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Toponymist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Toponymist Mid-Level 115-007

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$11 - $12.25/hr

T Toponymist Mid-Level shall analyze and conflate information associated with feature data listed in the Geographic Names Database (GNDB) while working closely with Intelligence Community (IC ...

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How much do toponymist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for toponymist in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Toponymist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Toponymist, you need a solid background in geography, linguistics, and research, often supported by a relevant degree such as geography, cartography, or linguistics. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), map databases, and specialized toponymic data management software is typically required. Meticulous attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are essential for accurately researching and documenting place names, ensuring authoritative and culturally sensitive results for mapping and official records.

What does a Toponymist do?

A Toponymist studies place names (toponyms), their origins, meanings, and usage. They analyze historical and linguistic aspects of geographic names, ensuring accurate representation on maps and official records. Toponymists often work for government agencies, cartographic organizations, or academic institutions, contributing to geographic databases and standardization efforts. Their work helps maintain consistency in naming conventions and preserves cultural and historical significance in geography.

What kinds of organizations or teams do Toponymists typically work with, and how do they contribute to collaborative projects?

Toponymists often work for government agencies, mapping companies, research institutions, and international organizations, collaborating with geographers, cartographers, historians, and database specialists. On collaborative projects, they contribute their expertise in the origin, meaning, and standardized usage of place names, ensuring accuracy and consistency across maps, atlases, and official documents. They may be involved in interdisciplinary teams that address cultural, historical, and legal aspects of naming, such as resolving disputes or standardizing names for public reference. This role is valued for its unique blend of linguistic, cultural, and technical insights, which enhances the accuracy and usability of geographic information.

More about Toponymist jobs
What states have the most Toponymist jobs? States with the most job openings for Toponymist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Toponymist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Korean Toponymist - TS/SCI Required

Korean Toponymist - TS/SCI Required

Leidos

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 425 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking a candidate for aKorean Toponymist (Geospatial Linguist)candidate to support a customer site in St Louis, MO.

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 thelanguage 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

"External Referral Eligible"

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:September 23, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

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.


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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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