Cartographer

Location negotiable after selection; position may be filled at any USGS location in the United States.

About the role

This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and career transition eligibles (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL). First-time hires to the Federal government typically start at the step 1 rate. Pay varies based on grade level and duty location.

Responsibilities

• Design, create, and export page-sized and oversized maps using industry-standard GIS, mapping, and publishing software, including Esri ArcGIS Pro and Adobe Illustrator.
• Compile and integrate various datasets, basemaps, overlays, and other map elements to clearly and accurately present complex hydrologic and geologic information.
• Build, update, and maintain geospatial databases. Ensure the accuracy and consistency of geospatial datasets and map products.
• Review digital map files and/or geodatabases submitted with map publications for completeness and suitability for map production and final publication.
• Design and produce publication-ready cartographic products that adhere to USGS and Federal mapping standards to effectively communicate scientific information.
• Design or visually enhance a variety of figures and illustrations for use in scientific reports, ensuring adherence to USGS visual illustration standards.
• Assist and advise authors, managers, and publishing team members on cartographic and visual aspects of maps and reports.
• Work individually and as part of a team to prepare and release map products and other publications.
• Stay up to date with advancements in cartography, GIS technology, and mapping software to ensure that new technology is being considered and effectively used.
• Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
• Required to complete training, obtain, and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period during which fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement (09/04/2026) unless otherwise stated.

Basic Educational Requirements

In addition to the specialized experience requirements, you must meet at least one of the following:

• Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in cartography; or a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography and/or directly related science, and related mathematics. Such course work includes, but is not limited to, cartography, astronomy, geodesy, photogrammetry, physical and geological oceanography, computer science, land surveying, geophysics, physical geography, and remote sensing. The 30 semester hours must have included at least 6, but no more than 15, semester hours of college-level, non-business mathematics or statistics (e.g., college-level algebra, trigonometry, calculus, or scientific mathematics or statistics requiring equivalent college-level courses as prerequisites). Transcripts must be submitted.
• Combination of education and experience: A combination of education and experience which includes courses equivalent to a major in cartography, or a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography and/or directly related science, and related mathematics, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized Experience for GS-09 Grade Level

To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes:

• Assisting higher-level cartographers in creating, designing, and producing maps and illustrations.
• Compiling and integrating datasets, basemaps, overlays, and other map elements.
• Building, updating, organizing, and maintaining geographic databases.
• Creating, editing, and correcting digital map information.

Alternatively, you may qualify through education or a combination of education and experience:

• Education: Successful completion of at least 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree as described in the requirements above. Transcripts must be included.
• Combination of education and experience: A combination of successfully completed higher-level graduate education and specialized experience to meet the total qualification requirements for the grade level specified above. Transcripts and hours per week worked must be included.

Volunteer experience (paid or unpaid) may also be credited, including work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Education

This position has a mandatory education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application, but official transcripts will be required before beginning work if selected.

For education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. More information can be found at Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education.

Additional Information

• This announcement is open to the first 100 applicants. Once the application limit is reached, the announcement will automatically close.
• Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
• Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based on performance, existing work at the higher grade level, and supervisor recommendation.
• The work is principally sedentary in an office setting.
• Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions.
• The duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

Benefits

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 designed to make your federal career rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.