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OUR MISSION

NGA provides timely, relevant, and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of national security.

Putting the power of GEOINT in your hands.

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Occupations    
 
NGA hires a variety of work roles to execute our robust mission. Below are just a few of the exciting work roles at NGA!

Accountants perform accounting and financial processes and transactions related to recording and reporting NGA's financial activity. They review financial and accounting results to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance with appropriate legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements to produce auditable financial statements.

Advanced Visualization Specialists design, produce, and finish technologically sophisticated animated and interactive products. They use data extraction, image analysis, 3-D illustration, and advanced computer software packages to develop and/or modify precision softcopy and web products.

Aeronautical Analyst exploit worldwide aeronautical data and other sources of intelligence in support of national security goals, concerns, and strategies. They produce oral, written, and graphic intelligence reports. They collaborate with partners and co-producers across the community and ensure that the intelligence information is available in Intelligence Community databases and products. They also ensure the quality, accuracy, and currency of aeronautical information produced in-house, by contractors, and by national and international co-producers.

Contract Specialists (DAWIA) develop, plan, organize, manage, solicit, negotiate, award, terminate, administer, and close out acquisitions to meet customer needs. They interact with the contractor and the customer to meet customer needs. They may also hold a warrant that would authorize them to obligate the Government subject to limitations expressed on their warrant. They must obtain DAWIA-certification in Contracting, as appropriate for the band, within 24 months of appointment to this work role.

Cost Estimators apply the principles of operations research and statistics to create cost estimates and risk analyses of major system acquisitions. They calculate and forecast the future cost of systems, projects/programs, resources, methods, and management within a scheduled time frame, and develop and analyze cost models and life-cycle cost estimates to support independent studies, key strategic programs, investment decisions, and various management reviews (e.g., milestone reviews, budget reviews). Cost Estimators research and develop statistical tools and estimating methodologies based on historical system acquisition costs, schedules, and technical and programmatic data. They document, present, and defend cost estimating products to decision makers and senior leaders.

Counterintelligence (CI) Officers perform a variety of functions in the counterintelligence area including CI preliminary inquiries, data research and analysis, CI training and awareness, briefings, and debriefings. They detect, analyze, and mitigate foreign intelligence and terrorist threats affecting NGA personnel, technologies, infrastructure, and/or capabilities. CI Officers also monitor security incidents, coordinate damage assessments, advise NGA leadership, and conduct liaison with Intelligence Community, National, DoD, and local law enforcement agencies.

Drug Program Coordinators perform a wide range of duties associated with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program (Executive Order 12564). They schedule and conduct in-house urine specimen collections for NGA employees, schedule applicant and remote site collections, and perform relevant database and administrative activities in support of the program. Drug Program Coordinators track all drug testing results, deferrals, and follow-up testing as required by the Medical Review Officer (MRO). 

Editors
produce and edit documents for accuracy, completeness, organization, content and compliance with language, style, publication, format, and presentation standards. They process and disseminate documents in many hardcopy, softcopy, and web formats ensuring compatibility with a variety of computer systems and telecommunications networks. Editors format documents, verifying portion markings and overall classification of intelligence products. They also write reports, briefings, articles, and procedures.

Financial/Budget Analysts formulate, analyze, present, defend, communicate, and execute NGA’s financial program. They provide financial analysis, guidance, and advice to customers.

Geodetic Surveyors collect geodetic and geophysical data and reduce them to precise positions and gravity measurements. They use and maintain a variety of survey equipment used in data collection. They compute, adjust, and evaluate data acquired by other organizations. They provide technical expertise on geodetic and geophysical issues to customers and represent NGA in external community forums that establish DOD and Intelligence Community doctrine and policy.

GEOINT Analysts (Analytic Methodologist) are experts in the application of mathematical techniques for spatio-temporal analysis to solve complex military and intelligence problems in support of national security. They use analytic tools and techniques such as GIS, quantitative methods and data visualization, modeling, systems analysis, comparative analysis, and database development. They provide technical input into the development, evaluation, use, and deployment of solutions and improvements to optimize GEOINT analysis and production. They also educate management and analysts in quantitative methods as they apply to GEOINT analysis. 

GEOINT Analyst (Geodetic Earth Sciences) analyze the Earth's gravity and magnetic fields, geophysical structure, material properties, and dynamics for geospatial intelligence and DoD applications. They define and maintain the World Geodetic System (WGS), perform datum transformations between WGS84 and local datums, and develop spatial and temporal models defining Earth systems. They provide in-depth technical expertise on Geodetic and geophysical issues to internal and external customers and represent NGA in external community forums establishing DoD and IC doctrine and policy. 

GEOINT Analyst (Geodetic Orbit Sciences) apply orbital mechanics and network systems analysis to acquire, process, and analyze satellite data. They develop, evaluate, and use algorithms and tools to provide integrity monitoring and determine precise ephemerides and other information. They analyze satellite ranging and timing information in order to identify anomalies in both real-time and post-fit scenarios. These analysts handle technical and logistical details pertinent to remote command and control of a worldwide network of satellite tracking stations. They provide in-depth technical expertise on satellite issues to internal and external customers, and represent NGA in external community forums establishing DoD and Intelligence Community doctrine and policy.

GEOINT Analysts (LIDAR Image Science) analyze point cloud data to derive intelligence and geospatial information. They conduct feature extraction, characterize partially obscured objects, and perform change detection to support or extend analysis. They develop algorithms, evaluate tools, and create customized LIDAR methodologies to address a variety of geospatial intelligence problems.

GEOINT Analysts (Photogrammetric Image Science) apply advanced techniques to measure the precise dimensions or relative size of objects on imagery. This includes monoscopic, stereoscopic, overhead, handheld, or video imagery. They develop mensuration strategies, determine requirements, evaluate tools, and create customized methodologies and products to address a variety of geospatial intelligence problems. 

GEOINT Analysts (Radar Image Science) apply advanced techniques to determine the intelligence and geospatial information contained in radar data. They develop algorithms, evaluate tools, and create customized radar methodologies and products to address a variety of geospatial intelligence problems. 

GEOINT Analysts (Spectral Image Science) apply advanced techniques to determine the intelligence and geospatial information contained in the electro-optical region of the spectrum. This includes the exploitation of multi- and hyperspectral imagery. They develop algorithms, evaluate tools, and create customized spectral methodologies and products to address a variety of geospatial intelligence problems. 

GEOINT Analysts (Thermal Infrared Image Science) apply advanced techniques to determine the intelligence and geospatial information contained in thermal infrared imagery. They conduct phenomenological studies on objects or events of interest to inform intelligence conclusions. They develop algorithms, evaluate tools, and create customized infrared methodologies and products to address a variety of geospatial intelligence problems.

GEOINT Analysts (Data Stewardship) manage the development, approval, and population of data within NGA's feature database, ensuring that it can be used to satisfy customer requirements. They have read/write access to that database, and make qualitative decisions about the data. They understand the capabilities and limitations of the feature database systems. They have a wide range of product knowledge and understand the capabilities of the various systems to support the extraction, analysis, and finishing of in-house, co-production, commodity, and contract data. 

HR Officers oversee and lead areas of work to meet the agency's human capital strategy. They apply a broad range of expertise to lead projects and programs, implement change management initiatives, and recommend process improvements. HR Officers advise management on the development, implementation, and maintenance of HR strategies and operational support.

HR Specialists apply a range of concepts, laws, regulations, policies, and practices to provide HR services. They serve as points of contact, coordinators, and advisors; gather and analyze data to examine issues, concerns, or inquiries; and develop and recommend alternatives or solutions. 

Imagery Scientists apply advanced techniques to determine the intelligence and geospatial information contained in imagery. They develop algorithms, evaluate tools, and create customized methodologies and products to address a variety of geospatial intelligence problems. They typically specialize in precision mensuration, radar, spectral, infrared, and other specialized collection systems.

Information Assurance Officers
ensure the confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and non-repudiation of NGA's information and information systems. They apply technical expertise from a variety of backgrounds to provide a multi-layered Defense-in-Depth approach to protection of NGA's critical infrastructure and production capabilities. They monitor information systems and networks to strengthen access controls, detect unauthorized access attempts, and ensure compliance with national, IC, and Agency Automated Information System security policy and directives.

Maritime Analysts acquire, analyze, compile, and disseminate maritime safety information to populate and update nautical databases to support the Digital Nautical Chart, hardcopy charts, digital publications, and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems. They generate mission specific datasets, promulgate worldwide navigational warnings, and respond to queries from foreign hydrographic offices and the users of our products and services. These duties are performed in fulfillment of NGA's marine navigation obligations under U.S. Code, Title 10, other Federal and International laws and regulations in support of national security goals, concerns and strategies.

Multimedia Specialists design, produce, and finish interactive presentation products. They may use interactive authoring, illustration, image editing, graphic design, scanning, digital video, and/or animation software to integrate graphics with text and audio. Activities include mastering CD ROMs/DVDs, importing and exporting data, archiving, electronic publishing, enhancing images, and operating scanners.

Open Source Analysts are open and classified source data mining specialists with expertise in identifying, analyzing, evaluating, and acquiring sources and data necessary to further GEOINT analysis. They develop regional and subject expertise in order to provide information tailored to mission requirements. They collaborate with other IC agencies and outside institutions and groups to enhance information access and resource sharing. They recommend and acquire source materials to enhance Resource Center collections and provide training to help customers optimize the use of databases and services.

Program Management Execution Officers (DAWIA) oversee the cost, schedule, and technical performance of Information Technology (IT) acquisition activities. Program Management Execution Officers-DAWIA oversee the cost, schedule, and technical performance of Information Technology (IT) acquisition activities. They plan programs in detail, lead program teams and activities, direct the day-to-day running of programs, and monitor all aspects of IT acquisition. In addition, Program Management Execution Officers-DAWIA identify and defend funding requirements, prepare procurement documentation, conduct technical evaluations, and monitor expenditures. They assess contractor performance and may perform source selection evaluation duties. 

Program Management Execution Officers (non-DAWIA)
oversee the cost, schedule, and technical performance of Information Technology (IT) acquisition activities. They plan programs in detail, lead program teams and activities, direct the day-to-day running of programs, and monitor all aspects of IT acquisition. In addition, Program Management Execution Officers-DAWIA identify and defend funding requirements, prepare procurement documentation, conduct technical evaluations, and monitor expenditures. They assess contractor performance and may perform source selection evaluation duties.

Project Scientists are responsible for the day-to-day execution and technical oversight of a variety of scientific activities. They develop project schedules, determine resource requirements, provide technical guidance and oversight, and report results. Project Scientists apply in-depth expertise from a variety of scientific disciplines (e.g., Photogrammetry, Geodesy, GIS, Computer Science, Mathematics, Image Science) to develop, analyze, evaluate, and apply new technology; develop expertise and tradecraft for the Agency; and advise senior management on new and evolving technology. They participate in strategic planning, propose and defend program plans, and communicate and market results to customers and decision-makers.

Public Affairs Officers design, develop, and implement an integrated program of internal and external information to inform key audiences about NGA programs, successes, and future vision. They provide advice to senior leaders on likely public and employee reactions to Agency policies and programs. They produce a wide range of tailored informational products including written articles, video news, public displays, Internet sites, and intranet sites. They also facilitate communication with senior leaders through specific fora designed to gauge employee and community perspectives.

Software Engineers analyze customer requirements, evaluate alternative approaches, and design solutions tailored to specific Agency/customer requirements. They review and provide guidance on software developed by vendors; test software developed internally and by vendors; and quickly respond to crisis situations to develop and deliver unique solutions to customer problems.

Source Strategies Analysts collaborate with customers and source providers to develop comprehensive multi-INT, multi-source strategies to address intelligence problems. They create tasking and dissemination requirements, adjudicate requirements, analyze and investigate collection performance, assess and report on end-to-end GEOINT system performance data, and advise customers in support of the National System for Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG).

Systems Engineers enable the delivery of Information Technology capabilities through the use of interdisciplinary approaches (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Logistics, and Physical Sciences). They may lead and be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle systems engineering activities. Systems Engineers support acquisition life-cycle management by performing strategic systems migration planning; capturing and translating mission and customer functional, performance, and support capabilities into requirements; allocating requirements to systems architecture components; developing the requests for change; and testing, validating, and deploying systems. They also perform configuration management, maintain schedules, are responsible for the systems engineering processes that support process improvement, and evaluate technology options and utilization opportunities.

Web Engineers  translate NGA products, information, and data into web content for dissemination on national and coalition networks and the World Wide Web. They develop software to tie tools/applications together into workable systems. Web Engineers operate content management systems and support remote Web Authors. They build and maintain databases and information stores and transfer this information between multiple security domains. They analyze and coordinate requirements with customers, and respond to customer feedback, adjusting interfaces and content. They analyze access and usage statistics and trends to assist in deciding best allocation of resources, and to support server and storage capacity planning.
 
 
 

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