Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Ardent is seeking a Geospatial Scientist, Data Collection and Quality to join our team. This role requires advanced expertise in geospatial data management, acquisition, quality control, and stakeholder engagement to ensure delivery of high-value, licensed, and mission-relevant data products.
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
Skills
- 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
- 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
- An exceptional culture that embraces flexibility, innovation, collaboration, and career growth
- A rewarding environment to help you succeed
Company Overview
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