule A disability, 30 percent disabled veteran, certain military spouses, etc).
    • (If applicable) Education Documentation: If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. This also includes Census Bureau employees. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for more information.

    You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.

    Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html . You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.

    CTAP and ICTAP candidates:
    CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf .

    CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
  • A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice).
  • A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location;
  • A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
  • Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.

  • ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
  • A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement.
  • A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
  • A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
  • Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.

  • NOTE: You will not be considered if you fail to provide all required documents.

    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.

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