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Hydrographic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NV5

Associate Land Surveyor

Sacramento, CA

$45 - $50/hr

We specialize in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support ... Hydrographic surveying experience is a plus. * Must be proficient with MS Word and Excel. PHYSICAL ...

NV5

Associate Land Surveyor

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

We specialize in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support ... Hydrographic surveying experience is a plus. * Must be proficient with MS Word and Excel. PHYSICAL ...

City of Long Beach

SURVEYOR

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$41.67 - $56.63/hr

... hydrographic, boundary, monitoring and control surveys for various engineering projects; keeps accurate field notes and records; collects, downloads, processes, adjusts, plots and creates necessary ...

City of Long Beach, CA

SURVEYOR

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$41.67 - $56.63/hr

... hydrographic, boundary, monitoring and control surveys for various engineering projects; keeps accurate field notes and records; collects, downloads, processes, adjusts, plots and creates necessary ...

RRM Design Group

Survey Technician III

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$35 - $43.50/hr

... hydrographic and high-definition laser scanning. We tackle projects of all sizes, from quaint ... engineering, and surveying. Our offices are located along the California coast from Orange County ...

City of Long Beach, CA

SENIOR SURVEYOR

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$46.27 - $62.92/hr

... hydrographic, geodetic, boundary and construction surveying; plans procedures to improve plans ... Current registration as a Civil Engineer authorized to practice land surveying in the State of ...

City of Long Beach

SENIOR SURVEYOR

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$46.27 - $62.92/hr

... hydrographic, geodetic, boundary and construction surveying; plans procedures to improve plans ... Current registration as a Civil Engineer authorized to practice land surveying in the State of ...

Dudek

Land Surveying CAD Technician

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$38 - $47.50/hr

Support hydrographic surveys and other specialized survey projects as needed * Perform survey ... Collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, and other project team members * Apply independent ...

Dudek

Land Surveying CAD Technician

Encinitas, CA · On-site +1

$38 - $47.50/hr

Support hydrographic surveys and other specialized survey projects as needed * Perform survey ... Collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, and other project team members * Apply independent ...

Dudek

Land Surveying CAD Technician

Encinitas, CA · On-site +1

$38 - $47.50/hr

Support hydrographic surveys and other specialized survey projects as needed * Perform survey ... Collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, and other project team members * Apply independent ...

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Hydrographic Engineer information

What is a hydrographic engineer?

Hydrographic engineers are professionals who specialize in mapping and analyzing bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. They use advanced technologies like sonar, GPS, and GIS to collect and interpret data about underwater terrain, water depth, and features. Their work is essential for navigation safety, construction projects, environmental monitoring, and resource exploration. Hydrographic engineers often collaborate with government agencies, maritime companies, and environmental organizations to support safe and sustainable use of aquatic environments.

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

To thrive as a Hydrographic Engineer, you need a solid background in geospatial sciences, oceanography, and surveying, typically supported by a degree in hydrography or a related field. Proficiency with hydrographic survey equipment, GIS software, and data analysis tools is essential, as are certifications such as IHO Cat A or B. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe navigation, and effective project delivery in complex marine environments.

What are some common challenges faced by hydrographic engineers when working in the field?

Hydrographic Engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and navigating remote or difficult-to-access survey sites. Working at sea or along coastlines can require long hours and adaptability to rapidly changing environments. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, especially when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the accuracy and safety of survey operations.

What is the difference between Hydrographic Engineer vs Marine Surveyor?

AspectHydrographic EngineerMarine Surveyor
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in hydrography or geospatial dataEngineering or maritime degree, certifications in survey methods
Work EnvironmentOffshore and coastal environments, using sonar and GIS toolsShipboard and port environments, inspecting vessels and maritime structures
Industry UsageHydrographic surveys, navigation safety, offshore constructionVessel condition, port assessments, maritime compliance

Hydrographic Engineers focus on mapping underwater features and supporting navigation safety, often working offshore with specialized equipment. Marine Surveyors assess vessels and maritime structures, primarily working on ships or port sites. While both roles require technical certifications and operate in maritime environments, their core responsibilities differ significantly, making them distinct career paths within the maritime industry.

What are popular job titles related to Hydrographic Engineer jobs in California?

For Hydrographic Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hydrographic Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydrographic Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Hydrographic Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hydrographic Engineer job openings:

Hydrographic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrographic Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Associate Land Surveyor

NV5

Sacramento, CA

$45 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 450 rated engineering

Job description

NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting solutions for the built environment. We specialize in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support infrastructure resilience and building systems performance throughout the entire asset lifecycle.

NV5’s 5,000 consulting engineers, inspectors, and analysts play a critical role in shaping our communities through resilient infrastructure that will stand the test of time and efficient smart building systems for optimized facility environments.

We are seeking an Associate Surveyor to provide professional review of work products, manage office and field workload under the direction of the Survey Manager, and support the Survey Manager in maintaining project schedules and budgets. 

In your role, you assist the Survey Managers in managing survey crews and provide survey research, computations, and review of survey drafting for topographic maps and plats, as well as writing of legal descriptions, easements, and other survey documents, all per local, state, and federal requirements. Reviews projects, performs quality assurance, and reports progress through completion on each project.


  • Provide professional and technical oversight and guidance
  • Perform project research, logistics, and management, review plats, and prepare legal descriptions.
  • Adhere to the company’s policies, safety plan, and the project safety plan. Perform quality control checks on each project, including computations, field book formats, and content.
  • Supervise project field crew(s) and/or serve as field crew chief
  • Work on control, boundary, subdivision, topographic, and design surveys, ALTA /NSPS standards, aerial mapping surveys, and may also perform hydrographic surveying.
  • Accurately run and adjust survey measuring instruments, including digital levels, GPS equipment, and total stations with electronic data collecting capabilities.
  • Understand and identify basic sources of measurement errors.
  • Perform mathematical calculations and check field data.
  • Perform data reduction, field note reduction, calculations, data checks, and staking.
  • Computations using survey programs and Civil3D.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

  • LSIT Required
  • Professional Land Surveyor registration certification is a plus.
  • A minimum of 5 years of surveying and mapping experience is required
  • 3+ years of project management experience preferred
  • Experience in the use of lidar scanning (terrestrial, mobile, aerial) data registration/extraction
  • UAV / UAS operation, data acquisition, and data reduction experience a plus
  • Must possess good interpersonal skills and effective written and oral communication skills
  • Right-of-way mapping and parcel plat drafting.
  • Must be proficient in the use of total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors, and GPS reduction software.
  • Experience in Civil3D with demonstrated survey drafting skills required; excellent Civil3D skills a plus
  • Proficiency in Trimble Business Center, StarNet or similar survey processing software.
  • Ability to read and understand survey drawings, plans & specifications.
  • Knowledge of principles of monumentation, staking, and marking.
  • Hydrographic surveying experience is a plus.
  • Must be proficient with MS Word and Excel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions if the candidate can meet the physical demands.
Ability to deal effectively and reasonably with stress in the workplace without losing time or undue strain. Frequently required to sit, walk, talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to sit for extended periods, work at a computer terminal for extended periods, type/key in data, and answer telephones frequently as needed. The employee will be required to adhere to the company’s policies, safety plan, and the project.

The pay range for this position in California is $45.00 to $50.00 per hr. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on the job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, depending on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k), and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

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