Geospatial Linguist - Vietnamese Toponymist - TS/SCI Required

Leidos; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos seeks a Geospatial Linguist (Toponymist) to join a specialized team analyzing GNDB data and supporting government mapping efforts. The role requires TS/SCI clearance willingness for POLY, and strong ArcGIS/GeoMedia Pro GIS skills to process maps, imagery, and geopolitical data across national and international contexts.

Candidates will interpret agency policies on naming, romanization, and descriptive data, while preparing files and maps for GNDB input and geospatial products.

Qualifications

• HS diploma and 5 years of relevant experience.
• ILR Level Two (DLPT5 2/2) in Vietnamese or willingness to test 2+ with 3 years relevant work experience.
• Experience using ArcGIS or GeoMedia Pro; creating shapefiles and geo-databases; using maps for extraction and comparison.

Responsibilities

• Scan and geo-reference hardcopy maps; research and source geospatial data.
• Conflate georeferenced maps with GNDB; apply US BGN/DoS/NATO policies; prepare data for GNDB updates and GNPS products.

Skills

Vietnamese ILR 2 reading

ArcGIS

GeoMedia Pro

Geospatial data analysis

Education

BA degree in geography or related field

Master's in geography or GIS

Tools

ArcGIS

GeoMedia Pro

Job description

Description

Are you a linguistic detective with a passion for geography? Do you believe that a place's name tells a story waiting to be uncovered? We are seeking a Geospatial Linguist, or Toponymist, to join our elite team of experts. In this role, you won't just be processing data; you'll be a cultural cartographer, mapping the hidden histories and linguistic nuances that shape our world.

This is a unique opportunity for a meticulous researcher with a global mindset to contribute to projects with a real-world impact. Your work will influence how governments, organizations, and analysts understand the intricate tapestry of our planet's human and physical geography.

Active TS/SCI and willingness to obtain a POLY level clearance isREQUIRED to be considered.

The Toponymist (Geospatial Linguist) shall analyze and conflate information associated with feature data listed in the Geographic Names Database (GNDB) while working closely with Intelligence Community (IC) geographic names experts. Selected candidate will use agency guidance and policies to respond to questions concerning the proper and correct usage of names, various Romanization systems, and the treatment of descriptive information on standard products. These services will use the Geographic Names Processing Systems (GNPS), charts, imagery and geospatial tools to refine names information for use in all types of products and to respond to use question via the Ad Hoc Query process. In addition, the candidate will prepare files and maps for work, accurately entering data to maintain and update the GNDB, including batching the completed work into the GNDB. The accuracy and reliability of the selected candidate’s work is essential to the missions of these users.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Selected candidate will scan and geo-reference hardcopy maps, research, and order geospatial data sources and commercial imagery to use as reference sources

• Georeferenced maps and imagery must be conflated with the GNDB Selected candidate will interpret and apply national and international policies governing the treatment of and general guidelines emanating from the US Board on Geographic Names (US BGN), the Department of State (DoS), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other related organizations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires HS and 5 years of prior relevant experience

• Qualified candidates will possess an ILR Skill Level Two certification for reading (DLPT5 2/2) in Vietnamese language or be willing to pass reading language test of 2+ or higher and have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience

• Qualified candidates should also have experience using ArcGIS or GeoMedia Pro; creating shapefiles, geo-databases; utilizing native maps, secondary source maps, and historic maps for extraction and comparison; mapping imagery for stereo and mono extraction at various resolutions; and, expertise in research and information gathering.

• Active TS/SCI and willingness to obtain a POLY level clearance isREQUIRED to be considered.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Specific experience processing geographic names following agency policies and procedures is highly desired

• Ideal candidate must be a self-starter and capable of working independently with minimal supervision and guidance

• Candidate must be able to multitask and deliver quality products within specified timelines

• Candidate should work well as part of a team effort

• BA degree and 4 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience can be considered in lieu of degree

#GEOINTMISSION

#NSBA

Pay Range:

Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.