Cartographic Technician

Role Overview and Key Responsibilities

This position supports cartographic and mapping activities within the Bureau of Land Management by assisting in data retrieval from established databases, maintaining quality control on public land records, managing notation requests, and providing technical support for field mapping projects. Duties also include creating queries and map products in various digital formats and updating master title plats and other records crucial to BLM Alaska's operations. Entry level incumbents may perform developmental tasks under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Research and extract information from existing databases to support mapping efforts.
• Monitor and ensure the accuracy and quality of public land record submissions.
• Evaluate requests for record notations to verify their appropriateness for inclusion in the Public Land Record System.
• Assist with technical troubleshooting and support for field projects utilizing GPS and digital imagery to ensure correct mapping content and symbolization.
• Create database queries and produce map products in multiple digital file formats.
• Update and maintain key records including master title plats, historical plats, controlled document index records, and survey plats and notes.

Employment Conditions

• U.S. citizenship proof is mandatory.
• Appointment contingent on successful background investigation.
• Males born post December 31, 1959 must be registered for selective service.
• Direct deposit participation is required.
• Employment eligibility will be verified using E-Verify.
• Candidates cannot hold an active real estate license or have financial interests in firms dealing with Federal lands.
• A mandatory one-year probationary period will assess performance and alignment with agency goals; employment continuation depends on satisfactory certification post-probation.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet qualifications by the closing date of the announcement and comply with time-in-grade requirements if applicable. Documentation of full-time or part-time status with hours worked per week is required for experience verification. Military service documentation is acceptable.

GS-07 Level Qualification Options:

• One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level involving use of Microsoft databases and CAD software, GIS database and map development, and providing introductory guidance.
• Or graduate-level education of one full academic year (18 semester hours) in a related field.
• Or a combination of graduate education and specialized experience demonstrating necessary complexity.

GS-08 Level Qualification Options:

• One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level including developing and maintaining digital data layers and map products, reviewing source material for accuracy, processing data with computer systems, and assisting with digital data editing.
• Or a Master’s degree or equivalent graduate education (36 semester hours) in Cartography or related fields.
• Or a combination of graduate education beyond 18 semester hours with specialized experience.

Volunteer experience is credited if it involves relevant skills.

Education Verification

Applicants substituting education for experience must submit transcripts showing relevant details. Foreign education requires evaluation by a recognized credential service confirming equivalency to U.S. education.

Additional Information

• This hiring is limited to applicants residing within a 50-mile commuting radius of the BLM Alaska State Office in Anchorage.
• Career Transition Assistance Plan and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program eligibility provides priority for qualifying federal employees facing displacement.
• Work location is fixed at the duty station with possible telework during emergencies upon approval.
• Recruitment incentives may be authorized except for transfers not meeting certain criteria.
• Promotion beyond initial level depends on performance and agency needs.
• Work is sedentary and office-based, involving extensive computer use and reading.
• Federal ethics rules prohibit employees and their immediate families from holding certain interests or claims on Federal lands.
• Telework is generally limited to emergency or disaster situations.
• Candidates should have dedication to efficient government service, constitutional principles, and public interest.
• Federal employment includes a comprehensive benefits package, subject to position type and hours worked.