Cartographer / Shoreline Compiler
US-MD-
Job ID: 2026-9578
Type: Full Time W/Benefits Ret Match
# of Openings: 1
Category: Engineering
Remote- MD
Overview
Background
NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) provides the framework for all positioning activities in the Nation. The foundational elements of latitude, longitude, elevation, and shoreline information impact a wide range of important activities. NOAA’s Continually Updated Shoreline Product (CUSP) delivers high-resolution, frequently updated shoreline data for the U.S. and its territories by integrating LiDAR, imagery, and advanced modeling. This mean high-water proxy serves as a "best-of" resource to support coastal management and planning by accurately reflecting the most current land-water interface.
Position Description
Will work with NGS to understand their strategic goals and master regulations, specifications, and standards related to CUSP. Job duties include:
- Compile, edit, and attribute CUSP products to maintain the most current land-water interface data for the U.S. and its territories.
- Delineate and attribute high-resolution shoreline polylines by synthesizing Digital Elevation Models, satellite imagery, and external vector data using mean high-water (MHW) proxies.
- Utilize vertical modeling and image interpretation techniques, supported by water-level station data and shoreline indicators, to identify and map coastal boundaries.
- Conduct comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) on contractor-delivered shoreline data through detailed visual inspection and metadata verification.
- Ensure all cartographic products maintain strict compliance with National Geodetic Survey (NGS) topology specifications and data stewardship standards.
- Resolve complex discrepancies in source material by researching and cross-referencing historical charts, legacy imagery, and Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) shapefiles.
- Manage and prioritize the replacement of outdated coastal data with recent information to support diverse coastal management, mapping, and planning applications.
- Provide expert-level technical guidance and training to new personnel to ensure consistency in shoreline delineation and attribution.
- Collaborate on the development of innovative tools and methodologies to streamline production workflows and integrate emerging geospatial technologies.
The salary for this position is approximately $60,000 - $72,000/year.
Work will be performed remotely and in-office to collaborate with colleagues. Approximately 50% telework permitted. Candidates should be within reasonable commuting distance to Silver Spring, MD.
Responsibilities
- Bachelors of Science degree in Geography, GIS, Mathematics, Geodesy, related discipline, or equivalent.
2+ years of relevant experience.
Experience using ESRI ArcMap Suite / ArcGIS Pro and Google Earth.
- Experince with complilation, digitalization, and feature extraction from imagery and DEMs.
Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work with sensitive or classified data.
Must be a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to enter the applicable government facility.
PI284099086