Launch Your Career as a Geodetic Surveyor with the NGA
Are you looking for a career that combines technical precision with the high-stakes world of national intelligence? The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is currently seeking motivated, skilled professionals for the role of Geodetic Surveyor. This unique hiring event presents a rare opportunity to join a premier organization dedicated to providing actionable geospatial intelligence to the defense and intelligence communities.
About the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
The NGA is the world leader in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). Its personnel work behind the scenes to evaluate maps, imagery, terrain, elevation, and gravity data. By analyzing the full spectrum of visible and invisible light, NGA professionals help stakeholders understand what is happening at any place and time on Earth. Joining the NGA means becoming part of an agency that values innovation, mobility, and technical mastery.
Job Responsibilities
As a Geodetic Surveyor, you are the backbone of foundation data accuracy. Your daily responsibilities include:
- Conducting Surveys: Execute complex geodetic, geophysical, and GC-LiDAR surveys in various environments.
- Equipment Management: Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot state-of-the-art survey equipment, including GNSS receivers and robotic total stations.
- Data Analysis: Process baseline data and conduct least-squares adjustments to ensure the highest level of accuracy.
- Technical Consultation: Provide subject matter expertise on geodetic and geophysical issues to internal and external partners.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Feature | Mandatory Requirement | Preferred Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's in Geodesy, Math, or Physical Science | Professional Land Surveyor License |
| Equipment | GNSS, Total Stations | Advanced LiDAR Processing |
| Experience | Field work in harsh environments | Geophysical data analysis |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship & Security: You must be a U.S. citizen and qualify for a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
- Academic Foundation: A degree in a relevant field with 30 semester hours of specific coursework, including calculus.
- Physical Capability: You must be able to perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting 45 pounds, climbing, and working in challenging environmental conditions.
- Commitment: Willingness to undergo a polygraph and periodic background screenings.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation for this role is highly competitive, ranging from $49,960 to $88,356 annually. Beyond the paycheck, NGA employees benefit from:
- Clear pathways to non-competitive promotion via the Career Advancement Program.
- Performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits.
- A mission-driven work environment with unmatched professional development.
Application Tips
Success in the federal hiring process requires attention to detail. Use the official NGA resume builder and strictly limit your document to two pages. Emphasize your technical experience with LiDAR and GNSS hardware, providing clear examples of how your work influenced project outcomes.
If you have the technical skills and the drive to protect the nation, the NGA wants to hear from you. This role offers not just a job, but a career path filled with challenges, growth, and the pride of contributing to national security.
Why This Geodetic Surveyor (Hiring Event) Job Matters
Launch your career at the forefront of national security. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is seeking skilled Geodetic Surveyors to provide critical data that shapes the world's understanding of terrain and space.
Geodetic Surveyor (Hiring Event) Job Overview
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is seeking dedicated Geodetic Surveyors to join its high-mobility workforce. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in producing timely and actionable geospatial intelligence. You will conduct complex geodetic, geophysical, and GC-LiDAR surveys, maintain sophisticated field equipment, and analyze data to help decision-makers visualize terrain, elevation, and critical foundation data. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation’s intelligence mission while advancing your professional skills through the NGA Career Advancement Program.
Requirements for Geodetic Surveyor (Hiring Event)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
- Must pass a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination and drug test.
- Bachelor's degree in Geodesy, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related field (must include 30 semester hours in qualifying coursework, including differential and integral calculus).
- Alternatively, a combination of education and experience totaling four years.
- Ability to work in harsh environments, conduct heavy lifting (45+ lbs), and perform repetitive physical tasks.
- Strong proficiency in GNSS, total station operation, and data analysis software.
Preferred Qualifications for Geodetic Surveyor (Hiring Event)
- Active registration as a Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor.
- Advanced experience in collecting, processing, and analyzing terrestrial, mobile, or airborne LiDAR data.
- Expertise in geophysical data collection, including gravity, magnetics, or astronomic positions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Opportunities for non-competitive promotion via the Career Advancement Program.
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure within the DCIPS pay bands.
- ✓Performance-based bonuses and salary increases.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
- ✓Potential recruitment incentives for eligible candidates.
- ✓Access to ongoing training and intelligence community career development.
💡 How to Apply Geodetic Surveyor (Hiring Event) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Geodetic Surveyor (Hiring Event) Job
- Visit the official NGA Careers Portal online.
- Create or update your resume using the NGA resume builder (limited to 2 pages).
- Identify your veterans' preference eligibility if applicable.
- Submit your electronic application by 11:59 PM EDT on the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the NGA Careers Portal dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific NGA resume builder tool to ensure your format is accepted.
- Focus your resume on specific examples of complex geodetic work and the quantitative results achieved.
- Highlight your technical proficiency with survey equipment and processing software.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- While a cover letter is optional, it is recommended to help articulate your suitability for this specialized field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NGA Career Advancement Program?
The CAP is a structured program for Pay Band 2 positions that allows employees to be evaluated semi-annually. Successful performance leads to salary increases and the potential for non-competitive promotion to Pay Band 3.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, this role may require occasional travel. Because NGA uses a high-mobility career model, specific requirements regarding travel and location may evolve based on agency needs.
Can I apply if I am a military retiree?
Yes, but be aware that reemployed annuitants may be subject to specific restrictions regarding retirement contributions and appointment rules per Department of Defense instructions.