Cartographer (Geographic Information Systems)

About the role

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, El Paso Sector, Sector Intelligence Unit. The Cartographer (GIS) provides multi-faceted technical support to management while supporting the development and implementation of GIS.

Responsibilities

• Perform geospatial data management functions for national-level datasets: data identification, compilation, modification, analysis, maintenance, distribution, archiving, and metadata attribution.
• Perform geospatial analysis including spatial and temporal pattern identification of border activities using modern mapping techniques to analyze trends and predict border criminal activity to help allocate law enforcement resources.
• Use established geographic and cartographic concepts and principles for cartographic and analytical GIS and GPS products, adapting standard techniques and optimizing methods of graphical presentation of complex border activities and issues.
• Perform GIS duties primarily utilizing Environmental Systems Research Inc (ESRI) software suite and associated software and extensions.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (see residency details for exceptions).
• All pre-employment processes conducted in English.
• May be required to pass a background investigation.
• Adherence to DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
• Must comply with government ethics standards, conflict of interest statutes, and obtain approval for outside employment.
• Position is covered by the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) bargaining unit.

Qualifications

Education: 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 (including at least 6 but no more than 15 semester hours of college-level non-business mathematics or statistics).

OR Combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in cartography plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Experience (for GS-12): One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Planning, implementing, maintaining, and expanding large‑scale enterprise Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) architecture in a cloud environment.
• Conducting advanced geospatial database administration and geospatial analysis to extract meaningful insights from geographic data.
• Processing data through appropriate software.
• Using principles of relational database management systems (RDBMS) for data management, creation, and maintenance within a multi‑user, versioned geodatabase environment.
• Supporting overall GIS Program Management by planning, organizing, and leading the development of requirements, budget proposals, and contracting efforts.

Note: Resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement.

Pay

This position starts at a salary of $89,508.00 (GS‑12, Step 1) to $116,362.00 (GS‑12, Step 10). Refer to the locality pay tables by geographic area; if your area is not listed, use the “Rest of United States” pay table. Some positions may fall under special pay rates depending on series, grade, and location.