Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Specialist)

About the Role

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking a GIS Specialist to join the PPQ Field Operations team. This role provides critical geographic information system (GIS) support to program operations and management, enhancing efforts focused on particular pest program or service area requirements.

Major Responsibilities

• Adhere to rigorous procedures for collecting, managing, and reporting geospatial data for routine, special, and emergency response situations.
• Develop thematic spatial data layers by integrating environmental and biological information to assist operational and management decisions.
• Deliver advanced customer service by supplying geospatial data and mapping products tailored for state service areas and/or specific pest programs.
• Stay current on emerging GIS software and technologies, offering informed recommendations for optimizing existing tools with Agency approval.
• Provide foundational GIS training and ongoing technical assistance to field personnel when required.

Qualifications

Candidates must fulfill all qualifications by the announcement closing date, including the basic education requirement and specialized experience or equivalent education.

• Basic Education Requirement: Degree in geography or a related physical or social science field such as geology, meteorology, economics, statistics, sociology, anthropology, political science, history, cartography, computer science, urban studies, or planning. The degree must include at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields. Alternatively, a combination of education and experience with equivalent coursework and additional practical experience is acceptable.
• Specialized Experience for GS-11 Level: Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level, involving proficient use of Esri ArcGIS Pro and online platforms (ArcGIS Online, GIS Portal) to develop, manage, and disseminate geospatial data related to plant pest distributions and associated phenomena.
• Capability to create maps and visualizations following sound cartographic and design principles to clearly communicate pest surveillance information and agricultural data.
• Knowledge of GIS theories and techniques, including vector and raster data, map symbology, projections, topology, thematic and statistical mapping, topographic mapping, display hierarchies, typography, and data generation.
• Experience supporting pest program teams encompassing management and field staff in leveraging geospatial datasets and tools.
• Collaboration with other GIS specialists and program areas to ensure enterprise-wide geospatial data compliance.
• Alternatively, completion of three years of graduate education progressing to a Ph.D. or possession of a doctoral degree in geography or related disciplines.

Additional Information

Applicants should submit transcripts if qualifying based on specific coursework or educational combinations. Both paid and unpaid experiences, including volunteer work in service programs, are considered.

APHIS is an emergency response agency, and staff members may be assigned duties supporting emergency programs on a rotating basis.

Position Details

• Location: Fort Collins, CO
• Start Date: July 10, 2026
• Close Date: July 16, 2026
• Salary Range: $77,983 to $108,251 per year

About USDA APHIS

The USDA's Marketing and Regulatory Programs division protects animal and plant health in the U.S. and promotes domestic and international agricultural trade through dedicated professionals. Working with APHIS means contributing to national health and agricultural security.