Construction F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Louisiana

The Opportunity:

The Site Engineering Technician (SET) is an essential entry-level position within a Site Engineering team, responsible for collection of accurate data for land surveying and mapping, construction staking, and hydrographic surveys. We are looking to fill positions working on the West side of the Calcasieu River just south of Lake Charles, LA. This is an hourly role working for the largest dredging contractor in the United States.

About the Company:

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 135-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free (IIF) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

This role is ideal for those interested in starting a career in surveying, civil engineering, or dredging.

Key Responsibilities

• Field Support: Transport, set up, and tear down survey equipment (GPS units, total stations, setup survey vessels, etc.).
• Data Collection: Hold and stabilize the prism pole or rod at designated locations, ensuring accurate vertical and horizontal measurements. Perform hydrographic surveys in areas that are covered by water.
• Site Preparation: Clear brush, trees, and other debris from survey lines using hand tools (machetes, brush hooks).
• Marking Points: Set up survey stakes, iron rods, and flags to mark boundary lines, and construction locations.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean, maintain, and organize survey tools, instruments, and the work truck.
• Data Recording: Assist with keeping manual field notes or operating data collectors. Processing survey data into cross sections, topography maps, etc.
• Safety Adherence: Follow all company safety protocols, including wearing required PPE (hard hat, vest, steel-toe boots, gloves, and safety glasses) and working safely near heavy machinery.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Associates degree in Surveying, Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Geomatics
• Experience: No prior experience is required; this is an entry-level position. Previous experience in construction and a basic knowledge of surveying can be used in lieu of an Associates degree.
• Physical Fitness: Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain).
• Physical Stamina: Ability to walk long distances over rough, uneven terrain and lift/carry equipment weighing up to 25 lbs throughout the day.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to learn and use, or familiarity with, basic surveying tools (GPS, total stations).
• Soft Skills: Strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality, and the ability to work well within a team.
• Licensing: Valid Driver’s License.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Outdoor Environment: 100% of work is typically performed outdoors.
• Physical Effort: Extensive walking, standing, bending, and lifting.
• Hours: May require 10-12 hour days.

Career Path Opportunities

Successful Survey Rodmen often advance within 1–2 years into our salaried Site Engineer positions.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus program
• 401(k) program that includes 100% company matching of the first 6% of employee contributions with immediate vesting
• Annual profit-sharing contributions by the company to participants’ 401(k) accounts based on company’s annual performance
• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, Vision, Life and Disability insurance plans

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including medical condition), military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or other status protected by law or regulation.

GLDD participates in E-Verify as required by law.