Geospatial Surveyor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary
Geodetic Surveyors perform geodetic, geophysical, and GC-LiDAR surveys. They use, maintain, and troubleshoot survey equipment, and compute, adjust, and evaluate geodetic and geophysical (G&G) survey data. They provide technical expertise on G&G issues to customers and represent NGA in external community forums.
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Duties
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) serves as the world leader in providing timely, relevant, accurate and actionable geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). NGA's civilian, military and contract personnel evaluate imagery, maps, charts, multiple layers of foundation data - such as terrain, elevation and gravity and the full spectrum of visible and invisible light to help users visualize what is happening at a particular place and time. NGA uses a flexible, high mobility career model. Individuals are hired for their overall skills within a specialty such as Geodetic Surveyor and then placed in various positions throughout the agency once they complete the clearance process. Although currently advertised as a non-supervisory, permanent, telework-ineligible job posting with occasional travel, it is unknown which specific positions will be available after applicants complete the selection and clearance process. Because of this, aspects of the job such as travel, supervisory, telework, etc. may change, depending on specific positions available at that time. It is also possible that applicants could be hired into a position with specific aspects and then change positions after serving for a period in that assignment. Applicants who have completed the clearance process receive final documentation about the nature of the specific position before they make the final commitment to join NGA.
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION: Geodetic Surveyors typically have knowledge and experience in one or both of the following areas:
Geodetic Surveying (geodetic positioning, geodetic azimuths, vertical levels, and LiDAR); Geophysical Surveying (astronomic positions, astronomic azimuths, gravity, and magnetics); Geodetic surveyors travel frequently and work outdoors, sometimes in remote or harsh environments, or extreme weather conditions; They are detail-oriented, with strong mathematical, computer, and technical skills; They use critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills to adapt to changing field conditions and troubleshoot equipment and software issues. Participate in geodetic and geophysical surveys as a team lead or team member; Follow standard processes and guidance to perform geodetic and geophysical surveys; Independently compute, process, adjust, and evaluate basic survey data; Prepare field notes, reference maps, and sketches for geodetic and geophysical survey projects; Perform quality control on geodetic and geophysical survey adjustments and publications; Incorporate advances in the field of geodesy and geophysics to improve data collection and analysis processes; May be required to work evening and night shifts, weekends and holidays In addition to addressing the mandatory and desirable requirements, it is recommended that candidates document the following: Coursework or foundational knowledge in calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and advanced statistics, geodesy, and geophysics; Use of geodetic or geophysical equipment and software; Participation in field surveys, including the types of field surveys and their role(s) in the surveys (project management, team lead/crew chief, team member, data processing/analysis, survey publication, or quality control).
This position may be eligible for a RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE: selected candidates may be offered an incentive as part of the offer of employment. To receive the incentive, selected candidates must be eligible under 5 CFR Part 575, Subpart A, upon issuance of the Final Offer Letter. Changes in federal employment status prior to issuance of the Final Offer Letter may affect eligibility. To receive the incentive, selected candidates will be required to sign a service agreement to stay within the position at NGA for the agreed upon time. If the service agreement is terminated before its completion, the employee may be required to repay a pro rata share amount of the incentive to the government. Additional information regarding recruitment incentives for current federal employees can be found in DoDI 1400.25, Volume 2006.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
• Security Investigation

SPECIAL INFO:
As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards.
- U.S. Citizenship
- Security Clearance - Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
- Polygraph & Drug Test
- Direct Deposit
- Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal service
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to SCI. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs.
Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs.
NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process.
This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility.
Qualifications
MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement:
1. Experience operating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, data collectors, electronic/robotic total stations, and/or terrestrial/mobile LiDAR.
2. Experience with GNSS baseline processing and/or least squares adjustment software.
3. Experience performing field work in harsh environmental conditions.
4. Experience leading efforts and/or a team to support a common goal.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Geodesy, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related discipline that includes at least 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any combination of Astronomy, Cartography, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Geodesy, Geodetic Surveying, Geology, Geomatics, Geophysics, Geographic Information Systems, Mathematics, Meteorology, Orbital Mechanics, Photogrammetry, Physical Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, or Surveying. Coursework must include differential and integral calculus. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A, plus appropriate experience conducting work related to Civil Engineering, Geodesy, Geophysics, Geotechnical Analysis, Surveying, or a related field that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years. -AND- LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: Registration as a Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor is highly desirable.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling; Pushing; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Use of hands; Walking; Prolonged periods of standing; Crawling; Kneeling; Repeated bending; Climbing, use of legs and arms; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted); Distinguish principal colors and shades/hues of principal colors; Near visual acuity of 20/20 or better with or without corrective lenses; Far visual acuity of 20/30 or better binocular with or without corrective lenses
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENT: Working outside and inside; Working around excessive noise, intermittent; Exposure to fumes, smoke, or gases; Working around slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working around moving objects or vehicles; Working on ladders or scaffolding; Working below ground; Repetitive physical tasks; Working in harsh environments
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired:
1. Experience collecting, processing, and/or analyzing geophysical data, such as gravity, magnetics, or astronomic positions or azimuths.
2. Experience collecting, processing, and/or analyzing LIDAR data utilizing terrestrial, mobile, and/or airborne LiDAR platforms.
3. Professional Land Surveyors License in any U.S. state or territory.
4. Experience conducting scientific or statistical analysis to interpret data and draw appropriate conclusions.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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