Survey Technician Jobs
Survey Technician jobs are open across land surveying, construction, civil engineering, and government agencies, from entry-level field assistant to senior crew chief, with specializations in boundary surveys, topographic mapping, and GPS/total station operation. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 490+ Survey Technician jobs
Position Summary
GENERAL SUMMARY: Performs technical work in the operation of survey instruments and performing other survey and engineering tasks; utilize GIS to access and update infrastructure records and locate utilities in the field as part of Iowa One-Call services and perform other duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work in this class involves the operation of the survey instruments necessary for the collection of data, construction staking and legal surveys and performing courthouse research, office and field calculations and routine field design. Although the work is performed in accordance with established standards, employees in this class must exercise individual initiative and judgment. Work is reviewed through observation, reports and results achieved.
The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values problem solving and the development of partnerships; the ability to work effectively as a member of a team; and the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.
Job Duties
- Operates survey instruments, including total station and data collector for topographic and legal surveys;
- Construction staking of streets, sewers, water mains and other public works projects;
- Records and maintains survey notes; maintains equipment and vehicles; serves as party chief in the absence of the party chief;
- Performs minor field design work for street, sewer, water main and other public works projects;
- Interprets engineering plans and calculates grades and coordinates of related survey engineering projects;
- Performs office and courthouse research.
- Assists with utility locates for Iowa One-Call services.
- Conducts sidewalk program inspections.
- Performs other general engineering related tasks
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Civil Engineering and Technology- Ability to operate survey instruments including total station and data collectors.
- Building and Construction- Knowledge of materials, occupational safety hazards, project methods and regulations, and the tools involved in the inspection, construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
- Design- knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment and materials used in engineering, drafting, and surveying.
- Clerical- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Customer and Personal Service- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Computers and Electronics- Knowledge of processors, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including surveying, Iowa One Call, and GIS applications and programming.
- Mechanical- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Critical Thinking- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem or make a decision using bet practices, resourcefulness and tact.
- Reading Comprehension- Reading and interpreting work-related information such as civil engineering drawings.
- Active Listening- Listening to the input from the general public without interruption and following up with good questions.
- Deductive Reasoning- Using rules to solve problems and prepare engineering plans.
- Mathematical Reasoning- Choosing the right type of math to accurately solve a problem.
- Oral and Written Expression -Communicating by speaking and/or in writing.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 6 months experience in surveying; and
- At least 6 months experience in public infrastructure related projects; and High School Diploma or GED; or Equivalent combination of education and experience
- Possession of a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain prior to first day of appointment.
- Associate’s degree or major coursework in Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field; and
- 6 months experience in surveying or construction of public infrastructure related projects;
Supplemental Information
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practical after appointment, but within two years of appointment.
Our Commitment to You
The City of Dubuque is committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Our organization provides equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our growing community. In accordance with legal obligations our policies and practices are designed to ensure fair treatment and foster a respectful workplace where all are encouraged to apply.
Position Summary
GENERAL SUMMARY: Performs technical work in the operation of survey instruments and performing other survey and engineering tasks; utilize GIS to access and update infrastructure records and locate utilities in the field as part of Iowa One-Call services and perform other duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work in this class involves the operation of the survey instruments necessary for the collection of data, construction staking and legal surveys and performing courthouse research, office and field calculations and routine field design. Although the work is performed in accordance with established standards, employees in this class must exercise individual initiative and judgment. Work is reviewed through observation, reports and results achieved.
The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values problem solving and the development of partnerships; the ability to work effectively as a member of a team; and the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.
Job Duties
- Operates survey instruments, including total station and data collector for topographic and legal surveys;
- Construction staking of streets, sewers, water mains and other public works projects;
- Records and maintains survey notes; maintains equipment and vehicles; serves as party chief in the absence of the party chief;
- Performs minor field design work for street, sewer, water main and other public works projects;
- Interprets engineering plans and calculates grades and coordinates of related survey engineering projects;
- Performs office and courthouse research.
- Assists with utility locates for Iowa One-Call services.
- Conducts sidewalk program inspections.
- Performs other general engineering related tasks
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Civil Engineering and Technology- Ability to operate survey instruments including total station and data collectors.
- Building and Construction- Knowledge of materials, occupational safety hazards, project methods and regulations, and the tools involved in the inspection, construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
- Design- knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment and materials used in engineering, drafting, and surveying.
- Clerical- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Customer and Personal Service- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Computers and Electronics- Knowledge of processors, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including surveying, Iowa One Call, and GIS applications and programming.
- Mechanical- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Critical Thinking- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem or make a decision using bet practices, resourcefulness and tact.
- Reading Comprehension- Reading and interpreting work-related information such as civil engineering drawings.
- Active Listening- Listening to the input from the general public without interruption and following up with good questions.
- Deductive Reasoning- Using rules to solve problems and prepare engineering plans.
- Mathematical Reasoning- Choosing the right type of math to accurately solve a problem.
- Oral and Written Expression -Communicating by speaking and/or in writing.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 6 months experience in surveying; and
- At least 6 months experience in public infrastructure related projects; and High School Diploma or GED; or Equivalent combination of education and experience
- Possession of a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain prior to first day of appointment.
- Associate’s degree or major coursework in Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field; and
- 6 months experience in surveying or construction of public infrastructure related projects;
Supplemental Information
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practical after appointment, but within two years of appointment.
Our Commitment to You
The City of Dubuque is committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Our organization provides equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our growing community. In accordance with legal obligations our policies and practices are designed to ensure fair treatment and foster a respectful workplace where all are encouraged to apply.
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Find Survey Technician JobsSurvey Technician Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Bowman27
- EnSite Services23E
- SAM Companies20
- OHM Advisors11
- HURT & PROFFITT10
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Agriculture & Farming
- Chemicals & Materials
- Construction & Real Estate
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in survey technician jobs.
- Experience operating total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors in the field
- Proficiency with survey software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, or similar
- Associate degree or technical certificate in surveying, geomatics, or a related field
- Valid driver's license and ability to work outdoors in varied terrain and weather
- Knowledge of boundary, topographic, or construction staking survey methods
- Progress toward or eligibility for a state surveyor-in-training or field surveyor credential
Tips for Your Survey Technician Job Search
List your instrument certifications explicitly
Many hiring managers filter resumes for specific equipment, so name every instrument you've operated, including total stations, data collectors, and GPS receivers, using the brand and model where you can. Vague phrases like 'survey equipment' get skipped.
Tailor your resume to the survey type
Boundary, topographic, construction staking, and ALTA surveys require different field skills. Read each posting and move the survey type that matches closest to the top of your experience section so the reviewer sees the fit immediately.
Get your NSPS or state licensing paperwork in order
Some postings require documented proof of hours toward an FS or PLS license. Compile your field-hour logs and supervisor sign-offs before you start applying so you can attach them or answer questions accurately in interviews without delay.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists survey technician openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare field sketches for technical interviews
Some employers ask you to interpret or sketch a simple traverse or lot description on the spot. Practice reading field notes and explaining your data-collection process out loud so you can walk an interviewer through your workflow without hesitation.
Negotiate your per-diem and travel terms separately
Many survey technician roles involve extended fieldwork away from home. Clarify mileage reimbursement, daily per-diem rates, and hotel policy before you accept an offer, since these can significantly affect your take-home on project-heavy positions.
Survey Technician Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most survey technicians?
Bowman, EnSite Services, and SAM Companies are hiring the most survey technicians right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Virginia, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Infrastructure, transportation, and municipal projects are driving most of the current demand.
How many survey technician jobs are remote?
About 31% of survey technician openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how field-dependent most of the role is. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include data processing, CAD drafting from collected field data, and GIS analysis rather than direct field measurement work.
How do you become a survey technician?
Start by earning an associate degree or technical certificate in surveying, geomatics, or civil technology, then get hands-on experience operating field instruments through an internship or entry-level field assistant position. Build familiarity with industry software, log your supervised field hours carefully, and work toward a surveyor-in-training credential through your state licensing board to advance your standing.
Can you get hired as a survey technician with little experience?
Yes, many firms hire entry-level crew members who demonstrate basic instrument familiarity and a willingness to work outdoors in physically demanding conditions. Completing a surveying certificate program, volunteering on a municipal mapping project, or earning a drone or GPS equipment certification can substitute for formal work history when you're applying to your first field position.
What does the survey technician interview process look like?
Most employers start with a brief phone screen focused on your instrument experience and availability for travel or fieldwork. An in-person or video interview follows, often including technical questions about reading field notes, describing a traverse closure, or explaining how you handle equipment setup and calibration. Some firms ask you to interpret a simple plat or sketch a lot description before making an offer.
Where can I find and apply to survey technician jobs?
You can find and apply to survey technician jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 490+ Survey Technician Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Survey Technician Jobs