Survey Field Technician: Outdoor Data & Stakes

KFM Engineering & Design | An HFW Company; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

PTO & company holidays

Company events

Career development

Job summary

KFM Engineering & Design is seeking a Survey Field Crew Member / Instrument Man for Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. You will support a Survey Party Chief in boundary, topographic, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS, and utility surveys, operating survey equipment, collecting field data, and setting control points.

You must be ready to work outdoors, travel to sites as needed, and maintain equipment with a focus on safety and accuracy.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of field surveying experience preferred; entry-level candidates with relevant outdoor experience will be considered.
• Basic understanding of land surveying principles and field procedures.
• Experience using GPS equipment, total stations, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to read construction plans, maps, and staking information.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Survey Party Chief with daily field surveying activities.
• Set up, operate, and maintain survey equipment including GPS receivers, robotic total stations, data collectors, and digital levels.
• Collect accurate field measurements and survey data for boundary, topographic, construction staking, utility, and as-built surveys.
• Drive survey vehicles to and from project sites while following all company safety policies.
• Ensure survey equipment is properly calibrated, maintained, and securely stored.
• Set hubs, stakes, nails, and other survey markers as directed.
• Record clear and accurate field notes and verify data completeness before leaving project sites.
• Identify and report field discrepancies, safety concerns, or potential project issues to the Party Chief.
• Assist with locating property corners, benchmarks, utilities, and control points.
• Clear brush and vegetation when necessary to establish survey lines and maintain visibility.
• Maintain a clean, organized survey vehicle and equipment inventory.
• Follow all company safety procedures, traffic control requirements, and PPE standards.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on challenging terrain.
• Travel to project sites as required, including occasional overnight travel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Field survey experience

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GPS receivers

Robotic total stations

Data collectors

Digital levels

Job description

Position Summary - Austin, Dallas, San Antonio

Join our partner firm KFM Engineering & Design, as a Survey Field Crew Member / Instrument Man and become an integral part of our Survey team. In this role, you'll work alongside a Survey Party Chief to support a variety of land surveying projects, including boundary, topographic, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS, and utility surveys. You'll be responsible for operating survey equipment, collecting accurate field data, setting survey control and construction stakes, and helping ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and with precision. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, values teamwork, and is eager to build a rewarding career in the land surveying profession.

The Perks!

• 100% company-paid medical insurance and long /short-term disability coverage for employees.
• 401(k) plan with a competitive employer match
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
• Opportunities to participate in company events.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

Company Overview

KFM is a proud member of the HFW Companies network of partner firms. At KFM Engineering & Design, we bring together over 80 years of combined experience across more than 5,000 successful projects, establishing ourselves as Texas’ premier civil engineering, design, and land use consulting firm. Our deep expertise and history of proven performance on complex projects make us the trusted partner for clients seeking innovative and efficient solutions.

At the core of KFM’s success is our unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations. We achieve this through exceptional communication, rigorous quality control, proactive project management, strong client relationships, and deadline-focused execution. Our team’s unparalleled understanding of the development process ensures seamless project delivery, from concept to completion.

Beyond engineering and design, KFM is dedicated to community engagement. We believe in giving back to the industry and supporting charitable organizations where we live and work, fostering a stronger, more sustainable future. This commitment is the foundation of our contributions to projects that are sustainable, community-driven, and highly successful for investors.

With a legacy of excellence and a future-focused approach, KFM Engineering & Design continues to shape the landscape of Texas and beyond—one project at a time.

• Follow us on LinkedIn -> KFM
• Learn more about us on our company page -> KFM
• Assist the Survey Party Chief with daily field surveying activities.
• Set up, operate, and maintain survey equipment including GPS receivers, robotic total stations, data collectors, and digital levels.
• Collect accurate field measurements and survey data for boundary, topographic, construction staking, utility, and as-built surveys.
• Drive survey vehicles to and from project sites while following all company safety policies.
• Ensure survey equipment is properly calibrated, maintained, and securely stored.
• Set hubs, stakes, nails, and other survey markers as directed.
• Record clear and accurate field notes and verify data completeness before leaving project sites.
• Identify and report field discrepancies, safety concerns, or potential project issues to the Party Chief.
• Assist with locating property corners, benchmarks, utilities, and control points.
• Clear brush and vegetation when necessary to establish survey lines and maintain visibility.
• Maintain a clean, organized survey vehicle and equipment inventory.
• Follow all company safety procedures, traffic control requirements, and PPE standards.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on challenging terrain.
• Travel to project sites as required, including occasional overnight travel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ years of field survey experience preferred; entry-level candidates with relevant construction or outdoor experience will also be considered.
• Basic understanding of land surveying principles and field procedures.
• Experience using GPS equipment, total stations, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to read construction plans, survey maps, and staking information preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain and work in all weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow directions and work efficiently under the supervision of a Party Chief.

Preferred

• Experience with Trimble, Leica, or Carlson survey equipment.
• Familiarity with data collectors and field software.
• Previous experience supporting boundary, ALTA, topographic, or construction surveys.
• OSHA 10 certification or other safety training.

Learn more and follow all our firms below!

• The HFW Companies
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