Oceanographer PB3

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA); Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NGA seeks an Oceanographer in Springfield, VA to analyze and disseminate bathymetric data, maintain data metadata, and deliver conflated mission-specific datasets for a global customer base.

Responsibilities include handling hydrographic data, generating clear reports, and ensuring data quality for Safety of Navigation obligations. A Bachelor's in Oceanography or related field is required; GIS experience and hydrographic expertise are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Oceanography or related field.
• Experience with hydrographic or bathymetric data collection and analysis.
• Experience with GIS.
• Experience presenting reports to leadership or diverse audiences.
• Experience addressing customer needs and resolving data issues.

Responsibilities

• Analyze hydrographic data to support NGA SoN obligations.
• Maintain bathymetric databases and metadata for data provenance.
• Develop clear, repeatable data products for customers.
• Conflate and deliver mission-specific bathymetric data.

Skills

Data interpretation

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Oceanography or related field

ACSM-THSOA Certified Hydrographer

Tools

GIS software

Hydrographic data tools

Job description

Posted : 10/22/26

Location : Springfield, VA

Oceanographers receive, analyze, deconflict, and disseminate U.S. and foreign bathymetric data to meet NGA's worldwide maritime Safety of Navigation (SoN) obligations. They populate and maintain data and metadata in bathymetry databases, ensuring the accuracy of metadata pertaining to collection source platforms and depth recording devices. These Oceanographers also provide customers with conflated and corrected mission-specific data.

Qualifications Mandatory

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:

• Experience working with hydrographic or bathymetric data to conduct data collection, data manipulation, feature extraction, and/or attribution.
• Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Experience developing and presenting written, visual, and/or oral reports to a variety of audiences, to include leadership.
• Experience identifying, analyzing and resolving issues with geophysical data.
• Experience capturing and addressing internal and external customer needs.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study of at least 24 semester hours in Oceanography or a related discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, Hydrography, Marine Sciences, Mathematics, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of Oceanography, Physics, Geophysics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Meteorology, Computer Science, and Engineering Sciences. Applicants who qualify on the basis of major study in Biology or Geology must have at least 6 semester hours in the major directly concerned with Marine Science or 6 semester hours in Oceanography. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A, with 20 additional semester hours in any combination of Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Sciences, Geophysics, Oceanography, Mathematics, Meteorology, and Physics, plus experience in the disciplines of Hydrography or Bathymetry that includes marine surveying, the use of current GIS tools, methods of research and analysis, application of hydrographic or bathymetric principles, or a related area 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: Designation as an American Congress on Surveying and Mapping-The Hydrographic Society of America (ACSM-THSOA) Certified Hydrographer, or similar certification is highly desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

Distinguish principal colors and shades/hues of principal colors; Near visual acuity of 20/60 or better with or without corrective lenses