Survey Drafter

Thompson Construction Group; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Referral bonus

Retention bonuses

Career growth

Safe work culture

Major projects Alberta

Job summary

Thompson Construction Group in Fort McMurray, AB, is seeking a Survey Drafter to support survey and construction operations. You will produce field drawings, create machine control models, and maintain project models throughout the lifecycle of projects.

Responsibilities include QA/QC of survey data, processing point clouds, and collaborating with engineers, surveyors and field personnel to ensure accuracy and timely delivery. A two-year diploma and 3+ years of Civil 3D experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Two-year diploma in Surveying/Geomatics preferred.
• Minimum 3 years using AutoCAD Civil 3D in civil construction or mining.
• Strong knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center and Trimble Access.
• Experience creating surfaces, alignments, corridors, earthwork and machine control models.

Responsibilities

• Produce field work drawings and coordinate files for survey and construction.
• Create field-level designs from engineering drawings and survey data.
• Develop detailed construction drawings, grading plans, layouts, alignments and cross-sections with Civil 3D.
• Maintain and update compiled project drawings through all project phases.
• Review design information and resolve drafting discrepancies for accuracy.
• Prepare stakeout files and machine control models for GPS equipment.
• Collaborate with surveyors, engineers, PMs and field staff to support execution.
• Calculate earthwork quantities and generate weekly project quantity reports.
• Produce as-built drawings and turnover packages for client submissions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Strong communication

Education

Two-year diploma in Surveying/Geomatics

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Trimble Business Center

Trimble Access

Job description

Survey Drafter

Location: Fort McMurray, AB
Rotation: 14 Days On / 7 Days Off

Thompson Construction Group is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Survey Drafter to join our Fort McMurray team. Reporting to the Survey Manager, the Survey Drafter plays a key role in supporting survey and construction operations by producing accurate drafting deliverables, processing survey data, creating machine control files, and maintaining project models throughout the lifecycle of construction projects.

Why work with Thompson?

• Regionally competitive compensation that reflects market conditions, industry trends, and the skills, experience, and contributions required for each position.
• Employee referral bonus program, rewarding you for helping us build a stronger team.
• Quarterly retention bonus opportunities that recognize commitment and long-term dedication, with opportunities to grow based on tenure, experience, and position specialization.
• Career growth and advancement opportunities within one of Western Canada’s leading construction and mining contractors.
• A strong safety culture where the well-being of our employees is a top priority.
• The opportunity to work on challenging and rewarding projects that shape communities and support major industries across Alberta.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce field work drawings and coordinate files to support survey and construction activities.
• Create field-level designs from engineering drawings, survey data, and project specifications.
• Develop detailed construction drawings, grading plans, layouts, alignments, profiles, and cross-sections using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Maintain and update compiled project drawings throughout all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Review design information and resolve drafting discrepancies to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Ensure all drawings, models, and deliverables comply with project specifications, company standards, and client requirements.

• Process survey field data using Trimble Business Center and AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Create and manage point groups, digital terrain models, and surface models.
• Process and analyze point cloud data to develop accurate design surfaces and project deliverables.
• Manage large survey datasets and terrain models to support project planning and construction activities.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews of incoming survey data and field files.

• Create stakeout files from engineering designs for field layout and survey crews.
• Generate machine control models and files for GPS-guided construction equipment.
• Collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, project managers, superintendents, estimators, and field personnel to support project execution.
• Provide drafting support for earthworks, grading, utilities, and other civil construction activities.

• Calculate earthwork quantities and prepare detailed cut/fill and volume analysis reports.
• Track project quantities and prepare weekly quantity reports for project teams and stakeholders.
• Produce piling reports and monitor installation data to support quality control and project progress.

• Produce accurate as-built drawings for project completion and client records.
• Prepare turnover drawing packages, survey deliverables, and supporting documentation for client submission.
• Maintain organized drawing revisions, survey records, and electronic project files throughout project execution.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Completion of a two-year diploma in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering Technology, Drafting Technology, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience using AutoCAD Civil 3D in a civil construction, mining, industrial, or municipal environment.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Trimble Business Center
  • Trimble Access
• Demonstrated experience creating:
  • Surfaces and digital terrain models
  • Alignments and profiles
  • Feature lines and grading designs
  • Corridors
  • Earthwork volume calculations
  • Machine control models
• Experience processing GPS survey data and point cloud datasets.
• Previous survey field experience is considered a strong asset.
• Advanced RPAS (Drone Pilot) Certification with experience operating drones is considered an asset.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Requirements

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License with an acceptable driver’s abstract.
• CSTS 2020 and CSO (or equivalent) certification.
• Must meet all site-specific safety requirements, including successful completion of pre-access drug and alcohol testing.
• Legally authorized to work in Canada.

Work Conditions

• Rotation of 14 days on / 7 days off, working approximately 12-hour days.
• Work is performed in both office and field environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions and active construction sites.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Duties may change based on operational requirements. Flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to teamwork are essential to success in this role.

Thompson Construction Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.