Geographer

Full Job Description

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. To qualify for the position of Geographer, at GS-0150-12, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below.

Minimum Education Requirement: 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-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 tools and 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 trainings, discussions, meetings, and presentations for various audiences of complex technical information; managing technical projects, project plans and supporting documentation of geographic operations involving multiple stakeholders; and leading teams, setting priorities and project schedules.

Education cannot be substituted for 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. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required.

You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement, 04/08/2026, to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application. Major Duties:

• Uses geographic concepts, tools, and systems to update a national geospatial database, including address, boundary, and feature data and/or support the creation of geographic and cartographic products.
• Writes technical documents and conduct discussions, meetings, trainings, and presentations with internal and external stakeholders regarding geospatial products and services.
• Manages geographic projects by developing and monitoring project requirements, software specifications, project schedules, identifying and analyzing problems, making recommendations, and implementing solutions to achieve objectives.