Geographer

Summary This vacancy is for a Geographer position in the Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Field Division, Regional Office locations. Few positions are available in the Chicago and Atlanta locations. Duties Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, geographic concepts, tools, and systems to update databases, perform geospatial analysis, and/or produce geographic and cartographic products. Reviews proposals, plans, and specifications for geographic operations; studies and critiques statistical methodology and general data collection specifications as they affect geographic support functions. Design, develop, and implement GIS and other geographic methods to prepare spatial databases, and map population patterns. Analyzes and reports on results of studies of population patterns; writes reports, methods documents, and articles, and creates technical presentations for meetings and conferences. Requirements Conditions of employment Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. U.S. citizen Suitable for Federal employment. Registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov). A one-year probationary period may be required. This is a NON-BARGAINING unit position. The work schedule for this position is Mixed Tour. With a Mixed Tour work schedule, an employee may be changed between full-time, part-time and intermittent work schedules to accommodate fluctuating workloads and is subject to a signed agreement. A USA Hire Assessment is required. An email will be sent with addtional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment. Qualifications This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 03/25/2026 . To qualify for the position of Geographer, at GS-0150-11/12, you must meet the basic 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. Specialized Experience: For the GS-11, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and computing tools to conduct and evaluate geographic research, spatial analysis and mapping; examining data collection specifications, reviewing statistical methodology, and identifying potential problems in data collection; performing quality evaluations of address files and acquired address lists from the community to improve the effectiveness of geographic support materials; and developing technical documents and technical presentations on geographic and/or demographic topics for a variety of audiences. OR Education: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree 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. 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: Developing improved methods for using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and computing tools to conduct geographic research, spatial analysis, and mapping; establishing quality standards for the components of a geographic system or project and determining methodology for verifying the overall consistency and validity of data and products; performing technical reviews of official geographic, demographic, housing, and/or economic data for patterns, trends, consistency, and relationship to project activities; and preparing technical documents and conducting technical presentations on geographic and/or demographic topics for a variety of audiences. Education: There is no substitution of education for specialized 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, 03/25/2026, to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application. Additional information The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that do not fall under competitive examining procedures; however, they may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures or be eligible for a non-competitive appointment. VRA VEOA 30% or more disabled veteran Persons with disabilities CTAP ICTAP The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information) If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users can contact the Human Resources Office via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. 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 that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.