Senior Hydrographic Field Lead — Inland Waterways

Prairie Engineers, P.C.; Columbia (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance starting day one

401(k) plan with company contribution

Generous paid time off

Professional development support

Job summary

Prairie Engineers is seeking an experienced Senior Hydrographic Field Surveyor to lead field acquisition, ensure data quality, and mentor crew members while collaborating with our hydrographic project manager. The role is hands-on with substantial travel and regular work aboard inland waterways vessels.

Salary range is $85,000–$135,000 per year, with travel expenses and meal per diem paid. You will plan surveys, operate HYPACK/HYSWEEP systems, oversee QA/QC, and contribute to integrated

Qualifications

• 6+ years hydrographic surveying experience with field acquisition
• Experience leading crews in field surveys
• Knowledge of HYPACK/HYSWEEP systems and sonar types
• Experience with survey planning, QA/QC, and data delivery
• Willingness to travel extensively and work long field days

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform hydrographic surveys and guide field crews
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot survey systems
• Monitor positioning and data quality during acquisition
• Provide input for proposals, plans, and staffing
• Support processing, deliverables, and QA/QC
• Mentor hydrographers and technicians
• Improve procedures and quality control practices
• Evaluate new equipment and software
• Coordinate with related teams on integrated projects

Skills

Hydrographic surveying

Crew leadership

Field execution

Problem solving

Technical judgment

Education

Related degree / credentials

Tools

HYPACK/HYSWEEP

Singlebeam

Multibeam

Sidescan sonar

GNSS

Job description

Prairie Engineers is seeking an experienced Senior Hydrographic Field Surveyor to lead field acquisition, ensure data quality, and mentor crew members while collaborating with our hydrographic project manager. The role is hands-on with substantial travel and regular work aboard inland waterways vessels.

Salary range is $85,000–$135,000 per year, with travel expenses and meal per diem paid. You will plan surveys, operate HYPACK/HYSWEEP systems, oversee QA/QC, and contribute to integrated