This vacancy is advertised under 2 different announcements. Read the `Who May Apply` section carefully to determine your eligibility. If you are not eligible under this announcement, please see BOC-2017-0214, Geographer, GG-0150-09/11/12, Census-MP-VM which can be accessed at https://www.USAJOBS.gov.
This vacancy is for multiple Geographer positions in the Associate Director for Demographic Programs (ADDP) directorate located in Suitland, Maryland. The Census Bureau is accessible from the Metro Rail Green Line – Suitland Station.
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Geographer, GG-0150-9/11/12, FPL 12 positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.
A trial period may be required
This position is ELIGIBLE for telework; additional criteria will be required (e.g., supervisory approval).
Relocation expenses may be paid.
This is a BARGAINING unit position.
Summary
This vacancy is advertised under 2 different announcements. Read the `Who May Apply` section carefully to determine your eligibility. If you are not eligible under this announcement, please see BOC-2017-0214, Geographer, GG-0150-09/11/12, Census-MP-VM which can be accessed at https://www.USAJOBS.gov.
This vacancy is for multiple Geographer positions in the Associate Director for Demographic Programs (ADDP) directorate located in Suitland, Maryland. The Census Bureau is accessible from the Metro Rail Green Line – Suitland Station.
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Geographer, GG-0150-9/11/12, FPL 12 positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.
A trial period may be required
This position is ELIGIBLE for telework; additional criteria will be required (e.g., supervisory approval).
Plans, researches, and implements the full scope of investigative projects requiring application of geographic concepts, approaches, and a broad understanding of geographic relationships throughout the United States.
Analyzes findings, evaluates geographic patterns, and delineates the range of plausible explanations.
Reviews and edits, for completeness, consistency, accuracy, and validity, a variety of geographic materials that may include maps, imagery, coordinates, tables, reports, technical specifications, presentations, and other documents and similar items. Applies knowledge of characteristics of maps and interrelationships of geographic entities and features to defining and uncovering problems and to determining adherence to specifications; takes appropriate steps to resolve errors and inconsistencies.
Develops specifications, manuals, reference guides, procedures, presentations, and/or analytical reports for geographic projects, as well as the maintenance of portions of a topologically integrated geographic information system, including creation, update, and edits of content and base map features.
Prepares drafts and/or final versions of specialized maps, tables, and lists of geographic data as needed for periodic censuses, surveys, and geographic projects.
Registered for Selective Service if applicable. (www.sss.gov)
You may be required to complete a financial disclosure (OGE-450).
A one-year probationary period may be required.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifications
Minimum Education Requirement:
A. 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
B. 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.
Specialized Experience:
For the GG-09, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal services. Experience for this position includes working with geographic information systems and address list development; performing geographic and/or geospatial analysis; preparing and writing technical documents, specifications, guidelines, and letters with clarity in concise language; experience conducting discussions, meetings, presentations for various audiences; experience working on teams to set priorities and project schedules; experience using automated tools to track projects; experience designing and running queries in databases.
OR Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree that provided you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of a geographer.
For the GG-11, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal services. Experience for this position includes assisting in planning and/or overseeing the implementation of one or more segments of a geographic operation; work with some independence translating goals and objectives into program specifications and procedures; reviewing and editing, for completeness, consistency, accuracy, and validity, a variety of geographic materials that may include maps, imagery, coordinates, tables, reports, technical specifications, presentations, and other documents and similar items; establishes quality standards for the components of a geographic system or project and determines methodology for ensuring that the standards are met.
OR Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree that provided you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of a geographer.
For the GG-12, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal services. Experience for this position includes planning, researching, and implementing the full scope of investigative projects requiring application of geographic concepts, approaches, and a broad understanding of geographic relationships throughout the United States; adapting a variety of methods and develops new procedures for application to geographic projects; conducts research to determine the types of equipment and software needed in order to organize and develop ways of accessing and analyzing geographic data; perform technical reviews of official geographic, demographic, housing, and/or economic data for patterns, trends, consistency, and relationship to project activities; identify and solve problems in processing procedures, and to verify overall consistency and validity of data and products.
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 experience.
Education
Additional information
The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures, or be eligible for a non-competitive appointment.
The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. 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.
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.
Additional benefits available at Census Headquarters located in Suitland, MD, include: fitness center; child-care facility; credit union; free parking; convenient access to Metrorail and Metrobus transit services in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia communities; car pools/van pools; etc.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job opportunity announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions) and place you in one of three pre-defined categories. These categories are "gold," "silver," and "bronze." Your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Candidates placed in the "gold" category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.
How you will be evaluated for preference eligibility: Within each category, those entitled to veterans' preference will be listed at the top of the pre-defined category for which they are placed.
The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:
The following competencies are desirable at the full performance level of this position (GG-12).
Expert knowledge of GIS and other geographical methods, tools, and software, including scripting and data analysis methods.
Expert knowledge of cartography or demographic mapping. Highly skilled in geographic methods.
Extensive knowledge of GIS and other geographical methods, data structures, tools, and software. Has completed multiple geographic or geodemographic projects at work or as a student.
Excellent technical writing skills, experience analyzing and explaining spatial data patterns, presentation skills.
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.
Additional benefits available at Census Headquarters located in Suitland, MD, include: fitness center; child-care facility; credit union; free parking; convenient access to Metrorail and Metrobus transit services in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia communities; car pools/van pools; etc.
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.
Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume should list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
Veterans' Preference Documentation: Please indicate on your resume the type of veterans' preference you are claiming and provide the appropriate supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15, etc.) to validate your claim. For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please go to: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
Sole Survivorship Documentation: If you are applying under Sole Survivorship preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation which shows your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
Education Documentation: If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. This also applies to Census Bureau employees. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for more information.
If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency; more information may be found at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.asp#e4a
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - http://www.ed.gov/international/usnei/us/workrecog.doc You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
CTAP and ICTAP Eligibles
CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap
CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice);
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.
ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination, certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement.
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov/. To begin, click the "Apply" button and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. (After registering in your USAJOBS account and clicking "Submit," you will automatically transition to the Department of Commerce's specific site where you will complete your application. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration.)
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."
If you have problems completing your online application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday—Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, if you are unable to apply online, please contact:
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS
4600 Silver Hill Road
Room 2K038D
Attn: Human Resources
Washington, District of Columbia 20233
United States
Next steps
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Applications." The status will be visible next to the corresponding positions. The four points of notification are:
1. Application Received or Application Incomplete
2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met
3. Referred or Not Referred; and
4. Selected or Not Selected
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume should list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
Veterans' Preference Documentation: Please indicate on your resume the type of veterans' preference you are claiming and provide the appropriate supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15, etc.) to validate your claim. For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please go to: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
Sole Survivorship Documentation: If you are applying under Sole Survivorship preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation which shows your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
Education Documentation: If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. This also applies to Census Bureau employees. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for more information.
If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency; more information may be found at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.asp#e4a
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - http://www.ed.gov/international/usnei/us/workrecog.doc You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
CTAP and ICTAP Eligibles
CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap
CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice);
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.
ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination, certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement.
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov/. To begin, click the "Apply" button and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. (After registering in your USAJOBS account and clicking "Submit," you will automatically transition to the Department of Commerce's specific site where you will complete your application. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration.)
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."
If you have problems completing your online application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday—Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, if you are unable to apply online, please contact:
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS
4600 Silver Hill Road
Room 2K038D
Attn: Human Resources
Washington, District of Columbia 20233
United States
Next steps
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Applications." The status will be visible next to the corresponding positions. The four points of notification are:
1. Application Received or Application Incomplete
2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met
3. Referred or Not Referred; and
4. Selected or Not Selected
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
