Land Survey Intern - Summer 2027

MacKay; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

MacKay is seeking a Land Survey Intern for a 10-12 week summer program in 2027 to support survey teams with data collection and project preparation.

You will work under the Survey Manager, assist with instrument calibration, and help organize field data and notes for cadastral and control surveys, among others.

This internship provides hands-on experience in infrastructure projects, safety training, and growth opportunities within a people-first firm.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or enrolled in a surveying-related program; relevant work experience is a plus.
• Highly motivated with strong attention to detail.
• Current, valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured to drive company vehicles.
• Willingness to travel to project locations in multiple states.

Responsibilities

• Adjust and calibrate tribrachs, tripods, and rods as needed.
• Maintain and calibrate survey equipment including data collectors, total station (robotic and manual), GPS (RTN/RTK), and levels.
• Capable of preparing field data and keeping legible field notes for cadastral, geodetic, boundary, ALTA, and hydrographic surveys.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations in the field.

Skills

Attention to detail

Motivation

Team collaboration

Education

Recent graduate or enrolled in Surveying

Tools

Total Station

GPS RTK

Data Collectors

Digital Levels

Terrestrial Scanners

Job description

At MacKay, we believe great people are the foundation of our growth and success.

We are in an exciting phase of expansion, creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers. Whether your role is technical or part of our support services team, you play an important role in delivering high-quality work and helping our projects succeed.

MacKay is seeking a full-time Land Survey Intern to join the team for 10-12 weeks during the summer of 2027.

As the Land Survey Intern, you’ll be under general supervision from the Survey Manager and will assist in the gathering and preparation of supporting data for land survey projects, and demonstrate brand personality throughout the delivery of services.

We live by our core values of honesty, dedication, and relationships. We make decisions every day based on these values, which drive us to do the right thing even when it’s hard. Our vision is to work with cool people on cool projects, and we want team members who will help us achieve our goals.

We encourage you to ask around about us. Do some digging. We’re confident that you’ll want to learn more. And we look forward to talking with you about a future with MacKay.

Responsibilities:

• Able to adjust and calibrate tribrachs, tripods, and rods as needed.
• Maintain, calibrate, and have a working knowledge of the following survey equipment: data collectors, total station (full robotic and manual modes), GPS (with RTN and RTK), digital and auto levels, terrestrial scanners, and echo sounder hydrographic system.
• Capable of sharpening machetes and axes.
• Ability to compile and organize a variety of field data as well as keep clean, legible field notes for the performance of the following field surveys: cadastral, geodetic control, horizontal control and vertical control, boundary, ALTA and platting, construction and asbuilts, monitoring, and hydrographic.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations in the field.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must be a recent graduate or enrolled college program in Surveying or a related field, and related work experience is preferred.
• Must be a highly motivated individual with strong attention to detail.
• Current, valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured to drive company vehicles are required.
• Willingness to travel to project locations in multiple states.
• During site visits, must be able to walk, lift, carry, stoop, bend, twist and work in the outdoors on uneven surfaces routinely. Site visits may include exposure to weather extremes and rough or uneven terrain.

Why Join MacKay?

A people-first culture

At MacKay, we put people first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and do their best work. We support well-being, encourage balance, and create space for people to succeed both professionally and personally.

Meaningful work and real impact

Our teams take on complex infrastructure and environmental challenges that support critical systems and shape the places where people live and work. Every role contributes to delivering that work and making it successful.

Growth and opportunity

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding across geographies, services, and markets. That growth creates opportunities for our employees to take on new challenges, build their careers, and contribute in new ways as the company evolves.

A strong and trusted foundation

Built on more than 50 years of experience, MacKay has developed a reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and dependable results. You’ll be part of a team with a solid foundation and a clear direction for the future.

Opportunities to share in success

We provide opportunities for employees to participate in ownership and build long-term financial value as the company grows.

Our Values

At MacKay, our values guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.

Honesty. We build trust through transparency, integrity, and accountability.

Dedication. We are committed to the success of our team members, clients, and communities.

Relationships. We foster lasting connections that strengthen our work and the teams around us.

Who We Are

MacKay is an infrastructure and environmental services firm built on more than 50 years of experience and a growing collective of expertise.

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding our reach, strengthening our capabilities, and bringing together talented teams across the country. That growth is creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers.

Every role at MacKay contributes to the success of our projects and the clients we serve. Whether your work is technical or operational, you are part of a team that delivers quality, builds relationships, and moves projects forward.

We’re looking for dedicated, talented individuals who deliver excellence, thrive in collaborative environments, and value both meaningful work and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.

US Pay Range

$20 - $25 USD

Full-time employees receive a well-rounded benefit package including access to our company-sponsored Medical (including an HSA High Deductible option), Dental, Vision, FSA, and Supplemental Life Insurance plans. We also offer 100% company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage. Employees are eligible to participate in our company's 401(k) plan with up to a 4% match. Additionally, employees receive paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, and are able to participate in employee ownership options. MacKay pays for expenses associated with licensure as well as annual performance bonuses.

Employment requires passing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

As a federal contractor, we participate in E-Verify and are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.