Geospatial Scientist – Data Collection, Quality

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Spearhead the creation and enhancement of methodologies for the collection, acquisition, and maintenance of geospatial data, ensuring alignment with mission objectives.

• Oversee data intake processes, prioritize data requirements based on use cases from DHS components and Mission Partners, and guarantee quality control throughout the acquisition and delivery stages.

• Update and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) concerning data acquisition, refreshment, quality assurance, and data publishing.

• Supervise budget management for data acquisition to secure high-priority and valuable data products.

• Establish and enforce specifications for geospatial data, including accuracy, coverage, resolution, formats, licensing, update frequency, and system compatibility.

• Keep comprehensive listings of data providers and datasets; identify and engage high-quality geospatial data suppliers.

• Leverage professional networks and government recommendations to discover potential new data sources and providers.

• Manage procurement or production activities to ensure timely delivery of high-quality, licensed geospatial data.

• Maintain ongoing communication with data providers regarding data usage, dissemination, security, quality, and acceptance criteria.

• Negotiate licensing agreements and purchasing options to obtain the best value while ensuring compliance with usage permissions.

• Offer technical support and oversight to guarantee that data products meet acceptance criteria and mission requirements.

• Facilitate technical demonstrations and presentations of geospatial data and analyses for stakeholders and Mission Partners.

• Assist in the integration of data products into government systems and ensure seamless coordination with other program initiatives.

• Lead QA/QC efforts, including data review, validation, and the application of standardized checklists to ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Manage feedback loops with data users and providers to identify and implement content enhancements and resolve data quality issues.

• Develop and maintain geospatial metadata, ensuring completeness, consistency, and usability for downstream applications.

• Automate data processing workflows where possible, maintaining documentation and tools for reproducible data review.

• Oversee data registration, cataloging, publication, hosting, and federation within government geospatial platforms.

• Ensure adherence to applicable standards and regulations (e.g., FGDC, ISO) and apply best practices in geospatial data lifecycle management.

• Monitor and evaluate performance metrics and user feedback to continuously enhance data acquisition and management processes.

• Document all processes, data integration plans, and QA/QC plans to support program transparency and continuous improvement.

• Promptly inform government stakeholders of any issues affecting cost, schedule, or performance.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 7 years of experience leading geospatial data acquisition and quality management activities in complex governmental or commercial projects.

• Proficiency in geospatial sciences, including cartography, GIS, data management, and geospatial infrastructure.

• Proven ability to manage vendor/provider relationships and negotiate data licensing and acquisition contracts.

• Experience in developing and applying QA/QC procedures and standards to geospatial datasets.

• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills to effectively engage with technical teams and mission partners.

• Familiarity with scripting, automation, and geospatial data processing tools.

• Knowledge of geospatial data standards, metadata management, and federal data policies.

• Established track record in managing large-scale data projects involving multiple stakeholders and distributed teams.

🏝️ Benefits

• Highly competitive benefits

• Professional development opportunities

• Exceptional culture that embraces flexibility, innovation, collaboration, and career growth