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82D Career Guide

Army

82D: Topographic Engineering Supervisor

Career transition guide for Army Topographic Engineering Supervisor (82D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 82D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Surveyor

$75K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Civilian surveying certifications (PLS, LSI)Familiarity with local regulations and codes

Geospatial Analyst

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

GIS software proficiency (ArcGIS, QGIS)Data analysis and visualization techniquesRemote sensing knowledge

Construction Manager

$98K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (PMP)Construction-specific knowledge and experienceBlueprint reading

Cartographer/Mapping Technician

$68K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced GIS and cartographic software skillsKnowledge of map design principlesUnderstanding of spatial data formats

Remote Sensing Technician

$62K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Remote sensing data processingImage analysis software skillsUnderstanding of different sensor types

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 82D training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You constructed a mental model of the terrain and logistical factors to plan and execute topographic surveys, anticipating potential challenges and coordinating resources effectively.

This ability to create and manipulate mental models translates to a capacity for understanding complex systems and predicting outcomes, essential in fields that require strategic planning and problem-solving.

Resource Optimization

You planned and managed resources, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, often in remote or challenging environments, ensuring efficient use of assets to achieve mission objectives.

Your experience in optimizing resource allocation makes you adept at identifying inefficiencies and implementing strategies to maximize productivity and minimize waste in any operational setting.

Procedural Compliance

You meticulously followed established procedures and protocols for data collection, equipment operation, and safety, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of survey data and the well-being of your team.

Your commitment to adhering to established procedures makes you a valuable asset in regulated industries where compliance is critical for maintaining standards and avoiding errors.

Team Synchronization

You coordinated and synchronized the activities of survey teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and efficient execution of tasks to meet mission requirements.

This talent for coordinating team efforts allows you to effectively manage projects, facilitate communication, and foster a collaborative environment to achieve common goals.

Situational Awareness

You maintained a constant awareness of the surrounding environment, including terrain, weather conditions, and potential hazards, to ensure the safety of your team and the success of the survey operation.

Your keen situational awareness allows you to anticipate potential problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and make informed decisions under pressure, making you a valuable asset in dynamic environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You've been managing complex logistics in challenging environments, coordinating personnel, equipment, and supplies to achieve mission objectives. This directly translates to managing supply chains, coordinating transportation, and optimizing inventory levels for businesses.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been planning and executing operations in diverse terrains, assessing risks, and ensuring the safety of your team. This experience makes you well-suited to develop and implement emergency response plans, coordinate disaster relief efforts, and mitigate potential hazards for communities and organizations.

Construction Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You've been overseeing topographic surveys, collecting data, and ensuring accuracy for map making. This experience makes you an excellent candidate to manage construction projects, ensuring adherence to plans, coordinating subcontractors, and maintaining quality control.

Geospatial Analyst

SOC 15-1131.00

You've been collecting, analyzing, and interpreting geographic data to create maps and models. Your skills in spatial analysis, data visualization, and problem-solving are directly transferable to roles in environmental consulting, urban planning, and resource management.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Advanced Leader Course (ALC), Fort Leonard Wood

160 training hours4 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in Geomatics or Surveying

Topics Covered

  • Geodetic Surveying Principles
  • Advanced Survey Instrumentation
  • Survey Data Processing and Analysis
  • Supervisory Leadership
  • Troop Leading Procedures
  • Land Navigation Techniques
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Survey Technician (CST) - Level III70% covered

Requires additional study of specific surveying techniques, legal aspects, and business practices related to private sector surveying.

Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)60% covered

Requires demonstrating professional experience in GIS and passing the GISCI exam. Focus study on GIS project management and ethical considerations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS)Certified Photogrammetrist (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - ASPRS)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Total StationRobotic Total Station (RTS) used in surveying and construction
Global Positioning System (GPS) Surveying EquipmentHigh-precision GPS/GNSS receivers for land surveying
Geographic Information System (GIS) Software (e.g., ArcGIS)Esri ArcGIS, QGIS, or other GIS software platforms
Remote Sensing Data (LiDAR, aerial imagery)LiDAR data processing and photogrammetry software
Digital LevelAutomatic Level, Digital Level
StereoplottersPhotogrammetric Workstations
CADD (Computer Aided Design and Drafting) SoftwareAutoCAD, Civil 3D

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