Survey Technician 1

James White Construction, LLC; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

James White Construction, LLC is seeking an entry-level Survey Tech 1 to assist the survey crew with field setup, staking materials, and basic layout support. This hands-on role provides practical learning while performing the physical field tasks needed to keep the crew productive.

The role emphasizes learning surveying tools, following safety procedures, and maintaining equipment across multiple job sites with a focus on accuracy and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate Degree preferred.
• Ability to learn basic surveying tools such as GPS equipment, total stations, lasers, and levels.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions from experienced survey personnel.
• Physically able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up surveying equipment, including tripods, GPS rovers, total stations, lasers, and levels.
• Carry, organize, and place stakes, hubs, lath, nails, paint, ribbon, and other survey materials as directed.
• Drive stakes, hubs, offsets, and grade stakes as directed by the Survey Tech 2, Survey Tech 3, or Foreman.
• Help transport, load, unload, and organize surveying tools and materials to and from job sites.
• Maintain, clean, and properly store surveying equipment, trucks, tools, and materials to ensure proper functionality and organization.
• Keep batteries, chargers, radios, tablets/data collectors, and accessories charged, organized, and ready for daily use; report missing, damaged, or malfunctioning items.
• Assist with measuring distances, elevations, offsets, and grades under supervision.
• Follow directions to support construction staking, topo, as-built, and layout tasks.
• Learn basic plan reading, stationing, offsets, cuts/fills, and site control.
• Ensure stakes and markers are labeled and placed as directed according to plans and field instructions.
• Learn and follow safety procedures while working in active construction environments.
• Adhere to scheduled work hours and consistently show up on time. Maintain positive relationships with other employees and adhere to all company policies.

Skills

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate Degree preferred

Tools

GPS equipment

Total stations

Lasers

Levels

Job description

A Survey Tech 1 assists the survey crew with field setup, staking materials, equipment handling, and basic construction layout support. This entry-level role is intended for someone learning survey work while performing the physical field tasks needed to keep the crew productive.

Job Duties:

• Assist in setting up surveying equipment, including tripods, GPS rovers, total stations, lasers, and levels.
• Carry, organize, and place stakes, hubs, lath, nails, paint, ribbon, and other survey materials as directed.
• Drive stakes, hubs, offsets, and grade stakes as directed by the Survey Tech 2, Survey Tech 3, or Foreman.
• Help transport, load, unload, and organize surveying tools and materials to and from job sites.
• Maintain, clean, and properly store surveying equipment, trucks, tools, and materials to ensure proper functionality and organization.
• Keep batteries, chargers, radios, tablets/data collectors, and accessories charged, organized, and ready for daily use; report missing, damaged, or malfunctioning items.
• Assist with measuring distances, elevations, offsets, and grades under supervision.
• Follow directions to support construction staking, topo, as-built, and layout tasks.
• Learn basic plan reading, stationing, offsets, cuts/fills, and site control.
• Ensure stakes and markers are labeled and placed as directed according to plans and field instructions
• Learn and follow safety procedures while working in active construction environments.
• Adhere to scheduled work hours and consistently show up on time. Maintain positive relationships with other employees and adhere to all company policies.

Core Competencies & Skill Sets:

• Problem Solving

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required: Associate Degree preferred.
• Basic understanding of construction plans and site layouts, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to learn basic surveying tools such as GPS equipment, total stations, lasers, and levels.
• Ability to keep survey equipment, batteries, tools, and materials clean, organized, charged, and properly maintained.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions from experienced survey personnel.
• Physically able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry surveying equipment and materials (up to 50 lbs).
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Must pass a drug screen and criminal background check

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

The job is performed outdoors on multiple jobsites. Hearing and vision within normal ranges is essential for normal conversations, to receive ordinary information and to prepare or inspect documents. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to travel (35%) therefore exposure to moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and common transportation related elements is present. Work hours are Monday – Thursday 7 am to 5 pm and Friday 7 am to 3 pm.