Survey CAD Technician

Actalent; Cary (NC); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Cary, NC is seeking a Survey CAD Technician to provide CAD drafting, digital plan management, and 3D modeling support for heavy civil construction projects across the Carolinas.

You will work with the Survey Data Manager and Survey Project Manager to deliver accurate survey data, surface models, and quantity estimates, with occasional travel to project sites as needed. The role supports GNSS-controlled equipment and BIM workflows.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• General knowledge of site and utility surveying principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, MicroStation).
• Ability to perform land surveying drafting (civil site layouts, utility as-builts).
• Experience with 3D drafting and 3D modeling for construction/survey applications.
• Document management for plans, models, and survey records.
• Ability to interpret civil engineering plans and construction docs.
• Associate degree or technical certificate in surveying or related field.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in survey computations, modeling, and documentation.
• Effective communication to coordinate with survey teams and project managers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft detailed as-built surveys for heavy civil and utility projects.
• Perform construction stakeout computations for field layout and guidance.
• Organize plans in a digital plan management system.
• Prepare subgrade surface models for construction projects.
• Analyze UAS/drone data to generate quantity estimates.
• Build GNSS machine control models using Trimble Business Center.
• Contribute to a Quality Management Plan to improve deliverables.
• Develop and document department procedures and coordinate their implementation across projects.
• Support BIM-related modeling and 3D drafting.
• Communicate with survey crews and project managers to meet requirements.
• Maintain organized records of survey data, models, and revisions.
• Travel to project sites within the Carolinas as needed.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Surveying principles

CAD software

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Trimble Business Center

MicroStation

3D drafting

3D modeling

Document management

Ability to interpret plans

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Project coordination

Education

Associate degree in surveying or related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Trimble Business Center

SiteWorks

GCS900

SPS900

Access

Job description

Job Title: Survey CAD TechnicianJob Description

The Survey CAD Technician provides CAD drafting, digital plan management, and modeling support for heavy civil construction projects throughout the Carolinas. Working closely with the Survey Data Manager and Survey Project Manager, this role supports GNSS-controlled heavy equipment, UAS/drone-based surveys, and as-built documentation under the guidance of a Professional Licensed Surveyor. The position plays a key role in delivering accurate survey data, surface models, and quantity estimates that help project teams plan, build, and complete infrastructure projects efficiently and safely.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the Survey Project Manager and field crews to draft detailed as-built surveys for heavy civil and utility construction projects.

• Perform construction stakeout computations to support field layout and equipment guidance.

• Provide project support by assisting the Survey Data Manager with organizing and maintaining plans within a digital plan management system.

• Prepare subgrade surface models for construction projects, ensuring accurate representation of design and existing conditions.

• Analyze UAS/drone-based photogrammetry survey data to generate quantity estimates for the project management team.

• Assist the Survey Data Manager with GNSS machine control model building using Trimble Business Center.

• Collaborate in the development and implementation of a company-wide Quality Management Plan to improve consistency and accuracy of survey deliverables.

• Assist with developing, documenting, and refining department procedures, and help coordinate their implementation across all projects.

• Support project teams with document management and BIM-related modeling tasks, including 3D drafting and 3D modeling as needed.

• Communicate effectively with survey crews, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure survey data and models meet project requirements.

• Maintain organized records of survey data, models, and plan revisions to support quality control and project closeout.

• Travel on a limited basis to project sites within the Carolinas as needed to support field operations and project coordination.

Essential Skills

• Valid state driver’s license.

• General knowledge of site and utility construction surveying principles and procedures.

• Proficiency in CAD software, including AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, and MicroStation.

• Ability to perform land surveying-related drafting, including civil site layouts and utility as-builts.

• Experience with 3D drafting and 3D modeling for construction and survey applications.

• Competence in document management for plans, models, and survey records.

• Ability to interpret civil engineering plans, survey drawings, and construction documents.

• Associate degree or technical certificate in surveying, civil engineering technology, CAD technology, or a closely related field.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in survey computations, modeling, and documentation.

• Effective communication skills to work with survey teams, project managers, and other technical staff.

• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.

• Knowledge of Trimble construction equipment and software, such as Trimble Business Center, Siteworks, GCS900, SPS900, and Access.

• Experience with GNSS machine control systems and workflows for heavy civil construction.

• Background in land surveying for heavy civil, infrastructure, or utility projects.

• Experience with BIM and BIM modeling for civil and infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with digital plan management systems and project document control processes.

• Understanding of quality management principles and experience contributing to a Quality Management Plan.

• Ability to help develop and document department procedures and standards.

• Experience supporting project management teams with quantity takeoffs and survey-based estimates.

• Comfort working with UAS/drone-based photogrammetry data and related software tools.

Work Environment

This position is based in an office setting in Cary, North Carolina, supporting heavy civil construction projects across the Carolinas. The role primarily involves working with CAD and survey software on modern computer workstations, managing digital plans, and building GNSS machine control models. The environment is collaborative, with regular interaction with survey crews, project managers, and technical staff. Limited travel to project sites may be required to support field operations and coordination. The work focuses on integrating advanced survey technology, GNSS-controlled equipment, UAS/drone-based photogrammetry into day-to-day construction workflows, in a culture that values accuracy, quality management, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Cary, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50000.00 - $75000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

D.H. Griffin Companies offers a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes medical coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off. You can learn more about the company directly through D.H. Griffin Companies.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Cary,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.