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CARTOGRAPHIC TECHNICIAN

Department of the Air Force
Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the principle Cartographic and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician for the development, management, and maintenance of the Command's GeoBase Program.

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/05/2026 to 03/12/2026
Salary
$78,091 to - $101,524 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
Niagara Falls, NY
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - 30-Sep-2027
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
No
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
6Q-AFPC-12901441-182249-ICB
Control number
859865800

Duties

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  • Utilizes comprehensive and practical cartographic (map making), GIS and surveying knowledge to plan, procure, and collect hard and soft copy materials to facilitate the development of AFRC GIS capabilities.
  • Utilizes extensive CADOIGIS, Database, and Programming skills in the development and practical application of new, and management of existing GIS themes, coverages, and capabilities.
  • Develops and monitors the production of geospatial data to support the enterprise GIS and hardcopy map generation.
  • Utilizes relevant cartographic and GIS knowledge to manage the operational integrity of a standardized automated GIS production system.
  • Performs surveying. Knowledgeable in the use of surveying equipment, total stations, data collectors and GPS.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Position requires color vision. A pre-employment physical is required.
  • This is a Term position NTE: 30-Sep-2027; the individual selected for this position may be extended without further competition. Current Federal civilian employees may apply for this position (CONTIN)
  • using “Reinstatement” eligibility and if selected, a break in service of at least 4 calendar days may be required prior to appointment to this position.
  • This is an Obligated Position in which an employee has return rights. Upon the employee’s return, incumbent may be required to vacate this position. When an obligated position is filled, the selected employee is (CONTIN)
  • required to sign an agreement acknowledging that (s)he is aware of the obligation and accepts the fact that (s)he may be displaced under reduction in force procedures at a later time.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft to perform Temporary Duty (TDY).
  • The employee must obtain and retain a Secret security clearance.
  • The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evening, weekends, and/or holidays. May be subject to on-call or recall during contingencies or emergencies.
  • May be required to possess a valid driver's license to travel between office, job sites, and other activities in performance of assigned duties.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Technical and Medical Support Positions, Cartographic Technician Series 1371.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-10, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes comprehensive practical knowledge of geospatial sciences concepts, principles and practices including cartography, GIS, remote sensing, and data visualization, and their applications to facilities and resource management of military installations; Intensive practical knowledge of digital geospatial. CADD/GIS and derivative processes and products including data production, management, archives maintenance processing, applications and the associated standards, including Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS)/Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 173, Federal Geographic Committee (FGC) Standards, and the Spatial Data Standard for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment(SDSFIE) to develop GIS capability while complying with AF technical, policy, and interoperability requirements; Knowledge of Relational Data Base Management Systems (RDBMS}principles and practices including SQL and relational database interface Knowledge of Windows operating systems and commonly used office software; Extensive knowledge and experience with various Commercial Off-The- Shelf (COTS) CADD/GIS applications such as Auto Desk MAP, AutoCAD and ArcGIS; Knowledge and experience is required to exercise judgment in selecting, rejecting, and interpreting data. Considerable time is spent searching for information and in discussions with the customers and program managers of information systems being considered for migration to WCSAT and/or the enterprise GIS; In-depth knowledge and experience with surveying standards, procedures, and techniques. Knowledge of standard practices and techniques used in engineering/architectural drafting and the development of site plans, topographic surveys, maps, and facility management plans.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-10 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

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:
1. Knowledge of AFRC Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and GeoBase Program as a whole. Thorough knowledge of Cartographic techniques and procedures used in electronic and hardcopy map production to support AFRC's GeoBase Program at Niagara Falls ARS. Ability to apply standard mathematical and statistical concepts to the development of GIS imagery, themes and coverages. Ability to modify standard practices and adapt equipment or techniques to solve a variety of cartographic problems.
2. Thorough knowledge of CADD/GIS applications software including AutoDesk MAP. AutoCAD, and ArcGIS. Knowledge of macro programming languages as used in the development of automated CADD/GIS applications. Knowledge of database management principles and practices. Extensive knowledge of AutoDesk MAP, AutoCAD and ArcGIS with skill in designing, organizing, and managing diverse digital databases as related to GIS. Experience with SQL, and one or more Relational Database Systems such as MS SQL, Oracle, or MS Access.
3. Extensive practical knowledge of theories, principles, practices, and application of GIS and GPStechnology. Ability to relate GIS technology to professional disciplines such as Community Planning, Engineering, Cartography, Geography, and Natural Resource Sciences.
4. Skill in working with complex teams of technical experts and computer end users and the ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
5. Ability to apply knowledge of current automated information systems and practices to development of enterprise GIS. Ability to apply systems analysis and design methodologies. Ability to deal tactfully. cooperatively, and diplomatically with others. Technical knowledge of surveying methods, equipment, and techniques in the measurement or determination of distances, elevations, areas, angles, land boundaries and other features of the earth's surface.
6. Skill in maintaining and operating scanners, digitizers, plotters and reproduction machines. Ability to make mathematical computations using standardized tables and formulas. Skill in sufficiently planning, estimating, scheduling, and expediting the production of a variety of maps and visual aids involving both manual and automated production operations and support services.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.

Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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