Field Surveyor Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Field Surveyor Technician, you are the on-the-ground expert responsible for executing precise measurements and collecting critical spatial data for a diverse range of projects. You will operate state-of-the-art surveying equipment, including robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, and 3D laser scanners, to perform boundary, topographic, ALTA, and construction surveys. This role requires a blend of technical skill, physical stamina, and a meticulous eye for detail, as the accuracy of your work directly impacts the success of engineering designs, construction layouts, and legal property determinations. You will work collaboratively within a survey crew, often in challenging outdoor conditions, to ensure project objectives are met safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Survey Assistant / Rodman
Construction Laborer with technical aptitude
GIS Technician with an interest in field work

Advancement To:

Survey Party Chief
Senior Survey Technician / Crew Chief
Survey Project Manager (often requires licensure)

Lateral Moves:

CAD Technician (Survey)
GIS Analyst
Construction Inspector / Field Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate advanced surveying instruments, including robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, data collectors, and digital levels, to collect precise field data.
Perform various types of land surveys, such as boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, right-of-way, and as-built surveys, according to project specifications.
Execute construction staking and layout for buildings, utilities, roads, and other infrastructure projects by interpreting construction plans and blueprints.
Assist the Survey Party Chief in planning and executing daily fieldwork, ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
Maintain meticulous and legible field notes, sketches, and digital records of all measurements, observations, and site conditions.
Search for, locate, and document survey monuments, property corners, and other physical evidence in the field, which may involve clearing vegetation and digging.
Download, process, and perform quality control checks on raw field data using survey software to ensure its integrity and completeness before submitting it to the office team.
Adhere strictly to all company and client safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment for the crew and the public.
Ensure the proper care, maintenance, calibration, and security of all survey equipment and company vehicles.
Read and interpret legal descriptions, deeds, and historical survey maps to aid in the location of property lines and easements.
Establish and maintain horizontal and vertical control networks for large-scale construction and land development projects.
Communicate effectively with crew members, project managers, clients, and contractors on-site to provide updates and resolve field issues.
Perform as-built surveys to accurately document the final location and elevation of newly constructed features for client and municipal records.
Assist in troubleshooting technical problems with survey equipment and data collection software in a field environment.
Prepare daily field reports detailing crew activities, hours worked, project progress, and any site-specific challenges encountered.
Operate company vehicles to transport crew and equipment to various job sites, often in remote or rugged locations.
Provide clear direction and guidance to junior crew members, such as a Rodman or Instrument Person.
Perform mathematical calculations in the field, including closures, inverses, and coordinate geometry, to verify measurements.
Assist with office-based tasks as needed, such as data reduction, initial drafting in AutoCAD/Civil 3D, and file organization.
Proactively identify potential project issues in the field and report them to the Party Chief or Project Manager for timely resolution.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Survey Equipment Proficiency: Expertise in operating robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS rovers and base stations (e.g., Trimble, Leica, Topcon), and electronic data collectors.
Data Collection Software: Hands-on experience with field software such as Trimble Access, Leica Captivate, or Carlson SurvCE.
Survey Methodologies: Strong understanding of the principles and practices of boundary, topographic, construction, and ALTA surveys.
Plan Interpretation: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret construction plans, engineering drawings, and legal property descriptions.
Mathematical Aptitude: Solid skills in geometry, trigonometry, and algebra for field calculations and data verification.
CAD Software Familiarity: Basic knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar software for reviewing and processing field data.
Control Networks: Knowledge of establishing and working from horizontal and vertical project control.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of data collection and record-keeping to ensure accuracy.
Problem-Solving: Resourceful in troubleshooting equipment issues and resolving unexpected challenges encountered in the field.
Physical Stamina: Ability to work long hours outdoors in various weather conditions and traverse rugged terrain while carrying equipment.
Teamwork & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively as part of a crew.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills to work independently and manage tasks efficiently to meet project deadlines.
Safety Consciousness: A deep commitment to following safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries on the job site.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.
Certified Survey Technician (CST) designation is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Land Surveying Technology
Geomatics or Geomatics Engineering
Civil Engineering Technology
Geography with a focus on GIS/GPS

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-5 years of hands-on experience on a land survey field crew.

Preferred: Previous experience as an Instrument Person or directly assisting a Party Chief. Verifiable experience with construction staking and boundary surveys is a significant plus. A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is required.