Survey CAD Technician – LiDAR Extraction Specialist

SurvWest; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

SurvWest, LLC is seeking a Survey CAD Technician – LiDAR Extraction Specialist to support our Survey and Geospatial Services from our Englewood, Colorado office. This role focuses on LiDAR processing, feature extraction, and surface creation to deliver accurate CAD and surface deliverables.

The ideal candidate has strong LiDAR data extraction experience, proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and related software, and the ability to work with project managers and survey staff on boundary,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in survey CAD production or LiDAR data processing preferred.
• Strong experience with LiDAR data extraction and surface creation.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and survey data processing software.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• LiDAR Data Processing & Extraction: Perform LiDAR point cloud processing and feature extraction to support survey and engineering deliverables.
• Extract ground, breaklines, and surface features from LiDAR datasets.
• Create and refine DTMs and surface models from LiDAR and survey data.
• Validate extracted features against survey control and project requirements.
• Support integration of LiDAR-derived data into CAD base files and surfaces.
• Survey CAD Production: Prepare and maintain CAD drawings in accordance with SurvWest standards; deliver boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, ROW surveys.
• Software & Technical Support: Utilize Bentley products and Trimble Business Center; apply CDOT TMOSS standards; assist in workflows.

Skills

LiDAR extraction

DTM surfaces

CAD production

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Survey data processing

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Trimble Business Center

Bentley MicroStation

OpenRoads / InRoads

Job description

Job Type

Workspace

Full Time

Hybrid

Schedule

training period

Compensation

$30.00 – $40.00 per hour

Compensation based on experience, technical proficiency, and LiDAR extraction background

About the Role

SurvWest, LLC is seeking a highly skilled Survey CAD Technician – LiDAR Extraction Specialist to support our Survey and Geospatial Services from our Englewood, Colorado office. This role is specifically focused on LiDAR point cloud processing, feature extraction, and surface creation in support of survey and engineering deliverables.

This position is a technical specialist role responsible for transforming LiDAR datasets into accurate, defensible CAD and surface deliverables. The ideal candidate has strong experience with LiDAR data extraction, DTM surface creation, and CAD production, and works closely with Project Managers and survey staff to support a wide range of projects including boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, ROW, and engineering surveys.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 3 years of experience in survey CAD production or LiDAR data processing preferred
• Strong experience with LiDAR data extraction and surface creation
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and survey data processing software
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Trimble Business Center experience (LiDAR processing and extraction)
• Bentley software experience (MicroStation, OpenRoads / InRoads)
• Experience creating DTM surfaces and breaklines for survey and engineering use
• Familiarity with CDOT TMOSS survey standards
• GIS experience

Primary Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

LiDAR Data Processing & Extraction

Perform LiDAR point cloud processing and feature extraction to support survey and engineering deliverables.

Extract ground, breaklines, and surface features from LiDAR datasets.

Create and refine Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and surface models from LiDAR and survey data.

Validate extracted features against survey control and project requirements.

Support integration of LiDAR-derived data into CAD base files and surfaces.

Survey CAD Production

Prepare and maintain CAD drawings in accordance with SurvWest and client CAD standards.

Support preparation of survey deliverables, including:

• Boundary surveys
• Topographic surveys
• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys

Convert processed data into accurate planimetrics, breaklines, and surface representations.

Software & Technical Support

Utilize survey and design software, including:

• Bentley products (MicroStation, OpenRoads / InRoads)
• Trimble Business Center (LiDAR processing, data extraction, and surface creation)
• Apply client-specific CAD standards and CDOT TMOSS standards (preferred).
• Assist in maintaining and improving internal CAD, LiDAR extraction, and surface modeling workflows.
• Identify opportunities for improved efficiency, automation, and technical consistency.

Coordination & Communication

Work closely with Project Managers and survey staff to meet project schedules.

Communicate clearly regarding data limitations, processing assumptions, and extraction results.

Support coordination between field crews and office staff as needed.

Growth & Development

This role offers opportunities to deepen technical expertise in LiDAR extraction, surface modeling, and advanced CAD workflows. As SurvWest continues to expand its geospatial capabilities, this position may grow into a senior technical specialist or technical lead role based on performance, reliability, and interest.