Experienced Construction Technologist

WESTERN REFINERY SERVICES, INC.; Ferndale (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

PTO

Holidays

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401k

ESOP

Job summary

Western Refinery Services, Inc. is seeking an experienced Construction Technologist to manage machine control models, site layouts, and drone workflows on civil construction projects.

You’ll serve as the primary field resource for machine control setup, calibration, and troubleshooting on heavy equipment, while coordinating revisions with engineers and crews. You’ll also perform land surveys, earthwork calculations, and drone-based site documentation, mentoring field staff and contributing to

Qualifications

• Proven civil construction experience on projects.
• Hands-on GPS machine control with Trimble/Topcon/Leica.
• Proficiency in Trimble B.C., AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Pix4D.
• Strong knowledge of volumetric calculations and digital terrain modeling.
• FAA Part 107 drone license or ability to obtain within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Build, manage, and QA 3D models from design files for machine control.
• Set up, calibrate, troubleshoot, and support machine control on field equipment.
• Coordinate model revisions with project engineers and crews.
• Establish site control and perform construction layout with GPS tools.
• Conduct as-built surveys and document final conditions for closeout.
• Perform earthwork takeoffs in Trimble and Autodesk Civil 3D to aid planning and billing.
• Plan and conduct drone flights for progress tracking and volume analysis.
• Train operators on machine control and survey tech; maintain procedures and docs.

Skills

Civil construction experience

GPS machine control

Drone license (FAA Part 107)

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Tools

Trimble Business Center

Autodesk Civil 3D

Pix4D

Job description

WRS has an immediate opening for an experienced Construction Technologist on our civil construction projects. You’ll handle the work from design file to finished grade: machine control models, site layout and as-builts, drone volumetrics, and field crew support. Projects may include work inside active refineries and other high-hazard industrial facilities.

About WRS

WRS offers a wide range of services in a number of industries. Regardless of the position you’re applying for, our work is always centered on people, problem-solving, and integrity.

What do we mean by that? We do the right thing and get along well with others. Our team members are experts in their respective fields. We think outside the box, and we’re good at it. And we’ve been doing this for a long time: we’re proud to be our communities’ trusted problem-solvers since 1982.

Are You a Good Fit?

Our ideal candidate is innovative, relational, and honest.

If you live for those “aha!” moments, you thrive in team settings, and you hold yourself to a high standard of work and ethics – we have a feeling you’ll like it here.

Your Responsibilities

Machine Control & Modeling

• Build, manage, and quality-check 3D models from engineering design files for Trimble GPS machine control systems.
• Act as the primary field resource for setting up, calibrating, troubleshooting, and supporting machine control on dozers, excavators, motor graders, and other equipment.
• Keep model revisions coordinated with project engineers and field staff so crews always work to the current design.

Survey & Layout

• Establish and maintain site control and perform construction layout using GPS rovers and robotic total stations.
• Conduct as-built surveys to document final conditions, verify work completion, and support closeout.

Quantities & Project Support

• Perform earthwork takeoffs and volume calculations in Trimble Business Center and Autodesk Civil 3D to support estimating, project planning, progress billing, and change order documentation.
• Provide accurate, timely data that project managers and superintendents rely on for decisions.

Drone Operations

• Plan and conduct drone flights for progress tracking, stockpile and volumetric analysis, and site documentation.
• Process imagery into 3D models, surfaces, and orthomosaics using Pix4D or similar software.
• Manage the drone program’s equipment, flight logs, and maintenance in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations.

Training & Technology Leadership

• Train and mentor operators, foremen, and field staff on the correct and efficient use of machine control and survey technology.
• Maintain documentation of technology equipment, inventory, deployment, and standard procedures.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to field technology workflows.
• Use company-approved AI tools to streamline data processing, quality-check models and quantities, and develop training materials and standard procedures. Verify all AI-assisted outputs for accuracy before field use, and protect confidential project and client information in line with WRS technology policy.

Your Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience working on civil construction projects.
• Hands-on experience with GPS machine control systems (Trimble, Topcon, or Leica).
• Proficiency with software such as Trimble Business Center, Autodesk Civil 3D, and Pix4D.
• Strong knowledge of volumetric calculations and digital terrain modeling.
• Current FAA Part 107 drone license, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a high level of mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently on job sites and adapt to changing project needs.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license.

Your Benefits & Compensation

When we say that we love investing in our team, we mean it.

For full-time employees, WRS offers a full benefits package that includes:

• Full Medical coverage (with HSA option)
• Full Dental coverage
• Voluntary Vision
• Generous PTO, based on hours worked
• 10 Paid Holidays per year
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance (including guaranteed buy up option)
• $250 per year - personal reimbursements
• 401k (eligible after 1 year)
• ESOP (eligible after 1 year)