Land Survey Paid Intern (Technical Intern)

County of Orange; California (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

OC Public Works in Orange County seeks a Land Survey Intern (Technical Intern) to work with licensed surveyors on boundary, topographic, and construction surveys. You will collect field measurements with GNSS, total stations, and UAVs, and assist with drafting using CAD and survey software.

The in-person internship runs 26–30 hours per week for up to one year, with a deadline of September 2, 2026, 11:59 PM (PT). This is a valuable training opportunity in local government surveying.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or graduated within the last 6 months from an accredited college or university pursuing a degree or certificate in Land Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist survey staff with boundary, topographic, construction, hydrographic, and control surveys.
• Collect field measurements using GNSS, total stations, digital levels, terrestrial laser scanners, and UAVs.
• Process field data and assist with drafting, mapping, and preparation of survey deliverables using CAD and survey software.
• Organize project files, field notes, and digital records.
• Support Survey-Field Services unit while gaining practical surveying knowledge.

Skills

Microsoft Office

GNSS

Total stations

Digital levels

Laser scanners

UAV

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Trimble Business Center

GIS applications

Education

Land Surveying / Geomatics / Civil Engineering degree

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Position

Land Survey Paid Intern (Technical Intern)

Deadline to Apply

Please note the deadline for this recruitment is Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PT).

OC PUBLIC WORKS

OC Public Works (OCPW) provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through the sustainable delivery of projects and services. OC Public Works’ guiding principles are safety, integrity, quality, teamwork, and adaptability.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Facilities Design & Construction and CUF; OC Facilities Maintenance; OC Fleet Services; OC Infrastructure Programs; OC Operations & Maintenance.

OC CONSTRUCTION

OC Construction provides project management and construction management services for projects on OC Public Works' Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Maintenance Improvement Program (MIP) as well as OC Parks and other County department projects. OC Construction focuses on horizontal projects such as roads, bridges, bikeways, and flood control channels.

For more information on OC Public Works. For more information on the County of Orange.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Land Survey Intern position provides students with valuable hands-on experience by working alongside licensed land surveyors and experienced professionals on a wide variety of public infrastructure projects throughout Orange County. Interns have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while gaining exposure to both office and field surveying practices. Land Survey Interns will assist survey staff with a variety of office and field assignments.

• Assisting with boundary, topographic, construction, hydrographic, and control surveys.
• Collecting field measurements using GNSS, total stations, digital levels, terrestrial laser scanners, and UAV technologies.
• Processing field data and assisting with drafting, mapping, and preparation of survey deliverables using CAD and survey software.
• Assisting with research of deeds, maps, survey records, right-of-way documents, and other legal records.
• Organizing project files, field notes, and digital records.
• Performing other related technical duties that support the Survey-Field Services unit while developing practical knowledge of professional land surveying practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This recruitment is open to applicants who are currently enrolled in or have graduated within the last six (6) months from an accredited college or university pursuing a degree or certificate in Land Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field. Completion of introductory coursework in mathematics, surveying, engineering, or mapping is desirable. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and pay close attention to detail.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this Internship will have basic computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Interest in learning modern land surveying principles, field procedures, and office workflows; surveying equipment, including GNSS/GPS receivers, total stations, digital levels, laser scanners, and other survey technologies; and survey software, including AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center (TBC), GIS applications, or similar programs. Ability to communicate effectively, follow written and verbal instructions, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

TIME COMMITMENT

This is an in-person internship. Interns may work 26-30 hours per week for 1 year (part-time) not to exceed 1,040 hours. Hours must be scheduled during normal business hours (Monday - Thursday between 6:00am and 3:30pm & Friday between 6:00am and 2:30pm).

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO THE INTERN

Interns are offered an excellent opportunity to:

• Provides students with valuable hands-on experience working alongside licensed land surveyors and experienced professionals.
• Offers exposure to a wide variety of public infrastructure projects throughout Orange County.
• Allows interns to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
• Provides exposure to both office and field surveying practices.
• Helps students develop skills and knowledge relevant to entry-level surveying positions.
• Provides OC Public Works with a larger candidate pool for the entry-level Surveyor I position.
• Explore a career in local government.
• Mentorship frommanagement staff.
• Network with professionals.
• Apply knowledge through real life application and best practices in field.

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.