Geospatial Scientist, Data Publishing and Cataloging

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Geospatial Scientist, Data Publishing and Cataloging based in United States.

This is a fully remote opportunity supporting mission-critical federal geospatial data management and modernization initiatives.

The role combines geospatial science expertise with data governance, cataloging, metadata management, and publishing best practices.

You will serve as a key subject matter expert, helping improve the accessibility, quality, reliability, and usability of enterprise geospatial data.

The position offers the opportunity to influence large-scale government infrastructure and advise both technical and executive stakeholders.

You will work across data acquisition, quality assurance, publication, access controls, interoperability, and operational resilience.

The environment is collaborative and mission-focused, with opportunities to develop innovative geospatial products, processes, and recommendations.

This role is well suited to an experienced geospatial professional who enjoys solving complex data challenges and improving how organizations manage and share critical information.

Accountabilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for geospatial data acquisition, publishing, governance, and quality management activities.
• Lead the acquisition, validation, integration, and delivery of new geospatial datasets in accordance with government schedules, specifications, and quality expectations.
• Develop, implement, and enforce QA/QC processes covering data accuracy, metadata completeness, standards compliance, and overall data quality.
• Maintain and publish the HIFLD Data Catalog, ensuring geospatial datasets have accurate, complete, current, and usable metadata.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, documentation, and governance practices for geospatial data management and publishing.
• Research and apply applicable federal standards, industry best practices, metadata requirements, and data governance principles.
• Oversee data access controls and Data Use Agreement (DUA) automation and compliance.
• Coordinate high-availability and disaster-recovery strategies for geospatial data systems, including monitoring and automated backup and recovery capabilities.
• Provide 24/7 on-call technical support for incidents and system-related issues when required.
• Lead the development of proof-of-concept geospatial products using applicable government platforms and technologies.
• Prepare white papers, recommendations, technical materials, and decision-support content focused on improving geospatial data processes, tools, and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on geospatial demonstrations, briefings, knowledge exchanges, and other mission-support activities.
• Support software renewals, license management, system interconnectivity agreements, and related technology coordination.
• Provide expert guidance to technical and executive stakeholders on geospatial data governance, cataloging, publishing, and modernization initiatives.

Requirements

• 7+ years of demonstrated experience supporting geospatial data management, publishing, governance, or related activities for federal government programs.
• Strong subject matter expertise in geospatial science, including cartography, spatial visualization, GIS systems, geospatial platforms, data symbology, standardization, metadata development, and governance.
• Proven experience supporting or leading geospatial data initiatives of comparable size, complexity, and scope within a government environment.
• Strong understanding of data acquisition, validation, quality assurance, cataloging, metadata management, publication, and data-sharing practices.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder-management skills, with experience working effectively with both executive-level and technical audiences.
• Ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and provide authoritative guidance in a mission-focused environment.
• Preferred: Experience supporting federal homeland security or comparable government geospatial initiatives.
• Preferred: Proficiency with ArcGIS Enterprise, GeoPlatform.gov, Esri Geoportal Server, or similar geospatial platforms.
• Preferred: Familiarity with FGDC, ISO 19115, or other recognized geospatial metadata standards.
• Preferred: Experience with geospatial interoperability frameworks, enterprise data-sharing initiatives, or related modernization programs.
• Preferred: Graduate degree in GIS, Geospatial Science, Geography, Data Management, or a related discipline.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and be willing to undergo the required government-issued background investigation process.

Benefits

• Remote work: Fully remote position within the United States.
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) contribution plan.
• Holiday and personal paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and certification support.
• Health and wellness subsidies.
• Paid time off for community service.
• Flexible work environment designed to support personal well-being, professional growth, collaboration, and work-life balance.
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful federal missions and solve complex, high-impact geospatial challenges.
• Inclusive workplace committed to equal employment opportunity and a respectful, collaborative culture.