Land Survey Field Technician (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist)

City of Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an experienced land survey field technician to join the Land Survey Section as a Senior Civil Engineering Specialist. You will manage surveying projects from scope through delivery, controlling budget and schedule, and perform field survey work with total stations and GNSS/GPS.

You will mentor field crews, troubleshoot hardware and software, and help evaluate new survey technology. This role reports to the Chief Surveyor within SPU's Engineering Division.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field.
• Experience leading field survey teams and project delivery.
• Strong knowledge of cadastral retracement and boundary surveys.
• Ability to mentor field crews and troubleshoot field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage surveying projects from scope through delivery, controlling budget and schedule.
• Perform and oversee field survey work using total stations, GNSS, and 3D scanning.
• Mentor and support field staff, troubleshoot hardware/software issues.
• Research records for boundary determination and client communications.

Skills

Surveying

Project management

Mentoring field crews

Boundary determination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Total stations

GNSS/GPS

3D laser scanning

Digital levels

Job description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is hiring an experienced land survey field technician to join the Land Survey Section as a Senior Civil Engineering Specialist. If you enjoy solving boundary puzzles, running control networks, and mentoring field crews on work that shapes the City’s infrastructure, this is a role where your technical judgment carries real weight.

You will manage surveying projects from scope through delivery — controlling budget and schedule, performing and overseeing field survey work, researching records for boundary determination. You will also serve as a technical resource to the section: mentoring surveyors and field staff, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and helping evaluate new survey technology and internal group programs. The position reports to the Chief Surveyor in the Engineering and Technical Services Division of the Project Delivery & Engineering Branch.

The Land Survey Section performs boundary, construction, topographic, and as-built surveys for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), the Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle City Light, and other City departments, as well as dam deformation surveys, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recertification surveys, Records of Survey, Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lease surveys, and Global Positioning System (GPS) / Geographic Information System (GIS) surveys. The Section is equipped with robotic total stations, precise digital levels, 3D laser scanning equipment, precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) / Drone Technology equipment, and hydrographic equipment

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Survey project management

• Manage surveying projects for scope, budget, and schedule; keep clients informed of progress and of any changes or complications affecting scope, budget, or schedule Assist in providing estimates

Field survey work

• Perform all aspects of field surveys using total stations, Global Navigation Satellite System/Global Positioning System (GNSS/GPS) equipment, digital levels, and 3D laser scanning equipment, including cadastral retracement, route layout, control traverses, structure deformation verification, topographic surveys, building and project site layout, and project as-built surveys
• Prepare field notes, maintain pertinent survey data, and make the independent