Survey Technician

cogentanalytics; Zionsville (IN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogent Analytics in Indiana is seeking an experienced Survey Technician / Crew Member to join our field operations team. You will act as the Crew Chief's right hand, independently operating high-tech measurement equipment, and ensuring accuracy across boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and construction layout surveys.

You will mentor junior crew, manage field data and notes, and troubleshoot data on-site, maintaining safety and precision in all weather conditions and job sites.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of hands-on land surveying experience.
• Proficiency with major surveying hardware and data collection software (e.g., Trimble, Leica, Topcon, Carlson).
• Ability to read engineering plans, plats, and construction blueprints.
• Advantage: valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate surveying equipment on site.
• Establish field layout stakes from plans and blueprints.
• Perform on-the-spot coordinate geometry checks with data collectors.
• Upload field data, manage digital line work, and maintain field notes.
• Mentor entry-level crew and step in as Crew Chief when needed.
• Locate historical survey monuments using maps and tools.

Skills

Field data collection

Plan reading

Adaptability

Physical stamina

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.