Survey Technician

Cogent Analytics; Zionsville (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogent Analytics seeks an experienced Survey Technician / Crew Member to join its field operations team. The role involves independent operation of Robotic Total Stations, GPS/GNSS, data collectors, and 3D laser scanners on boundary, ALTA/NSPS, and construction surveys.

You will read plans, stake layouts, perform on-site computations, manage field notes, mentor junior rodpersons, and occasionally act as Crew Chief. Willingness to travel to varying job sites is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1–3 years hands-on experience as a land survey crew member or survey technician.
• Proven proficiency with major surveying hardware and data collection software (e.g., Trimble Access, Leica Captivate, Topcon, or Carlson).
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering plans and construction blueprints.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to operate company vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Instrument Operation: Set up, calibrate, and independently operate advanced surveying equipment such as robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, data collectors, and 3D laser scanners.
• Layout & staking: Read and interpret plans to establish field layout stakes, offsets, and cut/fill markings.
• Field computations: Perform on-the-spot coordinate geometry calculations and verify measurements.
• Data management: Upload/download field data, manage digital line work, and maintain field notes and sketches.
• Crew support & mentorship: Guide entry-level rodpersons on procedures, safety, and equipment care; assist Crew Chief when needed.
• Site recovery: Locate and recover historical monuments and markers using maps and field tools.

Skills

Land surveying experience

Plan reading

Crew mentorship

Tools

Trimble Access

Leica Captivate

Topcon

Carlson

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Survey Technician / Crew Member to join our growing field operations team. This role requires a foundational knowledge of land surveying principles. You will act as the Crew Chief's right hand, independently operating high-tech measurement equipment, executing field procedures, and troubleshooting data anomalies on-site. Your technical expertise will ensure accuracy and efficiency across boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and construction layout surveys.

Core Responsibilities

• Instrument Operation: Set up, calibrate, and independently operate advanced surveying equipment, including Robotic Total Stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, data collectors, and 3D laser scanners.
• Layout & Staking: Read and interpret construction plans, blueprints, and digital design files to accurately establish field layout stakes, offsets, and cut/fill markings.
• Field Computations: Perform on-the-spot coordinate geometry calculations and check measurements using data collectors to verify precision before leaving the job site.
• Data Management: Upload and download field data files, manage digital line work and maintain comprehensive, professional field notes and sketches.
• Crew Support & Mentorship: Guide entry-level rodpersons on proper procedures, site safety and equipment care; step in as acting Crew Chief when necessary.
• Site Recovery: Search for and successfully recover historical survey monuments, property corners and section markers using metal detectors, shovels and reference maps.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 1 to 3 years of hands-on experience as a land survey crew member or survey technician.
• Technical Skills: Proven proficiency with major surveying hardware and data collection software (e.g., Trimble Access, Leica Captivate, Topcon, or Carlson).
• Plan Reading: Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering plans, subdivision plats, legal descriptions and construction blueprints.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to hike, stand, bend and lift up to 50 lbs over rugged, steep or densely wooded terrain for full shifts.
• Licensing: Valid driver's license with a clean driving record to safely operate company utility vehicles and field trucks.
• Adaptability: Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and commute to varying job sites.