Home / Federal careers / GS-1372
Geodesy
Federal geodesist position performing geodetic surveys, precise positioning, Earth measurement, and geospatial reference frame work for NOAA, NGS, and federal mapping agencies.
What GS-1372 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-1372, as written.
Degree: geodesy; or 30 semester hours in any combination of geodesy, mathematics, physics, astronomy, engineering science, surveying, geodetic surveying, photogrammetry, or geophysics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus.
or
Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- This series carries a positive education requirement: a degree is required and experience cannot be substituted for it.
How to qualify for GS-1372
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Geospatial Engineer
Geospatial Engineers have a strong background in geospatial data collection and analysis, making them well-suited for geodetic roles in federal agencies.
Skills that carry over: Geodetic Surveying, GPS/GNSS, Data Processing.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.
Geospatial Intelligence
Geodesy. Precise positioning, Earth modeling, and geodetic analysis. Niche but well-compensated specialty at NGA and USGS.
Skills that carry over: Geodetic analysis, Precise positioning, Mathematical modeling, Coordinate systems.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
Geospatial Intelligence Specialist
GS-1372 Geodesy aligns with the precision ground control and positional-data side of the MOS.
Skills that carry over: Geodetic survey, Positional accuracy, Field measurement, Survey QC.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Conduct geodetic surveys
- Determine precise positions
- Analyze geodetic data
- Maintain geodetic networks
- Apply GPS/GNSS technologies
- Prepare survey reports
Key competencies
Geodetic Surveying
Skill in conducting precise geodetic measurements.
GPS/GNSS
Proficiency in satellite positioning systems.
Reference Systems
Knowledge of geodetic datums and coordinate systems.
Mathematics
Strong mathematical skills for geodetic computations.
Data Processing
Ability to process and adjust geodetic data.
Instrumentation
Knowledge of geodetic instruments and equipment.
Gravity
Understanding of gravity measurements and geoid determination.
Technical Writing
Skill in preparing geodetic reports and documentation.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-1372
What is a Geodesist?
A GS-1372 Geodesist performs precise measurements of the Earth's shape, size, and gravitational field. These scientists conduct geodetic surveys, establish precise positions using GPS/GNSS, analyze geodetic data, maintain geodetic reference networks, and determine geoid models for agencies like NOAA's National Geodetic Survey, NGA, and USGS—providing the foundation for all mapping and positioning activities.
How much does a federal Geodesist make?
Federal Geodesists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-13. A GS-12 Geodesist earns $75,706-$98,422. NOAA/NGS, NGA, and USGS are primary employers. Some positions involve field work with travel allowances.
What are the requirements for GS-1372 positions?
GS-1372 requires a geodesy degree or 30 semester hours in geodesy, mathematics, physics, astronomy, engineering science, surveying, geodetic surveying, photogrammetry, or geophysics. Critically, coursework must include differential and integral calculus. Proficiency with GPS/GNSS technologies and geodetic computations are essential competencies.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1372?
The required education cannot be substituted with military experience alone. However, veterans with surveying or geomatics degrees combined with military GPS/survey experience are excellent candidates. Experience in Army survey units, Navy hydrographic surveying, or geospatial intelligence provides directly relevant background when combined with required education.
What is the career progression for Geodesist?
Geodesists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior geodesists and project leads reach GS-13/14. Career paths include specializing in satellite geodesy, gravity field determination, or positioning standards. Some transition to policy roles at NOAA/NGS or leadership positions in geospatial agencies.
How do I apply for GS-1372 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Geodesist" under series 1372. NOAA National Geodetic Survey, NGA, and USGS are primary employers. Highlight GPS/GNSS proficiency, geodetic computation skills, and field survey experience. Include specific software expertise (adjustment programs, geodetic databases) and any professional surveying licenses in your federal resume.
Ready to apply for GS-1372?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.