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Contour Construction Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer

VA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

... contour maps, and construction plans. * Licensed Engineer and/or Surveyor in the State of Virginia. * Intermediate Level VDOT Work Area Protection Certification Special Requirements: * Must possess a ...

... contour of the Earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, and construction projects. The land surveyor may perform topographic and boundary surveys, prepare plats, flood certificates, and ...

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Contour Construction information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do contour construction jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for contour construction in Virginia is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contour construction?

Contour construction refers to the method of building structures or shaping land along the natural contours of the landscape. This technique is commonly used in agriculture, landscaping, and civil engineering to reduce soil erosion, manage water flow, and increase land stability. By following the land’s natural elevation lines, contour construction helps preserve the environment and can improve the efficiency of farming or building projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contour construction worker?

To excel in Contour Construction, you need knowledge of grading, earthworks, and land surveying, typically supported by relevant experience or certifications in construction or civil engineering. Familiarity with surveying equipment, GPS-guided machinery, and CAD software is often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure precise land shaping, efficient project completion, and adherence to safety and environmental standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in contour construction projects?

Professionals in contour construction often encounter challenges such as managing erosion control, adapting designs to diverse landforms, and coordinating with environmental specialists. Because the projects typically involve modifying land to follow natural contours, ensuring precision and environmental compliance is vital. Team members also need to collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, and equipment operators to achieve optimal results while maintaining safety and minimizing environmental impact.

What is the difference between Contour Construction vs Excavator Operator?

AspectContour ConstructionExcavator Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor projects, land developmentConstruction sites, outdoor projects, land development
Job RolePlanning, designing, and overseeing land contours and gradingOperating excavators to move earth and materials

Both roles are integral to land development projects, often working together on construction sites. While Contour Construction focuses on planning and overseeing land grading, the Excavator Operator handles the physical operation of heavy machinery. Understanding their distinct responsibilities helps clarify their contributions to construction and land development projects.

What are popular job titles related to Contour Construction jobs in Virginia?

For Contour Construction jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contour Construction jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Contour Construction jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Contour Construction job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,167 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

$70K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Introduction Are you skilled in project management, civil engineering, and surveying practices, and seeking the ideal balance between office and field work. The Prince William County Public Works, Construction, and Operations Division is currently looking for an experienced Project Engineer to support projects throughout Prince William County. Prince William County offers excellent benefits, including paid annual/sick leave, personal days, and medical/dental/vision/life insurance, as well as retirement plans.

About This Role: This position is a vital part of a team that significantly impacts the lives of many people throughout the county. The role involves assisting managers, principal engineers, and licensed surveyors with various activities, including project development, management, and oversight, staking out road improvements, conducting as-built surveys of stormwater basins, marking clearing right-of-way, establishing county easements, and handling tasks related to heavy construction. Minimum Requirements: A minimum of one year of relevant civil engineering, project management, and surveying field experience, complemented by a Bachelor's degree in a related field from an ABET-accredited university.

Related experience includes: Development and management of construction-related contract documents, including statements of work, specifications, cost estimates, and sketches/details. Working knowledge of civil engineering principles related to public works infrastructure. Proficient knowledge and use of modern surveying equipment and related software.

Development and layout/stakeout and calculations of construction-related grades/cut sheets. Evaluation of field conditions to resolve conflicts, challenges, and develop solutions. Accurate documentation and creation of as-built plans per industry standards.

Strong communication skills and field-based conflict/problem-solving skills are critical. Preferences: 5 or more years' experience in civil engineering, project and contract management, land surveying, construction stakeout, and topographic surveying. A minimum of three (3) years of related experience in public works engineering, project management, and land surveying/construction stakeout.

The candidate should have a working knowledge of civil engineering construction activities, strong communication skills, and the ability to read and understand metes and bounds deed descriptions, survey plats, engineering plans, contour maps, and construction plans. Licensed Engineer and/or Surveyor in the State of Virginia. Intermediate Level VDOT Work Area Protection Certification Special Requirements: Must possess a valid Driver's License; Must pass local, state, and federal background checks; Must be able to gain access to Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Must be at least 18 years of age to perform duties which involve handling, applying or otherwise working with hazardous materials. Position typically requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, and grasping light to heavy objects. Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises. Work Schedule: Normal work week is Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:00 pm, with a 7.5-hour workday and a half-hour lunch, for a total of 8.0 hours per day. Some Saturday work could be required to support crews and projects on rare occasions

This position may also be required to provide support during inclement weather and emergency-related events. Starting Salary Range: $70,921-$103,935 HIRING BONUS: This position qualifies for a one-time cash signing bonus up to $3,000. This bonus will be paid in two installments and is subject to all applicable tax withholding and reporting requirements.

The first installment of up to $1,500 is payable upon the County's pay date following the 90th day of employment, and the final installment of up to $1,500 will be payable on the pay date following the completion of your one-year probation. We also offer great benefits, including: Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans Paid Annual Leave Paid Personal Leave Paid Sick Leave Paid Holidays Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans Optional Group Life Insurance An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Career Development Opportunities Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). For more information on PSLF, please click here: PSLF.

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here. Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SEE YOURSELF HERE!