82A Career Guide
82A: Topographic Surveying Technician
Career transition guide for Army Topographic Surveying Technician (82A)
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Top civilian roles for 82A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Surveyor
Skills to develop:
Construction Manager
Skills to develop:
Geospatial Technician
Skills to develop:
First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Skills to develop:
Logistics Manager
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 82A training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
The 82A role demands constant awareness of the surrounding environment during surveying operations, including terrain features, potential obstacles, and team member locations to ensure accurate data collection and safety.
This translates to an ability to quickly assess and understand complex environments, identify potential risks, and proactively respond to changing conditions.
Procedural Compliance
Topographic surveying requires strict adherence to established procedures and protocols to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of survey data, as well as compliance with safety regulations.
This showcases your ability to follow detailed instructions meticulously, maintain consistency in your work, and adhere to industry standards and regulations.
Team Synchronization
As part of a survey team, the 82A must coordinate effectively with other members, including rodmen, tapemen, and surveyors, to ensure seamless data collection and efficient workflow.
This reflects your capability to collaborate effectively with others, communicate clearly, and contribute to a cohesive team environment to achieve shared goals.
Resource Optimization
This role involves efficient utilization of surveying equipment, vehicles, and time to maximize productivity and minimize waste during field operations. They also coordinate operation of company food service and supply activities
Your experience demonstrates the ability to effectively manage resources, prioritize tasks, and streamline processes to achieve optimal results within budgetary and time constraints.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Insurance Claims Adjuster
SOC 13-1031You've been trained to meticulously collect data, assess situations, and adhere to strict procedures. As an Insurance Claims Adjuster (13-1031), you'll investigate claims, evaluate damages, and determine appropriate settlements, leveraging your attention to detail and analytical skills to ensure fair and accurate outcomes.
Logistics Analyst
SOC 13-1075Your experience in coordinating activities and managing resources translates directly to the logistics field. As a Logistics Analyst (13-1075), you'll analyze supply chain operations, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies to optimize processes, using your problem-solving and organizational abilities to improve logistics performance.
Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041Your background in procedural compliance and attention to detail makes you well-suited for a role in ensuring regulatory adherence. As a Compliance Officer (13-1041), you'll develop and implement compliance programs, monitor activities for violations, and recommend corrective actions, utilizing your analytical and communication skills to maintain ethical and legal standards.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Geospatial Engineer Specialist Course, Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Topics Covered
- •Land Navigation and Terrain Analysis
- •Surveying Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- •Geodetic Surveying Principles
- •Construction Surveying Techniques
- •Topographic Map Reading and Interpretation
- •Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) Software
- •GPS Surveying and Data Collection
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires knowledge of surveying principles, equipment operation, data collection, and calculations, some of which may not be fully covered in the military training. Focus on CST Level I and II topics.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) | High-precision GPS surveying equipment (e.g., Trimble, Leica) |
| Total Station | Robotic total station |
| Military Topographic Maps | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and datasets |
| Surveying Levels (Automatic/Digital) | Digital levels used in civil engineering and construction |
| Ground Positioning System (GPS) | Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) |
| Light Wheeled Vehicle Maintenance | Automotive Mechanic |
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