Surveyor I or above - Sturgeon Bay

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (PPO/HD)

Dental and vision insurance

401K with generous match

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

ABS is seeking an entry-level Surveyor I in Houston to perform standard surveying tasks on vessels and marine structures, learning under supervision. You will develop the ability to examine reports and ensure compliance with ABS Rules and related certifications.

The role emphasizes practical surveying, reporting, and client engagement, with a pathway to broader responsibilities within ABS's safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Two-year program in a relevant field or marine/nautical experience.
• English proficiency commensurate with certification scope.
• Appropriate certifications/licenses may be required.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine surveys on classed vessels, platforms, or marine structures.
• Prepare technically accurate inspection reports.
• Engage with clients to resolve problems within expertise.
• Maintain survey files and administrative records.
• Develop skills for office procedures and port operations.
• Grow understanding of field operations and ABS procedures.
• Ensure compliance with ABS rules and statutory requirements.

Skills

Surveying

English proficiency

Communication

Education

Engineering or physical science degree

Marine or nautical training

Job description

Job Description
The Surveyor I is an entry or junior-level position for new graduates and/or those candidates with less than five (5) years of experience in an applicable industry. The Surveyor I, under a direct supervisor, performs work involving conventional surveying practices. The primary function is to develop the ability to effectively examine and report on vessels and other marine structures during and after construction relative to compliance with the applicable requirements for maintaining the vessel in Classification with ABS and meeting associated statutory and special service requirements related to Safety of Life at Sea, Loadline, Tonnage, Cargo Gear and Pollution Prevention Certification.

Job Description
The Surveyor I is an entry or junior-level position for new graduates and/or those candidates with less than five (5) years of experience in an applicable industry. The Surveyor I, under a direct supervisor, performs work involving conventional surveying practices. The primary function is to develop the ability to effectively examine and report on vessels and other marine structures during and after construction relative to compliance with the applicable requirements for maintaining the vessel in Classification with ABS and meeting associated statutory and special service requirements related to Safety of Life at Sea, Loadline, Tonnage, Cargo Gear and Pollution Prevention Certification.

What You Will Do (with the assistance and guidance of an experienced ABS Surveyor):

• Acts as a professional specialist for the organization in the application of related rules, regulations, requirements, concepts, principles, and processes.
• Performs routine surveys on classed vessels, platforms, or other marine structures and at manufacturers for classification and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Prepares technically accurate and timely reports of inspections and surveys performed.
• Engages in contact with clients to resolve problems within areas of expertise.
• Maintains survey files in an orderly and up-to-date manner in the area of responsibility.
• Develops the skills necessary for the administration of office procedures and monitoring of business performance at an assigned port.
• Through broader and more technically challenging work assignments, the individual must develop a thorough understanding of field operations, policies, methods, and procedures.

What You Will Need

Education and Experience

• Qualifications from a tertiary institution within a relevant field of engineering or physical science (minimum two (2) years program); or
• Qualifications from a marine or nautical institution and relevant seagoing experience as a certificated ship officer, and
• Proficiency in the English language commensurate with the scope of statutory certification and services and, before assignment, with their future work.
• Appropriate certification and/or licenses in areas of specialization may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to develop a working knowledge of ABS Rules, Guides, statutory regulations, and related instructions, as well as the ABS Employee Safety Policy.
• Ability to read engineering plans and have a basic understanding of shipbuilding practices and vessel operations.
• Ability to perform surveys in the prescribed format.
• Knowledge of computer programs or software packages related to job responsibilities.
• Knowledge of related technical interfaces required for group project work.
• Knowledge of ships' engineering systems and machinery.
• Ability to communicate, orally and in writing, pertinent information relative to assigned area of technical expertise.
• Ability to analyze problems and propose solutions.
• Responsiveness to customers and the ability to work well with others.
• Ability to become familiar with the ABS Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental Management Systems.

Physical Requirements

• Where allowed by local laws, a pre-employment physical examination is mandatory.
• The role of surveyor/auditor requires sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, and both visual and auditory acuity to perform the listed duties effectively.
• The ability to climb vertical ladders up to nine meters and navigate steep steps is essential.
• Shall be capable of working at heights on various staging and lifting equipment.
• Shall be able to maneuver in tight spaces and work inside confined areas for extended periods, including kneeling and crawling.
• The role may involve exposure to industrial environments, potential injury risks, extreme weather conditions, and demanding physical activities.
• Shall be able to lift at least 25 lbs. / 11.34 kgs.
• The use of small tools and the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in accordance with ABS safety procedures, may be required.
• Where allowed by local laws, the surveyor will be required to successfully complete an annual physical that will recertify the individual can perform the physical actions required.

Reporting Relationships

Will report to the Principal, Senior, or Surveyor-in-Charge of the assigned port. This position does not have any direct reports.

Notice

This position requires access to information that is subject to control by the Export Administration Regulations and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Any offer of employment shall be contingent upon the Company’s verification that the candidate is a “U.S. Person” or upon the receipt of all necessary export licenses or authorizations that may be required by U.S. export control laws. “U.S. Persons” are defined as U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (i.e., “green card” holders), or any individual granted protected status under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.

• 1324b(a)(3)), including asylees and refugees. In the event a candidate refuses or cannot otherwise provide the necessary information for the Company to determine whether such licenses may be required, or for the Company to obtain any required licenses, the Company shall maintain the exclusive right to discontinue the application process and/or withdraw any contingent offer that has been made.

About Us

We set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times.
ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and environmental services. We’re at the forefront of supporting the global energy transition at sea, the application of remote and autonomous marine systems, cutting-edge technical solutions, and many more exciting advancements. Our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency is ever-present, guiding our clients to safer and more efficient operations.

About Our Benefits

• Medical insurance (PPO and HD)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Disability leave programs
• Parental leave program
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation time
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that offers support in personal wellness, including work-life services
• 401K plan with a generous company match, subject to plan requirements

Equal Opportunity

ABS Bureau is committed to the equal employment opportunity of its employees and prohibits discrimination against any employee or qualified applicant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status, or other non-work-related characteristics that may be protected under the law of the Federal Government or specific state employment laws.

Notice

ABS and Affiliated Companies (ABS) will not pay a fee to any third-party agency without a valid ABS Master Service Agreement (MSA) authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other forms of candidate submission provided to any employee of ABS without a valid MSA on file will be considered property of ABS, and no fee will be paid.

Other

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job.