Engineering Support Technician I - Public Works, Engineering/Survey Division
Howard County Government
A complete application in a minute
Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.
Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Howard County Government in Maryland seeks an experienced survey technician to support field survey operations and data collection.
You will operate Leica and Topcon equipment, perform network control, topographic, boundary and grade surveys, and prepare sketches and maps using CAD/GIS tools.
This is a classified, non-supervisory role in a county government environment with competitive pay and benefits.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; two years' related experience preferred.
- Experience with field surveys and data collection is required.
- Knowledge of CAD/GIS software is desirable.
Responsibilities
- Perform field surveys and establish control using survey instruments.
- Operate Topcon and Leica equipment and collect accurate field data.
- Prepare preliminary sketches and technical reports for project records.
- Assist in coordinating survey crew and duties.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2026, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 113 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 165 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2026, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 113 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 165 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
- We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work
Operates advanced Topcon GPS receivers, Leica digital levels, Leica robotic total stations, and data collectors to do a variety of survey‑related projects such as network control, topographical surveys, property line surveys and base line surveys.
$24.59 - $27.73/Hourly
$51,139- $57,673/Annually
- This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*
Performs intermediate technical level engineering support work under the general supervision from a technical superior. Work includes survey field work and operating survey instruments; and preparing graphic materials and drafting plans, schematics and maps by hand or by using CAD/GIS equipment in associated engineering and planning projects. Work involves relieving engineers of routine office and field technical duties.
- This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*
- Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810.*
- Performs regular survey activities and geodetic control under the supervision and direction of the Party Chief, including:
- Traverse surveys
- Level runs
- Cross‑sections
- Topographic surveys
- Hydrographic surveys
- Boundary surveys
- Profile surveys
- Construction layout
- Route surveys
- Assists in geodetic recovery and reconnaissance.
- Makes preliminary sketches from field notes to support subsequent survey and drafting activities.
- Operates Leica robotic total stations and theodolites using Leica data collectors and Carlson software.
- Collects and records field data, including the computation of angles, distances, and elevations.
- Operates survey‑grade Topcon GPS equipment for static, fast static, and RTK surveys.
- Operates Leica digital levels to establish benchmark elevations and collect vertical control data.
- Assists with the preparation of grade sheets.
- Assists the Party Chief in preparing technical reports and survey documentation.
- May independently prepare reports and perform static GPS and other survey‑related assignments.
- Reads, interprets, and applies information from:
- Deeds
- Subdivision plats
- Survey plats
- Survey worksheets
- Historical and archival maps
- Construction plans and drawings
- May act as Party Chief in the absence of the assigned supervisor.
- May direct and coordinate the activities of the survey crew.
- Performs certain survey assignments independently with minimal supervision.
- Confers with contractors, developers, engineers, property owners, and the general public regarding survey‑related activities and projects.
- Maintains survey equipment and field supplies.
- Stocks and organizes supplies for the survey field crew vehicle.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
High school diploma or GED and two (2) years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Class C Maryland Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence.
- Any combination of education and experience equivalent to the completion of high school and experience in field survey work to include experience as instrument operator.
- Knowledge of surveying techniques and practices.
- Skill in the use and maintenance of surveying instruments and equipment in all modes of operation, including but not limited to, Robotic Total stations, automatic and Digital Levels, micrometer theodolites, transits, compass, and GPS receivers.
- Knowledge of trigonometry and other mathematics and their applications to field work.
- Knowledge of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) surveying techniques and equipment.
- Knowledge of data collectors and ability to collect and analyze data.
- Ability to make and reduce accurate and complete field notes and prepare legible preliminary sketches and technical reports.
- Knowledge and understanding of obtaining, and use of, Record property survey information.
- Some knowledge of Point Cloud based data collection such as Scan and UAS/UAV surveys.
- Some knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
- Some knowledge in the use of CADD based software, and the ability to prepare Record mosaics, worksheets, and survey deliverables.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds more or less. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is at times loud. The employee will be working in dense woods, cultivated fields, wet swampy areas, rough terrain, construction sites and many far-off road situations and conditions.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
- Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as the fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
- Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full‑time benefit‑eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/human-resources/benefit-plans.
Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre‑tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.
Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.
Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.
During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.
Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.
Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.
Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre‑tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.
Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.
Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre‑tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.
Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.
Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.
Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.
Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.
Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.
Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M101.744%2012.4726L102.894%2016.1947L99.0021%2013.2201L101.744%2012.4726ZM105.3%208.40937H100.488L99.0026%203.59473L97.5116%208.41047L92.7%208.40385L96.5965%2011.3834L95.1055%2016.1942L99.0021%2013.2196L101.408%2011.3834L105.3%208.40992V8.40937Z'%20fill='white'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='paint0_linear_5593_1381'%20x1='90'%20y1='9.44471'%20x2='99'%20y2='9.44471'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%2300AD70'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='0.998594'%20stop-color='%2300B67A'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%23DCDCE6'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
