State Cartographer

The position of State Cartographer offers a challenging and unique opportunity to work at a premier academic institution while serving as one of Wisconsin’s leading experts in mapping and geospatial information technologies. The State Cartographer serves a primary visionary, advocacy, and outreach role for the efficient and effective implementation and use of geospatial information throughout the state.

Established by State Statute in 1973, this position serves the Wisconsin geospatial community and general public through leadership, outreach, coordination, and the gathering and dissemination of information on mapping and geospatial information technologies. This position heads the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office (SCO), a permanent unit of the Geography Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The State Cartographer is expected to accomplish his/her responsibilities through innovative and strategic leadership, through partnerships and liaison with other organizations, by acquiring external funding to support specific projects, by producing regular news and educational publications, by delivering presentations at conferences and workshops, and by being a leader and participant on national, state, and local committees, task forces, and boards. Working closely with other leaders in the state, the State Cartographer seeks to identify common needs in the geospatial community, and develop appropriate programs and projects to address those needs. To be effective in the above roles, the State Cartographer is expected to keep abreast of the developments, applications, and trends in the broad field of geospatial information, mapping, and associated technologies.

The State Cartographer is responsible for assuming a leadership role in statewide geographic information strategic planning, and as a non-voting member and advisor to the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council. In this role, this position promotes, organizes, and supports coordination and collaboration between other professionals, government agencies, and private and non-profit organizations. It provides vision and leadership, identifying critical areas that warrant policy development. The State Cartographer works closely with the Wisconsin Dept. of Administration Geographic Information Officer on facilitating leadership and outreach initiatives. Additionally, the State Cartographer participates and contributes to national geospatial coordination and standards setting activities in order to place the state in a leadership position on critical issues.

This position leads and participates in organizations, workshops and conferences to provide leading edge ideas and knowledge to professionals around the state. These activities put into practice the "Wisconsin Idea" which holds that the boundaries of the university should be the boundaries of the state, and that work done in the university should be applied to problems for the benefit of the state. This position creates and maintains a referral service and clearinghouse of information on geospatial issues that connects both the public and geospatial professionals to appropriate resources both on and off the UW-Madison campus. In this outreach role, the State Cartographer develops professional relationships with geospatial practitioners, and is responsible for maintaining relationships, building trust, and maintaining a reputation for professional excellence and respected performance.

Finally, this position is responsible for the management of the SCO, including implementation, review and update of an office strategic plan. The State Cartographer develops staff work plans, sets staff priorities, and facilitates the accomplishment of staff professional development goals. The State Cartographer organizes, communicates, and meets on a regular schedule with the SCO advisory committee to seek advice on short and long-term priorities, funding, and project development. The State Cartographer leads the recruitment and evaluation of staff, oversees various budgets, pursues external funding opportunities, and develops marketing and outreach plans to promote SCO services.

Degree and area of specialization:
Master’s Degree either in Cartography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Land Information Systems, or closely related field is required.

Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience:
The ideal candidate for this position will possess a wide breadth and depth of relevant education, training, and experience in cartography and geospatial technologies. A high level of interest and enthusiasm for the responsibilities assigned this position is critical. Mandatory qualifications include:
– 8 years professional experience in geospatial activities.
– 3 years professional experience in any combination of supervision and project management/administration.
– Demonstrated ability to work independently, and take a leadership role in a team environment with diverse constituents.
– Demonstrated current knowledge of mapping and GIS procedures, data and trends, and geospatial data creation technologies including GPS, aerial photography, and satellite imaging systems.
– Demonstrated high level of written and oral communication.
– Familiarity with local, state, and national mapping and geospatial data requirements, programs, and trends.

Desirable qualifications include:
– Leadership experience in creating or implementing public geospatial policy.
– Experience in government coordination, and/or community relations.
– Prior experience working in an institution of higher education.

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring.