Construction STEM OPT Jobs in Minnesota

INTRODUCTION

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed. We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected.

At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company. Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of. When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success — where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Construction Project Surveyor will lead field layout, data collection, and machine control support for highway heavy construction projects at Ames Construction. In this role, you will act as a key technical link between design and execution, managing everything from earthwork quantity takeoffs to drone-based survey workflows. The ideal candidate brings at least 3 years of field experience, a deep proficiency in Trimble technology, and a commitment to maintaining rigorous safety and QA/QC standards while collaborating with project engineers and owners.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture by ensuring all surveying activities are performed in compliance with company, state, and federal safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Engineers, Superintendents, Foremen, subcontractors, and inspectors.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with owners, design partners, subcontractors, and internal team members.
• Interpret and apply project plans, specifications, and digital models to accurately layout grades, alignments, elevations, and offsets.
• Operate and maintain jobsite survey equipment.
• Provide quality assurance, quality control, and technical support for machine control systems used in grading operations.
• Perform earthwork quantity takeoffs from field survey data.
• Collect and document accurate as-built data for payment quantities, compliance reporting, and final records.
• Maintain organized survey files, field notes, calibration records, and project documentation.
• Participate in project meetings and provide survey updates as needed.
• Perform other duties as appropriately assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Civil Engineering, Surveying, or Construction Management, or equivalent field experience.
• 3 or more years’ experience in heavy highway construction.
• RPLS, CST III/IV license, or equivalent field experience is preferred.
• FAA part 107 license and familiarity with drone survey workflows or the ability to obtain a license and quickly learn.
• Must be competent in the use of computer software applications used for project control and administration, including Microsoft 365 suite and Bluebeam.
• Basic familiarity with office survey workflows – Trimble business center or Civil 3D.
• Must have strong knowledge and experience of the fundamentals of surveying, as well as familiarity with Trimble’s suite of civil construction field equipment and software.
• Strong communication skills both written and oral.
• Good attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies.
• Must have a positive attitude and possess excellent motivational skills.
• Time Management, organization, and prioritization skills are crucial.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Travel can be required with this position within the United States. This position is based out of Burnsville, MN but will require travel to project sites.
• Work is primarily performed on active construction job sites, including highways, roadways, and heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust.
• Position requires walking, standing, climbing, bending, and lifting in a construction environment.
• Frequent interaction with heavy equipment, moving machinery, traffic, and construction hazards; strict adherence to safety protocols is required.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory at all job sites.
• Work is additionally done in an office environment – extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.

TOTAL REWARDS

People are the most important asset at Ames Construction.

• Base salary range is $100,000-$120,000 a year, which varies depending on many factors, including experience, skills, and knowledge.
• This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus.
• Ames offers generous retirement benefits, including Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) participation and a 401k match.
• Ames' non-craft health benefits package is designed so that our team members flourish, with medical, dental, and vision (all at one low premium), voluntary benefits, company holidays, and paid time off. Please see the Benefits section of our Careers page for more information.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test is required.

Ames Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.