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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hydraulic Surveyor

💰 $65,000 - $115,000

SurveyingGeomaticsEngineeringMarine ServicesEnvironmental Science

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hydraulic Surveyor, you are the expert eye beneath the water's surface. You will be at the forefront of our marine and waterway projects, responsible for planning, executing, and delivering high-precision hydrographic data. This role is a perfect blend of field and office work, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to map riverbeds, seabeds, and coastal zones. You will work closely with project managers, civil engineers, and environmental scientists to provide the critical data that underpins safe navigation, sustainable dredging, and robust infrastructure design. If you are a detail-oriented problem-solver with a passion for technology and the aquatic environment, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Survey Technician
  • Geomatics or Engineering Graduate
  • GIS Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior Hydraulic Surveyor
  • Survey Project Manager
  • Chief of Party / Lead Surveyor
  • Survey Department Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • GIS Specialist / Geospatial Data Manager
  • Coastal Engineer
  • Data Processing Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan and execute comprehensive hydrographic and bathymetric surveys in diverse environments, including rivers, lakes, ports, and coastal zones.
  • Operate and maintain advanced survey instrumentation, including Multibeam Echosounders (MBES), Singlebeam Echosounders (SBES), and Side Scan Sonar systems.
  • Utilize high-precision GNSS/RTK and inertial navigation systems to establish accurate positioning for all survey operations.
  • Process and rigorously analyze large volumes of hydrographic data using industry-standard software like Hypack, QINSy, or CARIS HIPS/SIPS.
  • Perform meticulous quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) on all collected and processed data to ensure it meets project specifications and industry best practices.
  • Generate highly detailed and accurate deliverables, including bathymetric charts, digital terrain models (DTMs), contour maps, and cross-sections.
  • Provide direct survey support for dredging projects, conducting pre-dredge, interim, and post-dredge surveys to monitor progress and calculate precise volumes.
  • Prepare and deliver comprehensive survey reports, data packages, and technical summaries for clients, project managers, and regulatory agencies.
  • Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, project managers, and clients to fully understand project requirements and deliver tailored solutions.
  • Establish, maintain, and verify geodetic survey control networks to ensure the integrity and accuracy of all spatial data.
  • Conduct tide and water level observations and apply appropriate corrections to bathymetric data to achieve precise vertical referencing.
  • Lead survey field crews as a Party Chief, overseeing daily operations, ensuring crew safety, and taking ultimate responsibility for data quality.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues with survey hardware and software, both in the field and in the office environment.
  • Integrate survey data with engineering designs using CAD software like AutoCAD Civil 3D to support construction and analysis activities.
  • Manage the complete data lifecycle from acquisition and processing through to final deliverable and long-term archival, ensuring data integrity and security.
  • Perform volumetric calculations for dredging payments, environmental remediation, and material stockpiles based on comparative surface analysis.
  • Mobilize and demobilize survey vessels, including the installation, integration, and calibration of all acoustic and positioning sensors.
  • Identify, classify, and report on underwater features, potential hazards, and seabed characteristics for navigational safety and engineering purposes.
  • Adhere strictly to all company and client health, safety, and environmental (HSE) protocols during all field and office-based activities.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies, methodologies, and software advancements within the hydrographic and hydraulic surveying industry to drive continuous improvement.
  • Support marine construction projects by providing precise positioning for critical activities such as pile driving, structure placement, and subsea cable/pipeline installation.

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.
  • Assist in the preparation of technical proposals and cost estimates for potential survey projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep proficiency in hydrographic survey software such as Hypack, QINSy, or EIVA NaviSuite.
  • Expertise in processing and cleaning hydrographic data using specialized software like CARIS HIPS/SIPS.
  • Hands-on operational experience with Multibeam (MBES), Singlebeam (SBES), and Side Scan Sonar systems.
  • Strong knowledge of GNSS/RTK positioning systems, geodetic datums, and coordinate transformations.
  • Competency with AutoCAD Civil 3D for drafting, data integration, and performing volume calculations.
  • Practical experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for spatial analysis and map production.
  • Familiarity with marine geophysical equipment, including magnetometers and sub-bottom profilers.
  • Ability to perform sensor integration, patch tests, and system calibrations on survey vessels.
  • Strong understanding of tidal analysis, water level correction methodologies, and vertical datums.
  • Experience with conventional land surveying techniques and equipment (Total Stations, Levels).
  • Skill in scripting or programming (e.g., Python) for data automation is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing highly accurate and reliable data.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot complex technical challenges.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and team collaboration.
  • Ability to work effectively and safely in challenging field conditions, including on marine vessels for extended periods.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
  • Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to respond to changing project requirements and field conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field.

Preferred Education:

  • A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geomatics, Surveying Engineering, Hydrography, or Ocean Engineering.
  • Professional certification such as a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) or ACSM/NSPS Certified Hydrographer is a significant asset.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Geomatics / Surveying Engineering
  • Hydrography
  • Civil Engineering
  • Oceanography
  • Geospatial Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in hydrographic or hydraulic surveying roles.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of progressive experience, including demonstrated experience as a Party Chief or Lead Surveyor on dredging, port and harbor, or coastal engineering projects. Proven experience in data processing and final report generation is essential.
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