Survey Technician

Kleinfelder Australia Inc; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company match

Paid time off

Paid training and development

Clothing allowance

Job summary

Kleinfelder, a leader in engineering and surveying, is seeking a Full Time Surveyor in West Des Moines, IA. The role requires a minimum of 5 years of field and surveying experience and offers growth within a multidisciplinary team delivering municipal to utility projects.

The position involves field surveys, data verification, CAD drafting, and collaboration with engineers to ensure project design and construction requirements are met. Safety and quality are emphasized across all tasks.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a survey crew assistant performing surveys in topography, control and construction staking.
• Associate of Applied Science in surveying or CAD preferred.
• Basic knowledge of survey techniques, instrumentation, data analysis and mapping.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D and Bentley OpenRoads Designer.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work outdoors in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-the-field surveys for topography, boundary, control, construction staking and as-builts.
• Review survey data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with standards.
• Operate Trimble equipment and GNSS systems.
• Assist engineers and project managers to support design and construction needs.
• Conduct CAD drafting and data processing in the office.

Skills

Topography surveys

Boundary surveys

Construction staking

CAD drafting

Data analysis

GNSS/Robotic

Education

Associate of Applied Science

CAD training

Tools

Autodesk Civil 3D

Bentley OpenRoads Designer

Job description

Job Description

Take Your Career to the Next Level

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive! In 2025, we acquired Veenstra & Kimm, a dedicated team of engineers with a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences, dedicated to one goal: Creating a brighter future for your community.

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Our collaborative, multidisciplinary group works together to deliver integrated, high‑impact solutions.

Position Overview:

V&K is currently looking for a Full Time Surveyor in our West Des Moines, Iowa office. We are looking for a 5 year or more experienced survey technician to join our team with accessibility to grow into a profession. Veenstra & Kimm is a thriving consultant firm involved in the municipal and utility sectors of Iowa. We provide engineering/surveying services for a wide variety of projects for large metropolitan cities to small communities across Iowa.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for In-the-field surveys for Topography, Boundary, Control, Construction Staking and As-Builts.
• Review and verifies survey data to ensure accuracy/precision, completeness and compliance with project specifications and industry standards.
• Performs data analysis, calculations and adjustments related to a project's survey measurements and control networks.
• Operates advanced Trimble survey equipment, GNSS Base/Rover, robotic total stations.
• May operate bathymetric echosounder equipment or UAS operations equipment with the required certificates.
• Assists engineers, project managers and other professionals to ensure that the survey data supports project design and construction requirements.
• Conducts office-based tasks such as CAD drafting, data processing and analysis of raw data. Maintains detailed and organized records of survey work, including field notes, sketches and digital files.
• Participates in field reconnaissance, stakeout, establishment of control network and monumentation.
• Ensures all safety protocols and industry best practices are followed while performing fieldwork.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a survey crew assistant performing surveys in topography, control and construction staking.
• Has acquired a technical degree in surveying and/or CAD, such as an Associate of Applied Science, or a related field is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of survey techniques, instrumentation, data analysis and geographical mapping.
• Proficiency in survey-related software Autodesk Civil 3d and/or Bentley OpenRoads Designer.
• Has basic understanding of the Iowa RTN GNSS State and Regional coordinate systems.
• Ability to read blueprints, strip maps and construction plans.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license to operate company owned vehicles in accordance with job duties.
• Have the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Willing to work overtime when needed and ability to assist other office's projects with minimal travel outside of the Des Moines metro.

Preferred Skills:

• Have a basic understanding of legal documents and records related to land surveys.
• Desire to advance knowledge to become a certified survey technician or land surveyor in training LSIT.
• Interest in acquiring an FAA remote pilot certificate.

V&K BENEFITS

• Benefits available 30 days following date of employment, includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, plus additional supplemental insurances
• Clothing allowance
• 401k with company match
• Paid Time Off and 9 paid holidays
• Paid training and development on and off-site

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Progress with an Employer that Values You

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:

We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.

Equal Opportunity:Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)