New Cohort Starts:

Donate
Logo

81Z Career Guide

Army

81Z: Geospatial Engineering Sergeant

Career transition guide for Army Geospatial Engineering Sergeant (81Z)

Translate Your 81Z Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 81Z veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Surveying and Mapping Technician

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Civilian surveying software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D)FAA Part 107 drone certification (if operating drones)

Geospatial Analyst

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Geographic Information System (GIS) software proficiency (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)Remote sensing data analysisData visualization techniques

Cartographer/GIS Specialist

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced cartographic design principlesGIS database managementProficiency in specialized mapping software

Construction Manager

$95K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (PMP)Construction-specific software knowledgeUnderstanding of building codes and regulations

Civil Engineering Technician

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

AutoCAD and civil design software skillsKnowledge of civil engineering principlesAssociate's degree in civil engineering technology (preferred)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 81Z training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Understanding how topographic data collection, processing, and distribution systems interact to produce actionable intelligence products.

Analyzing complex systems and predicting outcomes based on variable inputs and constraints.

Resource Optimization

Managing survey teams, photolithography equipment, and mapping resources to efficiently meet mission requirements while adhering to budgetary and time constraints.

Allocating and managing resources effectively to maximize productivity and minimize waste.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating the activities of diverse teams (surveyors, cartographers, photolithographers) to ensure seamless integration of their efforts and timely project completion.

Orchestrating team efforts to achieve common goals, ensuring that individual contributions align with overall project objectives.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the operational environment, including terrain conditions, enemy activity, and logistical constraints, to adapt mapping and surveying strategies accordingly.

Understanding the broader context of a project or situation to make informed decisions and anticipate potential challenges.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-1081

You've been managing the flow of information and resources related to topographic mapping; now you can use those skills to optimize supply chains and distribution networks for civilian companies.

Urban and Regional Planner

SOC 19-3051

Your experience with topographic surveying and cartography translates directly into understanding land use, infrastructure development, and spatial data analysis, all crucial for effective urban planning.

Geospatial Data Scientist

SOC 15-1121

You've already worked extensively with geographic data; now you can leverage your skills in data analysis, spatial modeling, and visualization to uncover insights from geospatial datasets for businesses and organizations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Geospatial Engineering NCO Training, Fort Leonard Wood

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Geography, Surveying, or related field

Topics Covered

  • •Advanced Topographic Surveying Techniques
  • •Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Management
  • •Cartographic Principles and Map Production
  • •Photolithography and Image Analysis
  • •Geodetic Control and Data Acquisition
  • •Supervisory Skills and Team Leadership
  • •Military Geographic Intelligence (GEOINT)
  • •Terrain Analysis

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Survey Technician (CST)70% covered

Requires study of specific surveying instruments, techniques, and legal aspects of boundary surveying depending on the certification level pursued.

Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)60% covered

Requires demonstrating experience and knowledge in GIS principles, data management, and spatial analysis beyond topographic mapping.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Photogrammetrist (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing)Certified Mapping Scientist - GIS/LIS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR)Trimble GPS Surveying Equipment
Topographic Support System (TSS)Esri ArcGIS Suite
Digital Topographic Support System (DTSS)Geographic Information System (GIS) software and database management systems
Military Grid Reference System (MGRS)Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system
Imagery Exploitation System (IES)Remote Sensing and Image Analysis Software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE)
High Accuracy Survey Equipment (HASE)Advanced Geodetic Surveying Instruments

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 81Z experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free