Job: Geospatial Engineer (21Y)

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To be a U.S. Army Soldier is to be a part of the strongest fighting force in the world. You'll spend your days training, working and serving together to protect America's freedoms. But you'll also have time after work for family, friends and personal interests. From recruitment to retirement, the U.S. Army provides a unique and diverse lifestyle for Soldiers.


The Modern Army uses digital maps & geographic data (satellite images, digital terrain data, and intelligence data) to help the commander visualize the terrain, maneuver forces, execute military operations effectively & target adversaries accurately. Geospatial Engineers use geographic data to produce 2-D and 3-D virtual products to represent the terrain and its effects on operations more accurately and faster to help the commander visualize the terrain. Geospatial Engineers are primarily responsible for collecting, manipulating, analyzing and distributing Geospatial Products, in support of Military & Civil (Disaster Relief and Homeland Security) Operations. Some of your duties as a Geospatial Engineer may include:

* Extract geographic data from collateral data sources such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, field reconnaissance and digital data
* Use advanced computer systems to create and update geographic features & data
* Provide 2-D & virtual 3-D representation of portions of the earth?s surface to commanders to better visualize the battlefield
* Organization of compiled geographic data into a printable & digital maps
* Create & Maintain multiple geospatial databases for storage of large volumes of geographic information
* Setup & Maintain a multi-system local area network consisting of workstations, servers, and output devices
* Prepare & Conduct Military style briefs covering all aspects of the terrain and its effects to enhance the commanders operational awareness
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Job training for a Geospatial Engineer requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 18 weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction, including practical application of geographic information systems. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

* Basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
* Geographic analysis
* Imagery interpretation & exploitation

Helpful attributes include:

* An interest in geography, maps and charts
* An ability to demonstrate basic computer skills
* An ability to conceptualize ideas into computer generated 2-D/3-D geospatial products
* An interest in working in a technical career field
* An interest in working with drafting equipment

Advanced level Geospatial Engineers provide guidance, supervise and train other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Geospatial Engineer, you may be involved in:

* Analyze collected geographic information in order to produce tactical decision aids
* Analyze & predict the weather effects, as it applies to the characteristics of terrain
* Perform & supervise management for the storage of aerial photographs, maps, digital geographic databases and collateral source materials
* Perform quality and control assurance during all stages of geospatial operations

The skills you learn as a Geospatial Engineers will help prepare you for a civilian career with Federal, State & Local Government and Private Sector.

Civilian employment opportunities could found in the following areas: Federal Careers: Department of Homeland Security, FBI, CIA, NSA, NGA, USGS, National Park Service, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation. State Government & Local Agency Careers: City/County Planning & Development, Emergency Services (Police, Fire department, EMS, 911 Centers), Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, State Department of Transportation. Private Sector Careers: Oil & Gas Field, Telecommunications, Utility Companies, Retail Planning, Defense Contractors.

* Field Artillery Firefinder RADAR Operator (13R)
* Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmember (13W)
* Imagery Analyst (35G)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.