21S Career Guide
21S: Topographic Surveyor
Career transition guide for Army Topographic Surveyor (21S)
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Top civilian roles for 21S veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Surveyor
Skills to develop:
Geospatial Technician
Skills to develop:
Construction Manager
Skills to develop:
Civil Engineering Technician
Skills to develop:
First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 21S training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
As a topographic surveyor, you build models of the terrain and environment, understanding how different elements interact to accurately map areas for various purposes, including artillery support and construction.
This ability to create and analyze models translates directly to understanding complex systems in the civilian world, predicting outcomes, and optimizing performance.
Resource Optimization
You are responsible for planning and arranging logistical support for topographic survey activities, ensuring efficient use of equipment, personnel, and time to meet mission requirements under potentially constrained conditions.
This experience translates to skills in budget management, supply chain oversight, and project management in any industry.
Procedural Compliance
You must meticulously follow established procedures and protocols for data collection, equipment operation, and survey computations to ensure accuracy and reliability of results. You also ensure your team adheres to safety regulations.
This dedication to precision and adherence to standards is highly valued in regulated industries where compliance is critical for safety and quality.
Team Synchronization
You're often leading survey parties, coordinating activities, and ensuring everyone works together seamlessly to collect accurate data and complete projects on time, often under pressure.
Your ability to synchronize team efforts and maintain cohesion is invaluable for achieving project goals in any collaborative environment.
Situational Awareness
From reconnaissance to supervising field surveys, you maintain a keen awareness of your surroundings, potential obstacles, and changing conditions to make informed decisions and ensure the safety of your team.
This heightened awareness and ability to adapt to dynamic situations is an advantage in roles that require quick thinking and proactive problem-solving.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-1199.09You've been immersed in topographic surveying, GPS, and data analysis – skills that translate directly into analyzing geospatial data to identify patterns, trends, and potential threats. Your experience in the military gives you a unique perspective on security and intelligence applications.
Construction Surveyor
SOC 17-1022.00You've been planning surveys and supervising survey activities which makes you well suited to manage construction surveys. With your background in topographic surveys, you're skilled at reading blueprints, marking out construction lines, and ensuring projects adhere to specifications. You are a great fit in this role.
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9081.00You've been working with complex instruments and topographical data, which means you already possess the skills to work at great heights. Your familiarity with safety procedures and technical documentation, combined with your adaptability, will make you a valuable asset in this rapidly growing renewable energy field.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
SOC 15-1131.00You've been working with spatial data and topographic surveys, which gives you the skills to use GIS software to create maps, analyze data, and solve location-based problems. You're a great fit for this position due to your ability to manage GIS projects with precision and efficiency.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Engineer School, Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Topics Covered
- •Land Navigation and Terrain Analysis
- •Operating Surveying Instruments (GPS, Theodolites, EDME)
- •Topographic Data Collection and Recording
- •Survey Computations and Data Processing
- •CAD Software and Data Conversion
- •Control Survey Procedures (Horizontal and Vertical)
- •Map Reading and Interpretation
- •Supervision of Survey Teams
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires knowledge of specific surveying instruments, land surveying principles, and legal aspects of boundary surveying. Study boundary law and complete hands-on practice with surveying instruments.
Needs further study in GIS software, spatial analysis techniques, database management, and cartography.
Formal project management training needed to cover all PMI knowledge areas, including risk management, stakeholder management, and procurement. Study the PMBOK guide.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers (various models, e.g., Trimble R12i) | Trimble R12i GNSS System, Leica Viva GS18 T |
| Electronic Distance Measuring Equipment (EDME) / Total Stations (e.g., Leica TS16) | Leica TS16 Robotic Total Station, Sokkia Total Stations |
| Digital Levels (e.g., Leica DNA03) | Leica DNA03 Digital Level, Topcon Digital Levels |
| Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software (e.g., ArcGIS) | Esri ArcGIS, QGIS |
| Surveying and Computation Software (e.g., Trimble Business Center) | Trimble Business Center, Autodesk Civil 3D |
| Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) tools | Various GPS apps and online tools that support MGRS coordinates |
| AN/PRC-152 Multiband Handheld Radio | Motorola Two-Way Radios, Kenwood Two-Way Radios |
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