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1800 Career Guide

Navy

1800: Oceanography Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Oceanography Officer (1800)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1800 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Oceanographer

$95K
High matchStable demand

Meteorologist

$98K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Broadcast meteorology certification (if interested in media)

Geospatial Analyst

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

GIS software proficiency (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)

Environmental Consultant

$78K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Environmental regulations knowledgeProject management certification

Data Scientist

$110K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Machine learningPython or R programmingStatistical modeling

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1800 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an Oceanography Officer, you built and utilized complex models to predict environmental impacts on naval operations, considering factors like ocean currents, weather patterns, and geographical data.

This translates to an ability to create and interpret models in civilian settings, forecasting trends, analyzing data, and understanding complex systems.

Situational Awareness

You maintained a high level of awareness regarding environmental conditions and their potential impact on naval assets and operations, quickly adapting strategies based on real-time data.

Your keen situational awareness allows you to quickly grasp complex situations, anticipate potential challenges, and make informed decisions under pressure.

Resource Optimization

You were responsible for optimizing the use of resources – personnel, equipment, and data – to provide accurate environmental intelligence that supported naval operations.

You can effectively manage and allocate resources to maximize efficiency and achieve desired outcomes, a skill highly valued in any organization.

After-Action Analysis

You conducted after-action analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental predictions and support provided to naval operations, identifying areas for improvement.

You can analyze past performance, identify lessons learned, and implement improvements to enhance future outcomes. This is invaluable for continuous improvement in any role.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Risk Management Consultant

SOC 13-2050

You've been predicting and mitigating risks associated with environmental factors for the Navy. As a Risk Management Consultant, you'll use those skills to help businesses identify and manage potential risks to their operations and assets.

Urban and Regional Planner

SOC 19-3051

You've been deeply involved in understanding environmental impacts and geographical data. As an Urban and Regional Planner, you can apply that knowledge to develop sustainable and resilient communities, considering environmental factors in planning decisions.

Business Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051

You've honed your analytical abilities to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights. As a Business Intelligence Analyst, you'll leverage those skills to analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitive landscapes, informing strategic business decisions.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA (Oceanography Curriculum)

2,400 training hours104 weeksVary based on courses selected; typically 30+ graduate-level semester hours recommended in Oceanography, Meteorology, or related fields

Topics Covered

  • •Advanced Oceanographic Principles
  • •Numerical Weather Prediction
  • •Ocean Data Assimilation
  • •Geophysical Data Analysis
  • •Naval Warfare Meteorology
  • •Acoustic Modeling
  • •Geodesy and Cartography
  • •Applied Remote Sensing

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Survey Technician (CST)60% covered

Requires studying specific surveying techniques, legal aspects, and instrument operation not directly covered in military oceanography, meteorology, and geodesy training. Need to focus on boundary surveying and construction layout.

GIS Professional (GISP)50% covered

Requires deepening knowledge of GIS software, spatial analysis techniques, and database management. The military provides a foundation in mapping and charting, but GISP requires a broader skill set in geospatial technologies.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Coastal Manager (CCM)American Meteorological Society (AMS) Certified Broadcast MeteorologistProject Management Professional (PMP)Certified Environmental Scientist (CES)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS)Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, National Weather Service (NWS) Global Forecast System (GFS)
Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS)High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model, commercial weather forecasting platforms (e.g., AccuWeather, The Weather Company)
Advanced Refractive Effects Prediction System (AREPS)Radio Frequency (RF) propagation modeling software (e.g., EDX SignalPro), telecommunications network planning tools
Next Generation Environmental Prediction System (NGEPS)ECMWF Integrated Forecasting System (IFS), Climate modeling and prediction software
NAVSSI - Navigation Sensor System InterfaceIntegrated bridge systems (IBS), maritime navigation software (e.g., Transas Navi-Sailor), ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)
Geographic Information System (GIS) and Hydrographic Survey SystemsEsri ArcGIS, QGIS, CARIS, Hypack

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