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Geodesy Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Geodesist

Batavia, IL · On-site

$27 - $31.50/hr

Bachelor's degree in Geodesy, or a related field, or the foreign equivalent, and 5 years (60 months) of progressively responsible post-baccalaureate relevant experience in surveying, including at ...

Geodesy information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.6K

$78.6K

$116.9K

How much do geodesy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for geodesy in Chicago, IL is $78,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $97,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is geodesy?

A Geodesy job involves measuring and understanding Earth's shape, gravity field, and spatial position. Geodesists use satellite data, GPS, and other technologies to create precise maps, monitor land changes, and support navigation systems. They work in various fields, including surveying, cartography, and engineering, ensuring accurate geographic data for infrastructure, environmental studies, and scientific research.

What does a geodesist do?

As a Geodesist, your daily tasks may involve collecting and analyzing spatial data, conducting surveys using GPS and satellite technologies, and processing geographic information for various applications. You might work on projects related to land surveying, map creation, infrastructure development, or monitoring natural hazards like earthquakes. Collaboration with engineers, surveyors, and GIS specialists is common, as these projects often require a team approach. You'll frequently use specialized software and field equipment to ensure your measurements and analyses are accurate and reliable. This dynamic role offers opportunities to solve real-world challenges while advancing both technical and analytical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geodesist?

To excel in Geodesy, strong analytical skills, a background in mathematics, geography, or engineering, and a relevant degree such as geodesy or geomatics are typically required. Familiarity with GPS/GNSS systems, GIS software, remote sensing technologies, and certifications like GISP or ASPRS are common assets. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help geodesists collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and interpret complex data. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring accurate earth measurements and supporting various applications like mapping, surveying, and navigation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geodesy jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Geodesy jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Geodesy jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Geodesy jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Geodesy jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Geodesy jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Geodesy job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $78,579 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

$27 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Fermilab rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
The expected hiring range for this position is:
$70,907 - $162,300
About the Role:
Join the Fermilab team as a Geodesist! In this role, you will lead precise three-dimensional alignment and metrology work for particle accelerators, beam lines, detectors, and experiments across the Fermilab complex, applying geodetic and industrial metrology techniques to position machinery to exacting accuracy requirements.
What your day-to-day as a Geodesist at Fermilab will look like:
• Precisely align and position particle accelerator machinery to support particle physics experiments.
• Lead project activities for precise three-dimensional alignment and metrology assignments for particle accelerators, beam lines, detectors, specialty equipment, and infrastructure projects.
• Apply geodetic and industrial metrology techniques such as differential GPS, laser tracking interferometry, and digital photogrammetry to develop spatial networks and precisely map beam components.
• Evaluate proposals for experimental and accelerator projects to determine the geodetic and alignment requirements.
• Evaluate technological advances in the applications of geodesy, alignment, and mapping of beam components such as GPS, laser tracking, interferometry, and VSTARS for higher accuracy requirements.
• Develop high accuracy medium and large-scale geodetic networks to meet the positioning criteria of experiments.
• Develop and improve computer software programs required for data acquisition, quality control analyses, and data validation for database and archival requirements.
• Research and review the most recent developments in geodetic metrology.
• Apply information from research to solve current problems in machine alignment.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Geodesy, or a related field, or the foreign equivalent, and 5 years (60 months) of progressively responsible post-baccalaureate relevant experience in surveying, including at least 2 (two) years of experience in: (1) geodetic surveying including control networks and deformation monitoring; (2) dimensional metrology using laser trackers and portable CMMs; and (3) using a programming language such as Python or C++ to create custom survey routines and/or software.
Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.
Telecommuting is permissible from anywhere in the United States, subject to approval.
Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care
Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.
Pre-Employment Screening:
Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening
Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
HSPD-12
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
Foreign Government Sponsored Activities
Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.
REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

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