Cartographic Technician
Position Overview
Cartographic technicians at the Department of the Interior assist with preparing cartographic products, including digital maps and geospatial data. The work performed by cartographic technicians ensures that maps, diagrams, and data are of high quality and value to studies, land surveys, or development planning.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, is a continuous learner, and works well with others as part of a team.
Work Environment
Work is primarily performed in an office setting with occasional field work that may involve inclement weather or rugged terrain.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Technical and Medical Support Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Mid:
- Digitizes, scans, creates, compiles, and drafts maps, diagrams, and data
- Performs quality control to reduce or correct errors
- Assists others in creating, editing, and correcting digital map or map information
- Performs limited drafting work to prepare or modify maps
Journey:
- Creates backups of digitized data
- Assists others in providing technical support and training to staff
- Assists others in creating, editing, and correcting digital maps or map information
Senior:
- Prepares conventional maps, graphs, and illustrations
- Performs digitizing to convert data into Geographic Information System (GIS) databases
- Orients and outlines map features and details from aerial photos
Strengths by Level
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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ComplianceKnowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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Creative ThinkingUses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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FlexibilityIs open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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Information ManagementIdentifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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Organizational AwarenessKnows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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ReasoningIdentifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
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Technical CompetenceUses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.Show Tool TipMid 4-7Journey 8-9Senior 10-11
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
Biological Science Technician
Compliance Inspection And Support
Engineering Technician
Where We Are
DOI employs people at more than 2,400 locations across the United States and territories. Use the Position Locator tool to see where current DOI employees work. To check for job opportunities, scroll down and click "See jobs on USAjobs.gov."