LIDAR Technician​/Cartographer

Overview/ Job Responsibilities

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. NGS Coastal Mapping Program (CMP) supplies the shoreline for NOAA's nautical charts and other users using photogrammetry, which creates digital maps of the shoreline. NGS is responsible for mapping the 95,000 miles of the U.S. shoreline.

Currently the CMP has a data base of over half a million aerial photographs and thousands of shoreline maps.

Position

Description:

Entarian is seeking a candidate for our LIDAR Technical / Cartographer position to support ongoing topographic/bathymetric LIDAR projects. The best candidate will understand NGS' strategic goals and its mandate for shoreline mapping under the CMP. Job duties include:

• Analyze and edit topobathy point cloud LIDAR data to ensure proper classification of shoreline features and accurate representation of bathymetric depth.
• Compile, edit, and attribute shoreline shapefile products to delineate mean high water and mean low water for the U.S. and its territories.
• Quality assurance and quality control of contractor produced topobathy LIDAR data, normalized intensity data, topobathy DEMs, and total propagated uncertainty (TPU) data through detailed visual inspection and metadata verification.
• Resolve complex discrepancies in source material by researching and cross-referencing historical charts, legacy imagery, and Electronic Navigational Chart shape files.
• Ensure all cartographic products maintain strict compliance with NGS LIDAR, topology, and data stewardship standards.
• 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 $75,000 - $85,000/year.

This is a fully remote position supporting work in Silver Spring, MD. Preference for a hybrid role if candidate is local.

This position is estimated to last for one year with the possiblity for extension.

• Bachelors of Science degree in GIS, Geography, or related discipline.
• 4+ years of relevant experience.
• 4+ years using Micro Station and Terrasolid Suite to edit and clean LIDAR data.
• 4+ years making and using DEMs for quality control.
• 4+ years using Arc Map Suite / ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth, LP360, Geo Cue, QT Modeler, and Global Mapper.
• Ability to work quickly while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as a team and independently.
• 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 Public Trust background investigation to obtain a security badge.

All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance

Entarian is an Equal Opportunity and Affidavit employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.