Engineering Technician 2 Survey

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County is seeking a field survey technician to join a two-person crew, providing critical land survey data for Civil Engineering teams. You will record measurements with high-tech equipment and interpret them using CAD systems, contributing to infrastructure projects that benefit residents across Pierce County.

Success requires physical stamina for rugged terrain and weather, strong documentation, and the ability to deliver accurate results under field constraints.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of progressively responsible technical engineering experience in one or more areas.
• High school graduation or equivalent.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Develops, updates, and maintains paper and computerized files, records, and databases; retrieves reports, drawings, and plans.
• Performs survey and mapping functions in the office or field environment; operates survey equipment; reduces data from field books.
• Establishes points and elevations, proper location and drainage for streets, sewers, runways and structures; plots profiles and cross sections.
• Locates property on maps or construction plans; interprets notations and updates county atlases and maps.
• Makes mathematical calculations, compiles data, and computes quantity and cost estimates.

Skills

Field surveying

CAD

Data recording

Measurements accuracy

Math calculations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD software

Survey equipment

Job description

Why it's a great opportunity:

In this role, you will provide critical, first-layer land survey data to multiple Pierce County Civil Engineering teams. Working within a two-person field survey crew using a "field-to-finish" approach, you will record essential data using high-tech equipment and interpret those measurements utilizing Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) systems. Contributing to the progress of county projects offers a unique sense of pride, as your work directly facilitates infrastructure improvements that positively impact the residents and communities of Pierce County.

Why it's a great department:

PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few! Learn more about Planning and Public Workshere.

How to be successful in the role:

To succeed in this role, you will use field calculators and survey equipment to measure distances, collect topographical data, and stake out construction or utility projects with precision. You will use your meticulous documentation and strong organizational skills to maintain the technical integrity of every project. Because the work involves transporting heavy gear across rugged terrain in all weather conditions, you will need to possess the physical stamina and commitment necessary to deliver accurate results under demanding field constraints.

Your future in this role:

You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Develops, updates, and maintains paper and computerized files, records, and databases; retrieves reports, drawings, and plans.
• Makes mathematical calculations, compiles data, and computes quantity and cost estimates.
• Locates property on appropriate maps or construction plans; interprets notations on maps and atlases; updates and maintains various county atlases and maps, road logs and annexation records.
• Performs survey and mapping functions in the office or field environment; operates survey equipment; reduces data from field books.
• Establishes points and elevations, proper location and drainage for streets, sewers, runways and structures. Plots profiles and cross sections, figures grade lines, calculates volume and areas, tabulates structural excavations, plots, and calculates traverses.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be foundhere.

• Additional technical training or education may substitute equally for the experience.
• Two or more years of progressively responsible technical engineering experience in one or more areas.
• High school graduation or equivalent.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position.Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.