Cartographer / Maritime GIS Analyst
About this role
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is hiring cartographers and maritime GIS analysts through a federal hiring event tied to its current recruitment push. In this role you will acquire, compile, and evaluate geospatial data to build cartography products that support national security, military operations, and humanitarian relief. The work follows NGA and international standards and typically involves specializing in an area such as digital nautical charting. Federal pay is set on the NGA band scale with location-based adjustments, and qualified external applicants are welcome.
Posted on October 24, 2026, this opening appears in our Government Jobs listings. The role is based on site in Springfield, VA (hiring-event cohort), so it suits candidates within commuting distance. The sections below summarise the role in our own words: what you would be doing, what the employer expects, what is offered in return, and exactly how to apply.
Job snapshot
| Employer | National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency |
|---|---|
| Job title | Cartographer / Maritime GIS Analyst |
| Location | Springfield, VA (hiring-event cohort) |
| Workplace | On-site |
| Job type | Full-time |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Salary | See official listing |
| Posted | October 24, 2026 |
| Listing source | USAJOBS (announcement published Oct 19, 2026) |
What you will do day to day
While every employer organises the work slightly differently, the core of this Cartographer / Maritime GIS Analyst role at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency covers the following:
- Acquire, compile, evaluate, and review geospatial data for cartography products and data holdings
- Extract, attribute, format, and symbolize geospatial information to NGA and international standards
- Support digital nautical chart maintenance and production from continually maintained data
- Apply information from nautical charts, imagery, survey data, and navigation publications to build datasets
- Respond to geospatial queries from the U.S. Navy, foreign hydrographic offices, and other product users
- Research and solve problems related to charting products and mission-specific datasets
What you will need
- U.S. citizenship is required
- Background in geography, cartography, or geographic information systems (GIS)
- Ability to obtain a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance and pass a polygraph
- Subject to drug testing and a two-year probationary period
- Willingness to complete any required online assessments during the application process
This role suits a candidate who is comfortable with formal processes, documentation, and eligibility rules, and who values long-term stability and public service.
Pay and benefits
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has not published a fixed salary range in this listing, which is common for roles where pay is set by experience, grade, or location. Check the official application page for the current pay details, and compare the benefits below when judging the overall package.
Benefits listed by the employer
- Federal pay on the NGA band scale with locality adjustments
- Comprehensive federal benefits package including health insurance and retirement
- Mission-driven work supporting national security and maritime safety
- Fast-track hiring event cohort with accelerated interview timeline
How to apply
- Read the requirements above carefully and check you meet the essentials — US employers screen against them closely.
- Update your résumé so the skills named in this listing are easy to find, using the same wording where it honestly matches your experience.
- Click the Apply button on this page. It takes you to the official listing (USAJOBS (announcement published Oct 19, 2026)), where applications are submitted directly to National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
- Complete every field of the official application and double-check your contact details before submitting.
- Keep a note of the posting date and job title so you can follow up politely if you have not heard back within two weeks.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Apply well before the closing date — government portals rarely grant extensions.
- Answer every questionnaire item and align your résumé wording with the announcement.
- Check citizenship, clearance, and education requirements before investing time.
- Federal résumés can be longer than private-sector ones; include hours, grades, and duties in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a remote job?
No — NGA analyst positions are on-site, primarily at Springfield, VA, with some St. Louis roles.
Do I need a security clearance to apply?
You do not need one in advance, but you must be able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance and pass a polygraph.
Where is this job located?
This position is listed for Springfield, VA (hiring-event cohort) and is a On-site role. Confirm the exact workplace address on the official listing.