VDC Field Technician

Southland Industries; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 50% company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Life and disability insurance

Pre-tax flexible spending plans

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays, vacation, and personal

Training and professional development

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking a VDC Field Technician to translate digital models into precise field layout. You will work with robotic total stations, GPS, and CAD backgrounds to ensure alignment with design intent and project control.

Role may evolve from learning layout tasks to independently managing data, mentoring peers, and serving as the technical liaison with contractors and clients, ensuring safety and accuracy on site.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate degree in construction, engineering, or related discipline preferred.
• Entry-level (0–2 years) to advanced (5+ years) experience depending on Technician level.
• Proactive attitude with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Hands-on proficiency with layout and surveying tools including robotic total stations, GPS, and new field tech.
• Working knowledge of construction practices, especially MEPF systems, and ability to apply digital models in field execution.
• Familiarity with Autodesk tools (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, Fabrication) and Microsoft Office for documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills to evaluate project data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues.
• Effective verbal and written communication to collaborate with trades, contractors, and leadership.
• Commitment to safety, accuracy, and quality control in field activities.
• Senior Technicians are expected to lead in field coordination and client interaction.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project teams, trades, and general contractors to support layout and surveying activities.
• Serve as a technical point of contact on projects; Senior Technicians liaise with clients and leadership.
• Mentor less-experienced staff and promote a culture of accuracy and accountability.
• Set up and operate point layout tools to transfer design information to the field.
• Establish and verify project control points using robotic total stations and GPS.
• Manage and process point data, ensuring accuracy in CAD backgrounds and models.
• Monitor field progress, identify discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
• Support quality control by checking layout accuracy and documenting results.
• Operate and maintain layout equipment and software; troubleshoot issues.
• Stay current with emerging field technologies and support their adoption.
• Senior Technicians guide on technology integration and best practices.
• Adapt to evolving project needs and communicate design changes to field teams.
• Lead technical discussions with project leadership on solutions.
• Maintain equipment inventory and coordinate rentals; oversee calibration and maintenance.
• Document layout activities and project status for reporting.

Skills

Layout & surveying tools

Robotic total stations

GPS units

Autodesk tools

Strong problem solving

Effective communication

Safety & quality focus

Education

High School diploma

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Robotic total stations

GPS equipment

Dusty Robotics

HP SitePrint

Autodesk Revit

AutoCAD

Navisworks

Fabrication software

Job description

Position Summary

The VDC Field Technicians support project teams by translating coordinated digital models into accurate field layout. Working with advanced surveying tools, robotic total stations, GPS, and emerging field technologies, the VDC Field Tech establishes project controls, verifies accuracy, and ensures construction aligns with Southland's design intent. Depending on level of experience, Technicians may focus on learning and assisting with layout tasks, independently managing data and project control, training onsite personnel, or serving as the project’s primary technical resource and liaison with contractors and clients.

Position Details

Relationship Building/Management

• Collaborate with project teams, trades, and general contractors to support project layout and surveying activities.
• Serve as a technical point of contact on projects, with Senior Technicians acting as primary liaisons to clients and project leadership.
• Share knowledge with peers, mentoring less-experienced team members and contributing to a culture of accuracy and accountability.

Workflow Optimization

• Set up and operate point layout tools and equipment to accurately transfer digital design information to the field.
• Establish and verify project control points using robotic total stations, GPS, and other advanced equipment.
• Extract, manage and process point data, ensuring accuracy and integrity in CAD backgrounds and digital models.
• Monitor field progress, identify discrepancies, and implement corrective actions to keep work on track.
• Support quality control by checking accuracy of layout work and documenting results for project records.

Technology Deployment

• Operate and maintain layout equipment and software, including robotic total stations, GPS units, and digital layout platforms.
• Stay current with emerging field technologies (e.g., Dusty Robotics, HP SitePrint) and support their adoption on projects.
• Troubleshoot equipment and software issues, escalating complex problems to supervisors or vendors as needed.
• Senior-level Technicians provide guidance on technology integration and advise project teams on best practices.

Change Management

• Adapt to evolving project needs, layouts, and construction priorities.
• Assist in communicating changes in design or project control to field teams.
• Senior Technicians lead technical discussions and problem-solving sessions with project leadership and clients.

Support and Documentation

• Maintain equipment inventory, coordinate rentals, and oversee calibration, cleaning, and repairs.
• Document layout activities, accuracy checks, and project status to support reporting and transparency.
• Participate in technical reviews, contributing insights from field operations to improve processes.
• Mentor less-experienced staff by training on proper equipment use, layout techniques, and safety practices.

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Contribute field-level insights to supervisors and project leadership, highlighting risks, constraints, or lessons learned.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and share recommendations for future projects.
• Senior Technicians influence continuous improvement efforts by tracking industry trends and promoting best practices.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate degree in construction, engineering, or related discipline preferred.
• Entry-level (0–2 years) to advanced (5+ years) experience, depending on Technician level.
• A proactive, “can do” mindset with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Hands‑on proficiency with layout and surveying tools, including robotic total stations, GPS, and emerging field technologies.
• Working knowledge of construction practices, particularly MEPF systems, and ability to apply digital models in field execution.
• Familiarity with Autodesk tools (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, Fabrication) and Microsoft Office for documentation and reporting.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to evaluate project data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with trades, contractors, and project leadership.
• Commitment to safety, accuracy, and quality control in all field activities.
• Senior-level Technicians are expected to have proven leadership in field coordination, client interaction, and advanced technical expertise.

Benefits

As a 100% employee‑owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
• Disability income protection insurance
• Pre‑tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Training/professional development opportunities and company‑paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities (https://southlandind.foleon.com/experienced-professionals/brochure/), follow us on social media (https://www.linkedin.com/company/22132/?trk=tyah), and check out our website (https://southlandind.com/).

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Contingent Employment:

All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.