Geographer

This position is a Geographer assigned to the Office of Spatial Analysis and Visualization (OSAV) of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The incumbent is responsible for managing critical national geospatial programs, conducting geospatial transportation analysis and effectively communicating results. The Geographer:

• Serves as a geographer and analyst for Federal Geographic Data Committee Transportation Theme activities and related products including the National Transportation Atlas Database (NTAD), and is a recognized and respected collaborator in the areas of development of high-quality geospatial data and information on transportation and works with leadership and other higher-grade geographers in the development of new or improved practices, methods, and concepts to accomplish established goals and objectives and to improve the effectiveness of overall program operations.
• Provides technical assistance to GIS users and contributors. Technical assistance includes email and telephone responses to user questions, preparation of technical guidelines or instructions, meeting logistics, communication with stakeholders, and presentations at user workshops or training sessions.
• Manipulates geospatial data, performs geospatial data analyses, and creates geographic information. Reviews, evaluates, and edits for completeness, accuracy, and validity of a variety of geographic materials including geospatial data and its attributes, maps, and database tables.  Uses the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) guidelines to review and edit the geospatial metadata files to ensure completeness and accuracy of the information.  Uses software such as graphic viewers, GIS translators, and Internet browsers to make the databases more accessible and useful to a large group of potential users.
• Works with other BTS and DOT officials in developing guidelines, standards, performance measures, plans and reports, relating to the compilation and dissemination of geospatial data and information to ensure information is accurate, reliable and relevant; protects confidentiality when appropriate; and is a form that permits systematic analysis.
• Provides support for the Transportation Theme and other BTS geospatial activities, including scheduling meetings, developing agendas, recording meeting notes, delivering papers and making presentations concerning BTS activities involving geospatial program and geospatial transportation activities. Participates in negotiations to ensure that BTS interests and requirements are not compromised.

The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of GIS methods and standards, and experience with automating, updating and analyzing complex spatial data in geospatial database management software.  The ideal candidate will also have strong inter-personal skills and work effectively as part of a team, using innovation to solve varied, complicated spatial issues.