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Entry Level Survey Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Michael Baker International, Inc.

Surveyor II

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Michael Baker International is seeking an entry level Surveyor I to support our Southern California Survey Practice within our Santa Ana, CA office. What You'll Do: Duties will include, but are not ...

Michael Baker International

Surveyor II

Santa Ana, CA

$18 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Michael Baker International is seeking an entry level Surveyor I to support our Southern California Survey Practice within our Santa Ana, CA office. What You'll Do: Duties will include, but are not ...

Michael Baker International

Survey Technician

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Michael Baker International is seeking an entry level Surveyor I to support our Southern California Survey Practice within our Santa Ana, CA office. What You'll Do: Duties will include, but are not ...

Tetra Tech

Land Surveyor

Diamond Bar, CA

$75K - $115K/yr

  • Retirement

Qualifications : * 0 to 4 years of relevant experience. * Entry-level candidates are encouraged to ... Experience with survey equipment, GPS, total stations, data collectors, or engineering consulting ...

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Land Surveyor

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

  • Retirement

Qualifications : * 0 to 4 years of relevant experience. * Entry-level candidates are encouraged to ... Experience with survey equipment, GPS, total stations, data collectors, or engineering consulting ...

California State Jobs

Registered Dietitian (Safety)

Coalinga, CA · On-site

$6.4K - $8.6K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... * Entry level opportunity to get your foot in the door with the State of California as an employer ... DSH Recruitment Survey You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

California State Jobs

Registered Dietitian (Safety)

Fresno, CA · On-site

$6.4K - $8.6K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... * Entry level opportunity to get your foot in the door with the State of California as an employer ... DSH Recruitment Survey You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

DN LLC

Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level)

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level) to join our team, bringing expertise ... salary survey data, internal data for comparable roles, and the operational and budgetary ...

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All JobsSurvey JobsEntry Level Survey JobsEntry Level Survey Jobs in California

Entry Level Survey information

What is an entry level survey?

An entry level survey job typically involves assisting with land, construction, or geographic surveys under the supervision of experienced surveyors. Responsibilities often include setting up equipment, recording measurements, collecting data in the field, and helping to map out areas. These roles are a great way to learn foundational skills in surveying, such as using GPS and other measurement tools, and are often the first step toward a career as a licensed surveyor. Entry level survey positions usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, though some employers may prefer candidates with coursework or training in surveying or related fields.

How to start a career in surveying?

To start a career in surveying, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, then pursue relevant post-secondary education such as a degree or certificate in surveying, geomatics, or civil engineering. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining necessary certifications or licenses can improve job prospects in this field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Survey vs Survey Technician?

AspectEntry Level SurveySurvey Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer basic surveying certificationsHigh school diploma; may require specific surveying certifications or training
Work EnvironmentOffice and fieldwork; site visits, data collection, basic measurementsPrimarily fieldwork; operating surveying equipment, setting up instruments
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, civil engineering, land developmentConstruction companies, engineering firms, land surveying services

Entry Level Survey roles typically involve basic data collection and site visits, often requiring minimal certifications. Survey Technicians perform more technical tasks, including operating advanced surveying equipment. Both roles are essential in land development and construction projects, with Survey Technicians generally having more specialized training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level surveyor?

To thrive as an Entry Level Surveyor, you need a basic understanding of mathematics, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or relevant associate degree. Familiarity with surveying equipment, GIS software, and CAD tools is typically required, and some roles may ask for certifications such as CST (Certified Survey Technician). Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to fieldwork challenges. These abilities ensure accurate data collection, reliable measurements, and successful project support in a demanding environment.

What types of fieldwork can I expect as an entry level surveyor, and how should I prepare for it?

As an Entry Level Surveyor, you'll likely spend a significant portion of your time outdoors collecting data, measuring property boundaries, and assisting with topographical surveys. This often involves using GPS equipment, total stations, and other surveying tools under the supervision of senior staff. To prepare, familiarize yourself with basic land surveying concepts, invest in appropriate outdoor gear, and be ready for variable weather conditions. Strong teamwork and communication skills are important, as you'll frequently collaborate with survey teams and sometimes coordinate with engineers or construction crews.

What are the most commonly searched types of Survey jobs in California?

The most popular types of Survey jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Survey jobs in California?

For Entry Level Survey jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Survey jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Survey jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Survey jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Survey job openings:

Entry Level Survey jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Survey job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Surveyor II

Michael Baker International, Inc.

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Michael Baker International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 449 rated engineering

Job description


What We're Looking For:
Michael Baker International is seeking an entry level Surveyor I to support our Southern California Survey Practice within our Santa Ana, CA office.
What You'll Do:
Duties will include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Perform mapping related research, boundary analysis, calculations, exhibits, and legal descriptions for a variety of land development and public works related projects from small infill developments to large master-planned communities and
  • Review construction plans and perform calculations for layout staking and prepare exhibits.
  • Perform survey data processing and review of field work for projects.
  • Compile topographic information, compute and manipulate digital terrain models for topographic mapping.
  • Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of final maps, parcel maps, record of survey and ALTA maps; and prepare and/or oversee preparation of legal descriptions and associated plats, and boundary analysis, as well as work closely with engineers to ensure coordination of technical surveying and engineering aspects of a project.
  • Perform or assist with field work for surveying projects of all types.

What You Need to Succeed:
  • 1-2+ year of experience in mapping or field surveying
  • Demonstrated experience using AutoCAD/CIVIL3D
  • Experience dimensioning, labeling, and plotting
  • Experience in processing field data files

Compensation:
The approximate compensation range for this position is $18-$25 an hour. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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