NGA Intelligence Analysts

[SEgis]

Can anyone on the Forum tell me a little more about the qualifications and hiring process for NGA Geospatial and Imagery Intelligence Analysts?

I've been to their website and looked at the position descriptions, but if anyone has any personal experience to tell of, I would greatly appreciate it. I've also looked at their mission, magazine (Pathfinder), and performed a literature search. There doesn't seem to be a plethora of info out there - they seem pretty low profile for an agency that has staff "embedded" everywhere from Iraq to Southeast Asia after the tsunami to FEMA to the FBI and CIA.

Any further input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[nsedet]

I don't have any insight on that particular position, but NGA seems to be a very good outfit in many respects. Relatively small intelligence community member, with two primary locations (DC and St. Louis) and other offices around the world. Very good pay structure in terms of flexibility, a five-tier banded system that allows you more leeway in negotiating a starting salary than most agencies. They receive annual pay increases (percentage based on performance evaluation), and bonuses (again based on performance evaluation, this money does not factor into annual salary or retirement contributions). The band system also lets you promote up within your current position without having to compete for a higher graded position, meaning you could be in a GS-13 equivalent position and be promoted based on work quality up to a GS-15 equivalent while remaining in your current assignment (rather than having to take a supervisory position as you would in most agencies). However, they are reviewing that system and may revise it to something more structured (not sure why, my guess is because of possible salary inflation).

[OSUAlumini]

I applied with them in 1998 while they were at a job fair at Ohio State. They did three different interviews with regional personnel at Ohio State. They asked questions based around world events, such as what you would learn in international relations classes. My interest came from my History TA. Her brother worked for them and I spoke with him. During this time they were still opcon under the CIA, where they are now under DOD.

The process was intense, and kind of stressful. I did meet a lot of interesting people and I learned alot. Of course they want people with intell experience. That is always a plus. When I was interviewing a lot of people had Masters or Double BA's or BS's, mostly in History, anthropology, Political Science and so on. It may have changed but you had a polygraph, talked with a psychiatrist(sp), filled out some short answer questionaires, physicals, briefings. But that was under the CIA.


They contacted me last Tuesday and said my clearance came through.
I have to do my physical now, which they stated was at the Pentagon.

Every time I have interviewed with them (1998 and Sept2003) it has been a very educational. Also the personnel are top notch and I have been treated exceptionally well.

If you are interested apply, they like individuals who think outside the box.

[SEgis]

They contacted me last Tuesday and said my clearance came through. I have to do my physical now, which they stated was at the Pentagon.

Every time I have interviewed with them (1998 and Sept2003) it has been a very educational. Also the personnel are top notch and I have been treated exceptionally well.

When you interviewed with them in September 2003, did they give you some sort of conditional offer and then start your background investigation (BI)? Did your BI take the full year and a half to complete (from 9/03-4/05), or were you waiting for a slot?

The current position opening for the GIA mentionas a "desired emphasis in GIS." Do you know how much coursework or work experience with GIS systems this would entail? I am just now starting graduate coursework toward a Certificate in GIS, so I don't have a lot of hands on experience yet. However, I do have an undergrad in Geography -with an emphasis in international area studies, and a Master's in library and information science.

Which position did you apply for? The Geospatial Intelligence Analyst position or the Imagery Intelligence Analyst position? Also, do you mind sharing your background/experience? Do you have Intel experience?

Also, do you know if they interview out of their St. Louis office? Or just DC?

Thanks!

[OSUAlumini]

When I interviewed with the agency in Sept. 2003, I went to the Bethesda site. After the interview and talking on the phone, I was offered the job which was contingent on me getting a TS clearance. Because of the war, and he switching of agencies which conduct the backgrounds it did take the entire time.

My background is nothing special, just a regular joe sixpack. I am currently working a patrol officer in Virginia. Love it, especially learning how to work accidents. Basic military: 19delta, but I am trying to join the National Guard, (if my recruiter would ever call me back) as either a 96Romeo or a UAV operator to give me intel experience.
College two BA's, extra classes. In the fall I am hoping to start my Masters in International Relations from somewhere.

With your geography background with an international area focus, and you have a Master's degree, I feel you would be a strong candidate.

I applied for the imagery analyst position. They asked me during the interview about world events, reading maps, photography, did any writing such as for publications, newspapers, reports. Basically can you read a photo or map and identify target rich environments, or military equipment.


Like I said when i was there I learned a lot. If they do not give you a shot there is the DIA who is always looking for qualifications such as yours.