GPS Technician

Mcaninch-Corporation; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle or allowance

Health benefits

ESOP and profit sharing

PTO and holidays

Job summary

McAninch Corporation, Des Moines-based leader in grading and underground utility work, is seeking a GPS Technician to support grading, staking, and GPS-controlled equipment on construction projects. You will use drones for field surveying and help build 3D models with AutoCAD or BlueBeam.

The role reports to the GPS Division Manager and typically requires 40–55 hours per week in the field, with opportunities for travel.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; Associate/Bachelor preferred in Construction Management, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Experience in creating 3D models with AutoCAD, BlueBeam, AgTek, Trimble Business Center or similar software preferred.
• Basic surveying techniques knowledge and attention to detail required.
• Must have strong customer service and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform on-site surveying using drones and range poles to verify site topography.
• Communicate survey results to GPS Division Manager and Estimator/Project Managers.
• Assist on-site personnel with staking, grade control, and troubleshooting equipment.
• Install wiring harnesses for GPS installations on bulldozers, scrapers, and excavators.
• Read and interpret grading plans and blueprints.
• Import survey data into Trimble Business Center and create surfaces with data points.
• Participate in on-site safety meetings and follow company safety policies.

Skills

Surveying techniques

AutoCAD

Drones

GPS surveying

Excel/Office 365

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Autodesk BlueBeam

Trimble Business Center

AgTek

Job description

McAninch Corporation is a leader in the grading and underground utility industry. We are an employee-owned company that has been recognized as an Iowa Top Workplace for the last 8 years. We partner with a wide variety of clients to provide mass grading, underground wet and dry utilities, excavation, and backfill services for residential and industrial construction projects in Iowa and Eastern Nebraska.

Position Description:

We are seeking a GPS Technician with hands-on survey experience to support grading, staking, and GPS-controlled equipment on construction projects. This role involves field surveying using drones and GPS equipment and supporting project teams with accurate site data and troubleshooting. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, comfortable working in the field, and experienced in construction survey workflows. An ideal candidate will also have experience building 3D models with AutoCAD or BlueBeam for construction projects.

The GPS Technician reports to the GPS Division Manager. Technicians typically work 40-55 hours per week.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform on-site surveying using drones and range poles to verify site topography.
• Communicate survey results to GPS Division Manager and Estimator/Project Managers.
• Assist on-site personnel with staking, grade control, and troubleshooting equipment.
• Install wiring hardnesses for bulldozers, scrapers, and excavators for new GPS installations.
• Read and interpret grading plans and blueprints.
• Assist GPS Division Manager with importing survey data into Trimble Business Center and creating surfaces with data points.
• Participate in on-site safety meetings and follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other administrative duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience developing 3D models with AutoCAD, BlueBeam, AgTek, Trimble Business Center or similar software preferred.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of surveying techniques.
• Able to demonstrate a high level of attention to detail.
• Must have outstanding customer service skills and professional demeanor.
• Must have effective time management skills and be able to work independently.
• Basic proficiency in Office 365 Suite, including Outlook, Excel, and Word, required.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Must be able to travel overnight when necessary (typically less than 10%).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to independently lift and carry up to 50 lb.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend/squat, kneel, and twist on a frequent basis.
• Ability to climb ladders in and out of trenches and walk on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors 100% of the time, including in hot, cold, and wet conditions.
• This position may require some sedentary duty.

Compensation:

• Starting at $55,000 - $65,000 per year, based on experience, plus a company vehicle or allowance.
• 100% paid benefits, including health/dental/vision insurance premiums, life insurance, LTD/STD and cancer insurance.
• 401(k) with 3% company match and profit sharing.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that awards shares in McAninch Corporation
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.