Geospatial Scientist – Data Collection, Quality

Ardent

Geospatial Scientist managing data collection and quality for Homeland Security. Leading methodologies and ensuring high standards in geospatial data integrity.

Posted 6/5/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

geospatial data acquisitionquality managementcartographyGISdata managementgeospatial infrastructureQA/QC proceduresdata processingmetadata managementdata lifecycle management

Soft Skills

analytical skillscommunication skillspresentation skillsvendor managementnegotiation skillsstakeholder engagementteam managementproblem-solving skillsfeedback managementprocess improvement

Tools & Technologies

geospatial platformsdata processing toolsautomation toolsgovernment systemsSOPsperformance metricsdata integration plansfederation systemsdata cataloging toolsdocumentation tools

Industry Keywords

DHSFGDCISOfederal data policiesdata licensingdata qualitydata publishingdata providersdata productsdata use compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

highly competitive benefits
professional development opportunities
exceptional culture that embraces flexibility, innovation, collaboration, and career growth