Survey Assistant

McElhanney Ltd.; Grande Prairie, Edmonton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking Survey Assistants to join their dynamic team in Edmonton and Alberta. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn and develop skills in surveying while working on diverse projects related to municipal infrastructure and resource industries. The company fosters a supportive environment where employees can grow into leadership roles, with training in advanced surveying techniques and access to one of Canada’s largest drone fleets. Ideal for motivated individuals eager to contribute to impactful projects and collaborate with experienced professionals, this position promises a rewarding career path in a thriving consultancy.

Benefits

Extended health and dental coverage

Healthcare spending account

RRSP matching

Maternity and parental leave top-up

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Competitive salary

Performance bonus plan

Overtime at time and a half

Accommodations and living allowance

Training for pilot certification

Qualifications

• Understanding of basic surveying principles is an asset.
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions and remote areas.

Responsibilities

• Set-up and operate a range of survey equipment.
• Assist survey team and complete tasks under direction.
• Participate in safety processes and procedures.

Skills

Surveying

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Physical Fitness

Education

High School Diploma

Technical School Education

Tools

Survey Equipment

RPAS/Drone Operations

GIS

Job description

Monday, April 7, 2025

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,400 staff members in 33 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity:

McElhanney has opportunities for Survey Assistants to join our team in Edmonton and around Alberta! We currently have live projects that you could be involved in relating to municipal infrastructure, highways, rail, LRT, bridges, plant site and other resource industry related facilities and legal surveys.

This is a great opportunity for an individual that is looking to begin or develop their career in Surveying with a well-established Survey and Engineering Consultancy.

• Opportunities exist both locally in Edmonton, other municipalities and remotely.
• Numerous projects are multi-year assignments.
• McElhanney has industry leading capabilities in Surveying, Scanning, RPAS/drone operations, Bathymetry, LiDAR and remote sensing, line locating and GIS, offering the opportunity to learn new, and apply existing skills on multidisciplinary projects.
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is required, as well as pre-site access testing as per client requirements.
• Applicants must hold a Class 5 license or its equivalent in other provinces, and satisfy our insurers' prerequisites, mandating a minimum of three years' driving experience with a Class 5 license or its equivalent in other provinces.

What You Can Expect:

• Learn the principles and correct use of survey instruments working with experienced staff willing to share knowledge and experience.
• McElhanney looks to train assistants to become Survey Party Chiefs and can offer financial assistance to the right candidates to take the extra step in their careers by completing formal education.
• Develop skills in reading and interpreting survey and construction plans.
• Work in a team environment that respects the skills and abilities of the individual and that encourages development.
• McElhanney has one of the largest privately owned RPAS/drone fleets in Canada and provides training to gain pilot certification.
• Some projects involve remote work that require working up to 21 days away from home.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Set-up and operate a range of survey equipment.
• Follow directives received from Field Supervisor or Party Chief to assist survey team and complete tasks.
• Learning correct surveying methods and completing some tasks independently under the direction of the party chief or supervisors.
• Using tools and equipment to place stakes, marks, control points or to identify and expose utilities or survey monuments.
• Completing and participating in safety processes and procedures.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma, technical school education and an understanding of basic surveying is an asset but skills and experience from trades or construction are also relevant.
• Physically fit, able to lift heavy equipment, willing to work in varied environmental conditions, able to work in wildlife populated areas, and willing to work in remote areas for extended periods and varied hours.
• Ability to travel out of town for up to 21 consecutive days, if required.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, and general computer knowledge.
• A positive, motivated attitude is required and the drive to contribute to the team.

Hourly Range: $19 - $25 per hour. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

What Can We Offer You?

• Extended health and dental coverage, healthcare spending account, and RRSP matching.
• Maternity and parental leave top-up.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, which offers support in person, online or over the phone.
• A workplace culture that is characterized by respect and inclusion for all.
• Competitive salary, participation in our generous performance bonus plan, and opportunity to join an employee-owned firm.
• Overtime earned at time and a half.
• Accommodations and living allowance or camp accommodations provided based on travel requirements.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process. If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements outlined. We’re interested in getting to know you and explore the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!

If this is the opportunity for you, apply now or visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to learn more. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To learn more about our recognition as Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025), visit Top Employer: McElhanney Ltd. (canadastop100.com).

Visit us on Glassdoor to learn more about our employee experience.

Our Purpose: Amaze our clients. Care for our communities. Empower our people.

McElhanney is aware of activities where individuals have received fraudulent job offers. Please be advised that McElhanney will not ask applicants for any form of monetary exchange at any point in the recruitment process. To learn more visit: www.mcelhanney.com/careers/fraud-warning .