Ardent ยท 5 months ago
Geospatial Scientist, Data Collection and Quality
Ardent is a company dedicated to solving complex problems while supporting the well-being and professional growth of its employees. They are seeking a Geospatial Scientist, Data Collection and Quality to manage geospatial data acquisition and ensure data integrity for Homeland Security missions.
Information Technology & Services
Responsibilities
Lead the development and refinement of methodologies for geospatial data collection, acquisition, and maintenance ensuring alignment with mission needs
Manage data intake, prioritize data needs based on use cases from DHS components and Mission Partners, and ensure quality control throughout acquisition and delivery processes
Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to data acquisition, refresh, quality assurance, and data publishing
Oversee budget management for data acquisition to secure high-priority and high-value data products
Define and enforce requirements for geospatial data including accuracy, coverage, resolution, formats, licensing, update frequency, and system compatibility
Maintain comprehensive lists of data providers and datasets; identify and engage high-quality geospatial data providers
Utilize professional networks and government guidance to identify 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 use, dissemination, security, quality, and acceptance criteria
Negotiate licensing agreements and purchasing options to achieve best value while ensuring compliance with usage permissions
Provide technical support and oversight to ensure data products meet acceptance criteria and mission requirements
Facilitate technical demonstrations and presentations of geospatial data and analyses for stakeholders and Mission Partners
Support integration of data products into government systems and ensure seamless coordination with other program activities
Lead QA/QC efforts, including data review, validation, and application of standardized checklists to ensure accuracy and consistency
Manage feedback loops with data users and providers to identify and implement content improvements and resolve data quality issues
Develop and maintain geospatial metadata, ensuring completeness, consistency, and usability for downstream applications
Automate data processing workflows where feasible, maintaining documentation and tools for reproducible data review
Oversee data registration, cataloging, publication, hosting, and federation within government geospatial platforms
Ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations (e.g., FGDC, ISO) and apply best practices in geospatial data lifecycle management
Monitor and analyze performance metrics and user feedback to continuously improve data acquisition and management processes
Maintain documentation of all processes, data integration plans, and QA/QC plans to support program transparency and continuous improvement
Inform government stakeholders promptly of any issues impacting cost, schedule, or performance
Qualification
Required
7+ years of experience leading geospatial data acquisition and quality management activities in complex government or commercial projects
Expertise in geospatial sciences including cartography, GIS, data management, and geospatial infrastructure
Demonstrated ability to manage vendor/provider relationships and negotiate data licensing and acquisition contracts
Experience developing and applying QA/QC procedures and standards to geospatial datasets
Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills to engage with technical teams and mission partners
Experience with scripting, automation, and geospatial data processing tools
Familiarity with geospatial data standards, metadata management, and federal data policies
Proven track record managing large-scale data projects with multiple stakeholders and distributed teams
Preferred
Prior experience supporting DHS or other federal agency geospatial programs
Familiarity with commercial and open-source geospatial tools and platforms
Experience with federated data architectures and integration of RESTful geospatial services
Advanced knowledge of geospatial data lifecycle management and best practices
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate complex data delivery schedules
Strong network within the geospatial data provider community
Benefits
Highly competitive benefits
Professional development opportunities
Exceptional culture that embraces flexibility, innovation, collaboration, and career growth
Company
Ardent
For nearly 20 years, Ardent has served this country by delivering award-winning security and defense technology solutions.