Marine Corps 0261 Geographic Intelligence Specialist to Civilian: Complete Career Guide (2025)
Career transition roadmap for 0261 Geographic Intelligence Specialists. NGA positions $70K-$135K, GIS analyst roles $65K-$110K, geospatial contractors $80K-$145K+, with 2025 salary data and certification pathways.
Bottom Line Up Front
As a 0261 Geographic Intelligence Specialist, you have high-demand geospatial skills that translate across multiple lucrative industries: terrain analysis, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), GIS mapping, cartography, and Secret/Top Secret clearances. Your military geographic intelligence experience positions you for $70,000-$120,000+ positions with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), defense contractors, GIS companies (Esri), urban planning, environmental consulting, and commercial geospatial firms. With an active TS/SCI clearance, defense contractors will pay $85,000-$150,000+ immediately. The geospatial industry is massive and growing—from national security to commercial applications—and experienced military geospatial professionals are in high demand.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 0261 transitioning out asks: "Does my military terrain analysis experience actually matter in the civilian world?" and "Isn't GIS just for urban planners?"
Here's the reality: The geospatial industry is enormous, diverse, and desperate for skilled professionals.
You didn't just "make maps." You:
- Conducted terrain analysis and trafficability assessments
- Produced geospatial intelligence products supporting operations
- Created maps and overlays using GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, SOCET GXP)
- Analyzed topography, hydrology, vegetation, and urban terrain
- Conducted line-of-sight analysis and viewshed analysis
- Supported mission planning with geographic intelligence assessments
- Maintained geospatial databases and feature datasets
- Produced cartographic products for tactical and strategic planning
- Maintained Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearances
- Briefed commanders on terrain impacts to operations
That's geographic information systems (GIS) expertise, spatial analysis, cartography, database management, analytical methodology, technical software proficiency, and classified information handling. NGA, defense GEOINT contractors, Esri, urban planning departments, environmental consulting firms, utility companies, and tech companies need exactly these skills.
The challenge isn't whether your skills are valuable—it's understanding the breadth of geospatial career opportunities beyond military intelligence and how to market your skillset.
Best civilian career paths for 0261 Geographic Intelligence Specialists
Let's break down real job titles and 2025 salary data.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) - Premier mission for geo analysts
Civilian job titles:
- Geospatial analyst
- Geographic intelligence analyst
- Cartographer
- GIS analyst
- Terrain analyst
- Geospatial data scientist
Salary ranges (2025 GS pay scale, DC/St. Louis locality):
- GS-9/11 entry: $60,000-$82,000
- GS-12 (mid-career): $85,000-$108,000
- GS-13 (senior analyst): $105,000-$135,000
- GS-14 (lead analyst): $125,000-$160,000
- GS-15 (senior leadership): $148,000-$192,000
What translates directly:
- Terrain analysis and geographic intelligence production
- GIS software proficiency (ArcGIS, QGIS)
- Cartographic product development
- Geospatial database management
- Spatial analysis methodologies
- Active clearance (Secret or TS/SCI)
Path requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (required; geography, GIS, geospatial science preferred)
- Active clearance (NGA will sponsor renewal, but active is better)
- Polygraph (counterintelligence scope required)
- Background investigation (12-18 months if clearance needs renewal)
Reality check: NGA is the premier geospatial intelligence organization in the U.S. You'll conduct terrain analysis, produce GEOINT products, support military operations, disaster response, and strategic intelligence.
Two major locations: Springfield, VA (DC area—higher pay, higher cost) and St. Louis, MO (lower cost of living, lower locality pay but more affordable).
Hiring timeline is 12-24 months (background, polygraph, medical). It's slow but worth the wait.
Your 0261 experience is exactly what NGA wants. You understand terrain analysis, know GEOINT tradecraft, and have operational experience.
Federal benefits: pension after 20 years, TSP matching, health insurance, job security. Promotion through GS grades is structured and relatively predictable.
Career path: Analyst (GS-9/11) → Analyst (GS-12) → Senior Analyst (GS-13) → Lead Analyst (GS-14) → Branch Chief (GS-14/15).
Mission is unmatched. You're supporting national security, military operations, and humanitarian missions at the strategic level.
Best for: 0261s who want premier GEOINT mission, federal benefits, job security, and are patient with long hiring timelines.
Defense contractors - GEOINT and terrain analysis support (best immediate pay)
Civilian job titles:
- Geospatial analyst
- Terrain analyst
- GIS analyst (intelligence support)
- Geospatial intelligence analyst
- Cartographer (intelligence)
- GEOINT production specialist
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level with active clearance: $75,000-$95,000
- Geospatial analyst (2-4 years): $95,000-$120,000
- Senior analyst: $120,000-$145,000
- Lead analyst/manager: $135,000-$165,000
- Subject matter expert: $150,000-$180,000
- Overseas contractor: $130,000-$200,000+
Top employers actively hiring 0261s:
- Booz Allen Hamilton (major GEOINT practice)
- CACI International (GEOINT support)
- Leidos (geospatial intelligence services)
- General Dynamics IT (NGA support contracts)
- BAE Systems (GEOINT analysis)
- Parsons (geospatial analysis)
- Peraton (GEOINT operations)
- PAE (SOF geospatial support)
What translates directly:
- Terrain and geographic intelligence analysis
- GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, SOCET GXP)
- Cartographic production
- Geospatial database management
- Spatial analysis
- Active TS/SCI clearance (worth $25K-40K premium)
Certifications needed:
- Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance (critical—your biggest asset)
- Associate's or bachelor's degree (required by prime contractors)
- Security+ or equivalent (DoD 8570 compliance)
- GIS certifications (Esri, GISP—see below)
Reality check: Defense contractors supporting NGA, SOCOM, Army, and other agencies will hire cleared geospatial analysts immediately. Entry pay with clearance is $75K-95K; experienced analysts make $110K-145K.
Work is often similar to military GEOINT work: terrain analysis, map production, geospatial database management, supporting operational planning. Just in civilian clothes for significantly better pay.
Many positions support deployed forces or overseas operations. CONUS positions exist but OCONUS deployments (6-12 months) pay significantly more.
Contracts are cyclical—companies win and lose them regularly. Job security comes from being valuable enough that companies keep you during transitions.
Your clearance is currency. Active TS/SCI makes you worth $90K-130K immediately. Let it lapse and you're competing with hundreds of cleared analysts.
Best for: 0261s with active clearances who want maximum immediate pay using geospatial intelligence skills with minimal transition time.
Commercial GIS industry - Esri and geospatial companies
Civilian job titles:
- GIS analyst
- Geospatial analyst
- GIS specialist
- Cartographer
- Mapping analyst
- GIS developer
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level GIS analyst: $55,000-$70,000
- GIS analyst (2-4 years): $70,000-$90,000
- Senior GIS analyst: $90,000-$115,000
- GIS manager: $105,000-$135,000
- GIS architect/director: $130,000-$175,000
Top employers:
- Esri (leading GIS software company—ArcGIS)
- Trimble (geospatial technology)
- Hexagon (geospatial software and solutions)
- Orbital Insight (geospatial analytics)
- Mapbox (mapping platform)
- Google Maps team
- Apple Maps team
What translates directly:
- GIS software proficiency (ArcGIS is industry standard)
- Spatial analysis
- Cartographic design
- Geospatial database management
- Map production
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required; geography or GIS preferred)
- Esri certifications (Desktop, Pro, Image Analyst)
- GISP (GIS Professional) (industry certification)
- Clearance not required (but military experience is valued)
Reality check: Esri is the Microsoft of GIS—ArcGIS is the industry standard. Esri and other GIS companies hire for software support, consulting, training, sales engineering, and product development.
Your military GIS experience shows you can handle complex geospatial projects under pressure. You know ArcGIS—that's the standard.
Commercial GIS pays less than defense contractors initially ($55K-75K entry) but offers better work-life balance, corporate environment, and growth potential.
Tech companies (Google, Apple, Mapbox) pay significantly more ($90K-140K) but competition is fierce.
No clearance required—your military GIS training demonstrates competency.
Best for: 0261s who want to use GIS skills in commercial sector without clearance requirements or defense focus, and prefer corporate environment.
State and local government - GIS analyst positions (underrated path)
Civilian job titles:
- GIS analyst (city/county/state)
- GIS coordinator
- GIS specialist
- Urban planner (GIS focus)
- Transportation planner (GIS)
- Environmental GIS analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level GIS analyst (municipal): $50,000-$65,000
- GIS analyst (2-5 years): $65,000-$85,000
- Senior GIS analyst: $85,000-$105,000
- GIS manager/coordinator: $95,000-$125,000
What translates directly:
- GIS software (ArcGIS—standard in government)
- Spatial analysis
- Map production
- Database management
- Cartography
Path requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (required; geography or GIS)
- GIS certifications (Esri, GISP—valuable)
- No clearance required
Reality check: Every city, county, and state government has GIS departments. They manage infrastructure (roads, water, sewer), zoning, emergency management, transportation planning, environmental monitoring.
Your military GIS experience is perfect for government GIS work. You understand structured processes, data management, and analytical methodology.
Pay is lower than defense contractors ($50K-75K entry) but benefits are excellent: pension, health insurance, job security, work-life balance.
Veteran preference applies in most government positions (5-10 point advantage).
Work is diverse: one day you're mapping zoning districts, next day supporting emergency operations during floods.
Job security is excellent. Government GIS positions are stable, non-cyclical, and growing.
Best for: 0261s who want stable government work with pension benefits, good work-life balance, and diverse GIS applications without clearance requirements.
Environmental consulting and engineering - Geospatial analysis
Civilian job titles:
- Environmental GIS analyst
- Geospatial analyst (environmental)
- Remote sensing analyst
- GIS analyst (civil engineering)
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level: $55,000-$70,000
- Mid-level analyst: $70,000-$90,000
- Senior analyst: $90,000-$115,000
- GIS manager: $105,000-$135,000
Top employers:
- AECOM (engineering and environmental)
- Jacobs (engineering consulting)
- Tetra Tech (environmental consulting)
- Environmental consulting firms (hundreds nationwide)
- Civil engineering firms (infrastructure projects)
What translates directly:
- GIS analysis and mapping
- Spatial analysis
- Environmental data analysis
- Map production
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required; geography, environmental science, GIS)
- GISP or Esri certifications
- No clearance required
Reality check: Environmental consulting firms use GIS for environmental impact assessments, wetland mapping, habitat analysis, contamination mapping, and infrastructure planning.
Your military GIS skills translate directly. You analyze spatial data, produce maps, and support project planning.
Pay is moderate ($60K-85K entry) but work is diverse and mission-focused (environmental protection, sustainable development).
Many positions involve fieldwork (site assessments) combined with office GIS analysis.
Best for: 0261s interested in environmental work, enjoy diverse projects, and want to use GIS for environmental protection missions.
Utilities and infrastructure - GIS analyst (high demand)
Civilian job titles:
- GIS analyst (utilities)
- Utility GIS specialist
- Asset management GIS analyst
- Network GIS analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level: $60,000-$75,000
- Mid-level: $75,000-$95,000
- Senior analyst: $95,000-$120,000
- GIS manager: $110,000-$145,000
Top employers:
- Electric utilities (Duke Energy, PG&E, ComEd, etc.)
- Natural gas companies
- Water/wastewater utilities
- Telecommunications companies (AT&T, Verizon)
- Pipeline companies
What translates directly:
- GIS mapping and analysis
- Network analysis
- Asset management
- Database management
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required)
- Esri certifications (valuable)
- GISP (helpful)
Reality check: Utilities need GIS analysts to manage infrastructure: electrical grids, gas pipelines, water systems, telecommunications networks.
Your military GIS experience shows you can handle complex spatial databases and analysis.
Pay is solid ($70K-95K) with excellent benefits (utilities typically have strong benefits packages).
Job security is high—utilities aren't going away. Demand for utility GIS analysts is strong and growing.
Work involves mapping infrastructure, managing asset databases, supporting outage response, and planning infrastructure improvements.
Best for: 0261s who want solid pay, job security, strong benefits, and diverse GIS work in critical infrastructure.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "0261 Geographic Intelligence Specialist" on civilian resumes. Translate it:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 0261 Geographic intelligence specialist | Geospatial analyst; GIS analyst; terrain analyst |
| Terrain analysis | Conducted geospatial analysis of topography, hydrology, and infrastructure |
| Trafficability assessments | Analyzed terrain for mobility planning and infrastructure assessment |
| GIS mapping (ArcGIS, QGIS) | Proficient in ArcGIS, QGIS, and geospatial analysis software |
| Produced geospatial intelligence products | Created maps, spatial analyses, and geographic intelligence assessments |
| Line-of-sight analysis | Conducted viewshed and visibility analysis using GIS tools |
| Geospatial database management | Managed geospatial databases; maintained feature datasets and geodatabases |
| Cartographic production | Designed and produced maps and cartographic products for operational use |
| TS/SCI clearance | Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance |
| Briefed commanders on terrain | Presented geospatial analysis and terrain assessments to senior leadership |
Resume tips for 0261s:
- Lead with GIS software: "GIS Analyst proficient in ArcGIS, QGIS, and geospatial analysis with TS/SCI clearance"
- Quantify production: "Produced 500+ geospatial products supporting military operations"
- Emphasize technical skills: List specific GIS tools (ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, QGIS, SOCET GXP, Google Earth Pro)
- Highlight analytical work: "Conducted terrain analysis and spatial assessments for 100+ operational plans"
- Use civilian terminology: "geospatial analyst" and "GIS analyst" are more recognizable than "0261"
Certifications that actually matter for 0261s
Here's what's worth pursuing:
Critical priority:
Maintain your clearance - Your Secret or TS/SCI clearance is worth $20K-35K in immediate salary for defense GEOINT positions. With active clearance, NGA and contractors hire at $80K-120K immediately. Let it lapse and you're waiting 12-18 months. Value: Priceless for defense GEOINT careers.
Bachelor's degree in Geography/GIS - Required by most employers. Geography, GIS, geospatial science, or even general studies works (though GIS-related is better). Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Mandatory for most geospatial positions.
Esri ArcGIS certifications - ArcGIS is the industry standard. Esri certifications (Desktop, Pro, Image Analyst) demonstrate proficiency. Cost: $200-300 per exam. Time: Study + exam. Value: Highly valued by employers; many jobs prefer or require.
High priority (significantly boost employability):
GISP (GIS Professional Certification) - Premier professional GIS certification. Demonstrates experience, education, and professional contributions. Requires 4+ years experience. Cost: $400. Value: Gold standard in GIS profession; significant career advantage.
Security+ or equivalent - Required for DoD 8570 compliance if working defense contracts. Cost: $400 exam. Time: 2-4 weeks study. Value: Opens defense contractor positions.
USGIF GEOINT Professional Certification (GPC) - GEOINT industry certification. Shows professional GEOINT competency. Cost: $200-400. Value: Valuable for defense GEOINT careers (NGA, contractors).
Medium priority (valuable for career advancement):
Master's degree in GIS or Geography - Not required initially but valuable for senior positions (GS-13+, GIS manager roles). GIS, geography, geospatial science, or data science. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 18-24 months part-time. Value: Career advancement to senior positions and management.
Python or R programming - Emerging GIS roles want automation and scripting skills. Python with ArcPy is standard. Cost: Free online courses. Value: Opens geospatial data science and automation roles with higher pay.
Remote sensing certifications - ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) certifications. Cost: $300-500. Value: Valuable for imagery and remote sensing analysis roles.
Project Management Professional (PMP) - For GIS program management roles. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-1,000 exam. Value: Opens $120K-165K GIS program manager positions.
Low priority (nice to have):
Additional Esri certifications - Beyond basic Desktop/Pro, specialized certs (Enterprise, Web GIS, Python) are valuable but not immediately necessary.
CAD certifications - AutoCAD for engineering GIS roles. Cost: varies. Value: Moderate; helpful for civil engineering GIS positions.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Let's be honest about civilian GIS work versus military:
Commercial GIS tools: You know ArcGIS and maybe QGIS from military. Civilian employers may also use AutoCAD (engineering), Mapbox, ENVI (remote sensing), or industry-specific tools. Stay current with ArcGIS—it's everywhere.
Programming and automation: Many GIS jobs now want Python scripting (ArcPy) for automation. Not always required for entry-level but increasingly valuable. Learn Python basics—free online courses available (Codecademy, Python.org).
Business communication: Military GEOINT reports work, but civilian employers want polished PowerPoint presentations and professional communication. Polish your business writing and presentation skills.
Unclassified work: If you're leaving defense GEOINT for commercial GIS, you're moving from classified to unclassified environments. Data is publicly available, processes are different.
Networking: Military assignments come to you. Civilian careers require LinkedIn, attending conferences (Esri User Conference, GEOINT Symposium), joining professional organizations (URISA, USGIF). Get comfortable with it.
Resume and interviewing: Translating "0261" for civilian HR requires practice. Use translation table above. Practice explaining terrain analysis in civilian-friendly terms ("geospatial analysis").
Real 0261 success stories
Jake, 27, former 0261 E-5 → NGA geospatial analyst (GS-12)
After 6 years including two deployments, Jake got out with active TS/SCI. Applied to NGA, 16-month hiring process. Started as GS-11 at $75,000 in St. Louis. Promoted to GS-12 after 2 years, makes $96,000. "NGA hiring was slow but worth it. I'm doing terrain analysis for strategic intelligence—same skillset, federal benefits, St. Louis cost of living is great."
Maria, 29, former 0261 E-6 → Esri professional services GIS analyst
Maria did 8 years, got out as Staff Sergeant. Wanted commercial GIS career. Got Esri ArcGIS certifications, applied to Esri. Hired at $78,000 in Redlands, CA. Now makes $95,000 after 3 years. "I consult with clients implementing ArcGIS. My military GIS experience showed I could handle complex projects. No clearance needed—better work-life balance."
Carlos, 26, former 0261 E-4 → City of Phoenix GIS analyst
Carlos transitioned after 5 years. Applied to municipal GIS positions in Phoenix. Hired at $62,000. Now $78,000 after 4 years. "I manage GIS for city infrastructure—water, roads, zoning. Veteran preference got me hired. Pay is lower than contractors but pension, benefits, work-life balance are excellent."
David, 28, former 0261 E-5 → Booz Allen geospatial contractor
David got out with active TS/SCI. Posted resume on ClearanceJobs, recruiter called within 2 days. Hired by Booz Allen supporting Army at $92,000. Three years later makes $120,000. "The clearance was everything. I'm doing the same terrain analysis I did in the Marines—same work, way better pay."
Action plan: Your first 90 days out
Month 1: Foundation and assessment
-
Week 1-2:
- Verify clearance status (contact S-2; check DISS)
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Apply for VA benefits if eligible
- Create professional email (firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
- Set up LinkedIn (mention GIS, geospatial analysis)
-
Week 3-4:
- Update resume with civilian terminology (use translation table)
- Register on ClearanceJobs.com (if keeping clearance for defense work)
- Create USAJOBS account (for NGA and federal GIS positions)
- Join URISA (Urban and Regional Information Systems Association) ($95 student)
- Join USGIF if interested in GEOINT ($35 student)
Month 2: Applications and certifications
-
Week 5-6:
- Apply to NGA (if interested—start early, 16-24 month process)
- Apply to 20+ positions (defense contractors if cleared; commercial/government GIS if not)
- Connect with 25+ GIS professionals on LinkedIn
- Start studying for Esri ArcGIS certification
- Review ArcGIS skills (free Esri training courses)
-
Week 7-8:
- Continue applications (15+ per week)
- Take Esri ArcGIS Desktop or Pro certification exam ($250)
- Get Security+ if pursuing defense contractor work ($400 exam)
- If no degree: Enroll in geography/GIS bachelor's program (GI Bill)
- Start learning Python basics (free online courses)
Month 3: Interviews and networking
-
Week 9-10:
- Interview phase (contractors fastest; federal slowest)
- Get professional interview outfit
- Prepare portfolio: resume, references, maps/GIS products you created (sanitized)
- Research companies/agencies before interviews
- Practice explaining terrain analysis in civilian terms
-
Week 11-12:
- Evaluate offers (salary, benefits, location, mission, clearance requirements)
- Negotiate salary (clearance and certifications give leverage)
- Consider contractor role while waiting for NGA (long timeline)
- Accept offer and begin transition
- Register for Esri User Conference or GEOINT Symposium (networking)
Bottom line for 0261 Geographic Intelligence Specialists
Your 0261 geospatial experience is highly valued across diverse industries—from national security to commercial GIS to government infrastructure management. You're not starting over—you're entering a growing field that needs skilled geospatial professionals.
NGA pays $70K-105K to start with federal benefits and progression to $130K-160K at senior levels. Defense contractors pay $80K-120K immediately with clearances. Commercial GIS companies pay $60K-85K entry with growth to $100K-130K. State/local government pays $55K-75K with excellent benefits and pensions.
Your clearance is worth $20K-35K in immediate salary for defense GEOINT work—maintain it if interested in that path.
The geospatial industry is massive and diverse. Your military GIS training gives you analytical rigor, technical skills, and proven ability to handle complex geospatial projects.
First-year civilian income of $65K-95K is realistic depending on path chosen. Within 5 years, $90K-130K+ is achievable through certifications, experience, and strategic moves.
Execute your transition with the same analytical precision you brought to terrain analysis. Get Esri certifications, network within GIS community, and apply strategically based on your career goals (defense GEOINT vs. commercial GIS vs. government).
Semper Fi, and good luck in your next mission.
Ready to transition your geospatial career? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to research GIS positions, track applications, and plan your geospatial career path.