GPS & Construction Technology Specialist

Central Specialties, Inc.; Alexandria (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Specialties, Inc. in Alexandria, MN is seeking a GPS & Construction Technology Specialist to manage GPS machine control, survey, and positioning tech across heavy highway projects.

You will collaborate with project managers, foremen, survey crews, estimators, and operators to ensure accurate digital models and machine guidance systems. This role also supports drone-based mapping and stockpile verification, maintaining equipment, software, and data standards, with travel to jobsites as

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of GPS machine control or surveying experience.
• Experience with drone operations for surveying preferred or willing to obtain FAA Part 107 certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, build, and maintain digital terrain models (DTMs) and alignments for machine control.
• Upload, calibrate, and maintain GPS machine control files for equipment.
• Verify GPS model accuracy prior to project startup.
• Support field personnel with setup, localization, and troubleshooting.
• Train operators on GPS machine control systems.

Skills

GPS machine control

Drone mapping operations

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Topcon/Trimble/Leica/Carlson

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Equivalent combination of education and heavy civil construction experience

Tools

Topcon GPS

Trimble Business Center

Pix4D

DroneDeploy

Propeller

Job description

Job Title: GPS & Construction Technology Specialist

Reports To: VP of Earthworks and Infrastructure

Status: Salary (Exempt)

Location: Central Specialties – Alexandria, In Person

Schedule: Full-time, year-round, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with extended hours as needed from April – November.

Position Summary

The GPS & Construction Technology Specialist is responsible for managing, maintaining, and supporting all GPS machine control, survey, and positioning technology used throughout the company's heavy highway construction operations. This position works closely with project managers, superintendents, foremen, survey crews, estimators, and equipment operators to ensure accurate digital models, machine guidance systems, and field layout that improve productivity, efficiency, and quality.

The GPS & Construction Technology Specialist serves as the company's technical expert for machine control systems, digital modeling, and construction positioning technology while supporting emerging technologies, including drone-based mapping and stockpile quantity verification.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare, build, and maintain digital terrain models (DTMs), surface models, alignments, and machine control files from construction plans.
• Upload, calibrate, and maintain GPS machine control files for dozers, motor graders, excavators, rollers, and other GPS-equipped construction equipment.
• Verify the accuracy of GPS models and machine control data prior to project startup.
• Support field personnel with project setup, localization, calibration, and site troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with project managers and survey personnel to ensure project control and design information remain accurate and current.
• Perform site visits to verify machine control performance and resolve GPS-related issues.
• Train equipment operators and field personnel on the proper use of GPS machine control systems.
• Maintain base stations, rovers, total stations, radios, and related positioning equipment.
• Manage software updates, firmware updates, equipment inventory, and licensing.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers and vendors regarding technical support, repairs, and warranty issues.
• Review construction plans, specifications, and digital files for constructability and compatibility with GPS systems.
• Assist estimating and project management teams with earthwork modeling, quantity calculations, and project planning.
• Develop and maintain standards for GPS modeling, file naming, version control, and data management.
• Assist with the collection and management of aerial survey data using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) when needed.
• Support material inventory verification by utilizing drone-generated imagery and photogrammetry to calculate stockpile quantities.
• Coordinate drone data collection with project managers and operations personnel to improve quantity tracking and project planning.
• Ensure proper documentation and backup of project files.
• Stay current on emerging GPS, surveying, drone, and machine control technologies applicable to heavy highway construction.
• Travel to jobsites throughout the company's operating area as needed.

Qualifications

• Equivalent combination of education and heavy civil construction experience will be considered.
• Three or more years of experience with GPS machine control systems, construction surveying, or heavy highway construction preferred.
• Experience with drone (UAS) operations for construction surveying, mapping, or stockpile quantity verification is preferred but not required.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is preferred or the willingness to obtain certification after hire.
• Experience supporting field construction operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of highway construction methods and earthwork operations.
• Proficiency with GPS machine control systems such as Topcon, Trimble, Leica, or Carlson.
• Experience using CAD and modeling software including AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Topcon Office, AGTEK, or similar applications.
• Knowledge of construction staking, coordinate systems, projections, and site localization.
• Ability to read and interpret roadway plans, profiles, cross sections, and specifications.
• Familiarity with drone mapping software such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Propeller, or similar photogrammetry platforms is a plus.
• Understanding of aerial imagery, point clouds, orthomosaic maps, and volumetric calculations is beneficial.
• Ability to interpret drone-generated data for material inventory management and construction planning.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively train equipment operators and field personnel.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently travel to active construction sites.
• Walk on uneven terrain and around heavy equipment.
• Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Occasionally climb, bend, kneel, crouch, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to safely work around moving construction equipment and traffic.

Work Environment

This position divides time between office and field environments. The GPS Specialist regularly visits active heavy highway construction projects and is exposed to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, and heavy equipment operation. Occasional overnight travel may be required depending on project locations.

Success in This Role

A successful GPS Specialist enables construction crews to build projects accurately, efficiently, and safely by ensuring dependable machine control systems, accurate digital models, and responsive technical support. This role directly contributes to improved production, reduced rework, increased equipment efficiency, and successful project delivery.

Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.