Research Associate 4

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Job Posting Title:

Research Associate 4 - Cartographer

Position Type:

Other Academic

Department:

LSUAM ORED - Louisiana Geological Survey (Gregory Brian Upton Jr. (00009417))

Work Location:

3095 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building

Pay Grade:

Other Academic

Job Description:

This position supports the Louisiana Geological Survey's mission of geological research and applications for the State of Louisiana through cartographic production, GIS data development, spatial data analysis, and preservation of these information sets. The Cartographer (Research Associate 4) is responsible for producing final draft geologic maps and charts, managing spatial databases, collecting GPS/GNSS field data, providing cartographic and spatial data information to government agencies and the general public, and maintaining LGS’s cartographic, geographic, and GIS data sets and archives. The Cartographer works closely with staff scientists supporting federal and state initiatives in geologic mapping and evaluation of energy resources and earth materials, in assessment and monitoring of environmental geosystems and geologic hazards, and in communication of geological information according to professional and governmental standards.

Job Responsibilities:

Produce working and final draft geologic maps and charts for federal and state surface and subsurface geologic mapping programs supported by agencies such as the US Dept of the Interior and the Louisiana Dept of Conservation & Energy. Ensure that deliverables meet agency and professional cartographic standards and assist with the preparation and submission of cartography and related deliverables to sponsors. Maintain internet linkage between LGS and sponsor web resources, such as USGS’s NGMDB (National Geologic Map Database), GeMS database, and Geolex. (35%)

Design, develop, and maintain spatial databases for geologic, geophysical, and energy-related data. Create and edit feature classes, geodatabases, and spatial datasets. Perform spatial analysis, data validation, and quality control. Develop metadata documentation following FGDC and ISO standards. (25%)

Plan and perform field surveys using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) equipment to collect spatial data for geologic features, infrastructure mapping (pipelines, wells), and ground control points. Process GPS data, perform differential corrections, and integrate field data into GIS databases. Support geologists and other researchers with field mapping technology. (10%)

Develop and maintain web-based GIS applications and interactive maps for public data dissemination. Manage LGS website map, galleries, and digital data repositories. Ensure accessibility and usability of online spatial data resources. (10%)

Provide GIS and cartographic support for research projects, including coastal studies, pipeline mapping, geologic hazards assessment, and energy resource investigations. Collaborate with geologists, environmental scientists, and external partners on spatial data analysis and visualization. Prepare maps and figures for scientific publications and technical reports. (10%)

Other duties as assigned. (10%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in a related field and two years of related experience or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of related experience in Geology, Geography (Geomorphology/Cartography emphasis), Cartography, GIS, related field.

Professional experience in GIS data development, cartographic production, and spatial data analysis. Demonstrated proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS software suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap). Experience creating maps and managing spatial databases. Proficiency with common cartographic projections and geographic coordinate systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's and two (2) or more years in Geology, Geography (Geomorphology/Cartography emphasis), Cartography, GIS, or related field.

Experience with geologic mapping and USGS standards; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for cartographic finishing; experience with web mapping platforms (ArcGIS Online, QGIS, Leaflet); experience with pipeline mapping or infrastructure GIS; aerial/drone imagery processing; experience with coordinate systems and projections used in Louisiana; publication record with cartographic products. Field experience with GPS/GNSS data collection equipment. Geologic or Geomorphic field-based mapping (performed by the applicant) as an essential component of the Senior thesis, Master’s thesis, or dissertation. GISP certified.

Additional Information:

Physical ability and eye-hand coordination necessary to use a computer terminal, copier, telephone, and other standard office equipment; ability to sit and/or stand in the same position for extended periods (5.5+ hours a day) at a time using continuous hand motions while working on the computer system.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).

For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected].
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Dr. Greg Upton at [email protected].

Posting Date:

February 13, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

June 13, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: