Embark on a Critical Mission: Join the NGA as an Oceanographer in Springfield, VA

Our world's oceans serve as global superhighways, carrying more than ninety percent of international trade and acting as critical operational arenas for national defense. Navigating these waters safely requires precise, highly detailed, and continuously updated geospatial intelligence. This is the vital mission of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

If you are a skilled scientific professional with a passion for marine science, data integrity, and national security, the NGA has an extraordinary opportunity for you. The agency is hosting a dedicated hiring event for the position of Oceanographer (IA-03) at its state-of-the-art facility in Springfield, Virginia. Offering a highly competitive salary range of $85,447 to $158,322 per year, this position provides an exceptional career path within the Department of Defense (DoD).

About the Agency: The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency serves a unique, dual-hatted role in the United States government. It operates simultaneously as a combat support agency under the Department of Defense and as a cornerstone member of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). Headquartered in Springfield, Virginia, at the magnificent NGA Campus East, the agency delivers world-class geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) that provides a decisive advantage to policymakers, military service members, intelligence analysts, and first responders.

Working at the NGA means contributing directly to missions of global significance. From supporting humanitarian relief operations during natural disasters to providing strategic mapping for military deployments, the work performed by NGA personnel impacts lives daily. As an Oceanographer here, your analysis directly translates to the safety, readiness, and security of maritime vessels navigating the globe.

The Role of an NGA Oceanographer

Oceanographers at the NGA serve as the primary guardians of maritime geospatial data. The core of your responsibilities revolves around the collection, analysis, deconfliction, and dissemination of global bathymetric data. This information is critical to fulfilling the United States’ worldwide maritime Safety of Navigation (SoN) obligations.

On any given day, your responsibilities will include:

Data Analysis & Integration: Receiving and verifying complex, multi-source bathymetric and hydrographic data collected from both domestic and foreign providers.
Database Maintenance: Populating and maintaining highly sensitive bathymetric databases, ensuring that all metadata regarding depth-recording devices and collection platforms is flawless.
Feature Extraction: Identifying and cataloging underwater geographic features, identifying potential maritime hazards, and reconciling discrepancies in historical charts.
Reporting & Collaboration: Developing and delivering technical, written, visual, and oral reports to brief senior agency leadership, intelligence partners, and external customers.

Comprehensive Education and Qualification Standards

To be considered for this specialized position, candidates must demonstrate a rigorous combination of academic achievements and practical, technical skills.

Academic Prerequisites

Applicants can qualify for this position through one of two pathways:

Option A (Education-Based): A full Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution, majoring in Oceanography or a closely related discipline (such as Marine Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Geophysics, Geology, Geography, Meteorology, Physics, Remote Sensing, Mathematics, or Engineering). Your academic record must include at least 24 semester hours in Oceanography or the related major, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of Oceanography, Geophysics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Meteorology, or Engineering Sciences. (Note: Applicants qualifying via a Biology or Geology major must possess at least 6 semester hours specifically in Marine Science or Oceanography).
Option B (Combination of Education & Experience): A minimum of 24 semester hours of coursework in the fields listed above, combined with professional experience in hydrography or bathymetry (such as marine surveying, advanced GIS tool usage, or bathymetric research) that totals four years of combined experience and education.

Physical and Security Mandates

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must meet the following physical and administrative conditions:

Visual Requirements: Near visual acuity of 20/60 or better in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses, and the ability to distinguish principal colors, shades, and hues.
Security Clearance: Candidates must obtain and maintain a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance. This process requires a thorough background investigation, a Counterintelligence Polygraph exam, and a pre-employment drug screening.

Qualifying Criteria: Mandatory vs. Desirable

To help you assess your suitability for this career path, the table below outlines the core competencies evaluated during the hiring process:

Competency Area	Mandatory Qualifications (Must Demonstrate)	Desirable Qualifications (Highly Competitive)
Software & Tools	Core experience utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS).	Mastery of specialized processing software (e.g., CARIS, Fledermaus, Qimera, HYPACK).
Data Analysis	Ability to analyze, manipulate, and extract features from hydrographic or bathymetric data.	Deep understanding of underwater acoustic theory, geodetic data, and geophysical datasets.
Problem Solving	Proven track record identifying and resolving geophysical data errors.	Collaborative process-improvement experience to streamline data workflows.
Communication	Delivering structured technical reports and briefs to colleagues and leadership.	Leading complex customer-provider coordination efforts to define product requirements.
Professional Credentials	None strictly required for entry.	Designation as a Certified Hydrographer (ACSM-THSOA) or equivalent.

Salary, Pay Band, and Performance Structure

This position is established within the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) as an Excepted Service role under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. Rather than the traditional General Schedule (GS) system, NGA utilizes a pay-band system (IA) to reward high performance.

Pay Band: IA-03
Salary Range: $85,447 to $158,322 per year
Performance-Based Pay: Salaries are adjusted annually through a rigorous performance evaluation process, which links base pay increases and performance bonuses directly to individual achievements and mission impact.
Incentives: Selected candidates may be eligible for a recruitment incentive, which requires signing a service agreement outlining terms of service.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions

To ensure your application is reviewed by the NGA selection panel, you must follow their specific hiring portal guidelines. Only electronic submissions through the official portal are accepted.

Prepare Your Resume: You must use the official NGA Resume Builder tool on the NGA Careers Portal. Ensure your finalized resume does not exceed two pages in length.
Highlight Mandatory Criteria: Do not copy the job announcement text. Instead, write clear, original descriptions of your personal accomplishments that demonstrate your GIS proficiency, bathymetric data manipulation, and technical reporting.
Include Transcripts: Attach your unofficial or official transcripts showing the completed credit hours required to meet the strict educational prerequisites.
Submit Online: Submit your full application package via the NGA Careers Portal before the closing date on July 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.

Q: What does the security clearance process involve?

Because NGA is an intelligence agency, you will undergo an extensive background investigation. This includes check-ins on your employment history, finances, and criminal record, alongside a physical drug screening and a Counterintelligence Polygraph exam.

Q: Are there travel requirements associated with this role?

This position is listed with a travel code of 0, indicating minimal to no regular travel requirements. Most duties are carried out on-site at NGA Campus East in Springfield, VA.

Q: What is the NGA policy on accommodating applicants with disabilities?

NGA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations for any part of the hiring or application process, you can reach out directly to the recruitment team at the contact information provided below.

The NGA Oceanographer role is far more than a scientific position; it is an active contribution to global security and maritime defense. If you possess the educational foundation, the analytical mind, and the drive to work within the U.S. Intelligence Community, this Springfield-based hiring event represents a premier entry point. Take the next step in your professional journey and submit your application package before the July 25, 2026 deadline.

Why This Oceanographer (Hiring Event) Job Matters

Chart the depths, secure global waterways, and defend national interests as an Oceanographer with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Oceanographer (Hiring Event) Job Overview

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is hosting a targeted hiring event for talented Oceanographers to join their team in Springfield, Virginia. In this highly critical role within the Department of Defense, you will analyze, deconflict, and distribute critical U.S. and foreign bathymetric data to support global maritime Safety of Navigation (SoN) operations. Working with cutting-edge GIS tools and hydrographic systems, you will ensure the accuracy and integrity of vital intelligence databases that protect both military and commercial vessels across the globe.

Requirements for Oceanographer (Hiring Event)

United States Citizenship is mandatory.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination.
Must complete an annual Security Financial Disclosure Report (SF-714).
Completion of a satisfactory trial period to evaluate fitness for continued federal employment.
Meet specific physical standards, including near visual acuity of 20/60 or better (with or without corrective lenses) and the ability to distinguish principal colors and shades.

Preferred Qualifications for Oceanographer (Hiring Event)

Active certification as a Certified Hydrographer by the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping-The Hydrographic Society of America (ACSM-THSOA) or a similar recognized body.
Advanced experience utilizing industry-standard hydrographic and bathymetric processing software such as CARIS, Fledermaus, Qimera, or HYPACK.
Strong foundational knowledge of underwater acoustic theory and geodetic data analysis.
Demonstrated capability to coordinate directly with source data providers and customers to define product parameters.
Proven experience formatting, cataloging, filtering, and evaluating geodetic or geophysical data structures.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive base salary set within the DCIPS performance-based pay-band system.
✓Eligibility for specialized recruitment incentives, subject to service agreements.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance plans.
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave programs.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions for eligible employees.
✓Access to state-of-the-art training facilities and continuous professional development opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Oceanographer (Hiring Event) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Oceanographer (Hiring Event) Job

Review the full eligibility criteria and education requirements in detail.
Navigate to the official NGA Careers Portal to initiate the application process.
Log in or register an account on the NGA portal.
Utilize the built-in NGA Resume Builder to draft your CV, ensuring it is limited to a maximum of two pages.
Exhaustively detail your qualifications and experience as they align with the Mandatory Qualification Criteria.
Attach any supporting documents, such as academic transcripts and an optional cover letter, in the attachments step.
Submit your finalized application before the closing deadline on July 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.

💡 General Tips

Use the mandatory NGA Resume Builder and strictly limit your document to two pages. Applications exceeding this limit or submitted in alternative formats may be disqualified.
Address every Mandatory Qualification Criterion explicitly in your resume. Provide clear, real-world examples of your work with GIS systems, bathymetric data, and report delivery.
Ensure your college transcripts clearly highlight the mandatory 24 semester hours in Oceanography (or closely related fields) plus the 20 additional hours in supporting sciences to prevent automatic rejection.
Since a Top Secret/SCI clearance and a Counterintelligence Polygraph are required, maintain meticulous records of your historical employment, residency, foreign travel, and financial histories for the security questionnaire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position telework-eligible?

No. Due to the highly classified nature of the geospatial intelligence and security systems utilized daily, this position requires on-site presence at the Springfield, Virginia facility and is not eligible for telework or remote arrangements.

What educational disciplines qualify for the Oceanographer series?

Qualifying fields include Oceanography, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, Hydrography, Marine Sciences, Mathematics, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics, and Remote Sensing, provided the specific credit-hour requirements are met.

How does the DCIPS performance pay system function?

The Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) utilizes a pay-band structure rather than standard GS steps. Annual salary adjustments and bonuses are tied directly to your performance ratings and contributions to the agency.

Are military retirees subject to any employment restrictions?

Yes. Military retirees may be impacted by the 180-day appointment restrictions post-retirement in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 1402.01. NGA Human Development personnel will provide guidance during the hiring process if applicable.

Q: Can I apply without a background in Oceanography if I have a different science degree?

Yes, provided your degree is in a related field (such as Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Geography) and you possess the required 24 semester hours in your major plus the 20 additional hours in specified supporting sciences.