Massachusetts Jobs

Summary The Volpe Center seeks a Geographer, (GIS Specialist Data Science) for our Policy Analysis and Strategic Planning Division to serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that supports the development of data-driven programs to speed the adoption of innovative technologies, policies, and practices. In particular, the employee will lead in the development and application of data analysis and visualization techniques and tools in support of federal and state transportation programs. Responsibilities As a Geographer, you will: Develop, or support the development and refinement of spatial databases needed to support various GIS-based analyses and models. Support all aspects of spatial and non-spatial data development, analysis, visualization and modeling related to transportation. Evaluate data quality, updates and publishes data, produces high quality maps, performs spatial analyses, and develops models. Use ESRI ArcGIS products and applications to manipulate and analyze data. Serve as a project leader and a definitive subject matter expert on GIS and data science. Work with planners, engineers, scientists, and other multi-disciplinary staff to collaborate and lead tasks and projects or components of tasks and projects. Interface with Federal, state and local governments, the private sector and professional organizations concerned with GIS. The ideal candidate will have expert knowledge of GIS methods and applications, and experience with database management software as needed to perform updates and data analysis within a database structure. The ideal candidate will also have the ability to design and automate geospatial analysis, and have strong inter-personal skills, project management experience and familiarity with business development to work effectively as part of a team in order to address varied, complicated spatial issues through the use of innovative, cutting-edge GIS applications and methods. Volpe is committed to fostering an all-inclusive diverse workforce where employees feel valued for their unique backgrounds and qualities and have a sense of belonging and engagement in helping to advance transportation for the public good. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must meet specialized experience stated in Qualifications section Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other software tools to plan and execute the development of maps, spatial data sets, and spatial analyses. Experience planning and developing custom geospatial solutions for visualization and analysis. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of GIS theories, methods and applications sufficient to coordinate the assessment, design, installation, maintenance, and management of customized GIS solutions to transportation system and safety issues. Knowledge of database management software and utilization sufficient to identify relevant data points, perform data updates, and conduct data analysis within a complex database structure. In particular, assigned responsibilities require the ability to create, manage, and maintain spatial databases using ArcGIS Pro and other ESRI-based products. Knowledge of ESRI’s ArcGIS products and applications sufficient to incorporate their use in the design and delivery of customized GIS solutions. For all types of consideration, 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education Individual Occupational Requirements 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. Additional Information Open to Volpe employees ONLY PLEASE NOTE: Current Volpe employees with duty stations other than Cambridge, MA may apply for this position and may remain in their current duty station, if selected. Salary will be adjusted in accordance with the locality pay of the specific area. Salaries for areas are available on the OPM website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2024/general-schedule. This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation