Land Survey Field Technician (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist)

About the role

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is hiring an experienced land survey field technician to join the Land Survey Section as a Senior Civil Engineering Specialist. The role involves managing surveying projects from scope through delivery, controlling budget and schedule, performing and overseeing field survey work, researching records for boundary determination, and serving as a technical resource to mentor surveyors, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and evaluate new survey technology.

Responsibilities

• Manage surveying projects for scope, budget, and schedule; keep clients informed of progress and any changes.
• Assist in providing estimates and preparing service agreements.
• Perform all aspects of field surveys using total stations, GNSS/GPS equipment, digital levels, and 3D laser scanning equipment, including cadastral retracement, route layout, control traverses, structure deformation verification, topographic surveys, building and project site layout, and as‑built surveys.
• Prepare field notes, maintain survey data, and make independent professional judgments to establish control networks.
• Calculate and draft survey information using Autodesk Civil 3D and other surveying software; process, analyze, and present field data to clients in Excel, Word, and Civil 3D formats.
• Research survey records and documents for boundary determination; review and interpret plans, legal descriptions, plats, short plats, General Land Office (GLO) notes, cut sheets, and field notes.
• Perform error analysis, quality control, and quality assurance on completed field work.
• Maintain records databases related to equipment inventory, project tracking, and equipment maintenance.
• Train and mentor field staff, providing direct instruction and coaching to develop crew survey skills and knowledge.
• Serve as a technical resource on field procedures, equipment, and data collection; troubleshoot survey software and hardware problems, evaluate work‑related software, and manage internal group program responsibilities.
• Ensure crew work assignments meet project specifications and align with SPU survey and safety standards.
• Provide technical guidance and strategic input on land surveying to support City decisions on property improvement projects, right‑of‑way, property lines, and easements.
• Coordinate with clients, other departments, agencies, consultants, and field staff; promote land surveying services within the City of Seattle for business development.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of civil engineering experience.
• Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, or two (2) years of college‑level coursework in engineering and construction technology (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• Current Washington State driver’s license or equivalent mobility documentation.
• Desired: Experience performing professional land surveying work in a public agency or consulting environment, including leading field crews and conducting boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, as‑built, construction staking, and control surveys.
• Desired: Experience researching and interpreting plats, legal descriptions, GLO notes, records of survey, and other public records for boundary determination.
• Desired: Proficiency with Autodesk Civil 3D in a production drafting environment and with survey data collection/processing software.
• Desired: Experience with 3D terrestrial laser scanning, registration, processing, and with static and RTK GNSS observation, network adjustment, and error analysis.
• Desired: Experience managing survey project scope, budget, and schedule; preparing estimates or service agreements; and supporting land survey consultant contracts.
• Desired: Experience training others on field procedures, equipment operation, data collection standards, and troubleshooting survey software/hardware.
• Desired: Registration as a Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) or licensure as a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in Washington State.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for working with clients, other departments, agencies, consultants, and field staff.
• A positive, collaborative approach in a matrix‑management organization, with the ability to lead and motivate staff and a commitment to crew safety and equitable service.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Majority of work performed in the field; remainder in a normal City office environment.
• Field assignments involve exposure to all weather conditions, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, and construction sites.
• Requirement to wear personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods.
• Overnight travel required; may work out of town for up to six weeks per year.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $62.79 – $70.35 hourly.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and dependents.
• Family‑friendly and multicultural work environment.
• Free public transportation options.
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions.
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities.