Hydrographic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Location(s): Encinitas, CA
Practice/Department: Mappying/Surveying
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $38.00-47.50/hourly*

 
Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.  

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. 

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape. 

Who You Are 

As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.  

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation. 

How You’ll Make an Impact

Dudek is seeking a detail-oriented As-Needed Survey Technician to join our growing Survey and Mapping team in Encinitas, California. This role focuses on applying survey drafting and technical skills to support boundary, topographic, and ALTA/NSPS survey deliverables. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working across disciplines, and contributing beyond basic drafting. While AutoCAD drafting is a key component of the role, success in this position requires strong survey knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to interpret survey data and documentation independently. This position offers an opportunity to work on varied projects, including plats, legal descriptions, point cloud/ LiDAR topography, and boundary mapping, in a collaborative and mentorship-driven environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and draft survey deliverables using AutoCAD Civil 3D including:
  • Boundary maps
  • Topographic maps
  • ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
  • Plats, legal descriptions, and associated documents
• Draft and calculate survey data based on field notes, control, and title information
• Interpret and review title reports, legal descriptions, easements, and survey records
• Assist with aerial LiDAR and point cloud-based topographic mapping
• Support hydrographic surveys and other specialized survey projects as needed
• Perform survey calculations and data processing using tools such as Trimble Business Center or similar software
• Collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, and other project team members
• Apply independent problem-solving and critical thinking to non-routine survey challenges
• Follow written instructions, technical documentation, and QA/QC standards accurately
• Adapt to evolving project requirements and unique survey deliverables typical of Dudek’s work

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 5+ years of relevant survey, drafting, or CAD experience
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and survey drafting software (e.g., Civil 3D; experience with MicroStation, InRoads, TopoDOT a plus)
• Basic understanding of survey calculations, principles, terminology, and deliverables
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to read, interpret, and produce survey deliverables accurately
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and adapt as survey workflows evolve
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by first day of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• LSIT (Land Surveyor-in-Training) certification preferred
• Experience working with or producing ALTA/NSPS surveys, boundary/topographic mapping, plat and legal drafting
• Additional familiarity with Esri/GIS tools or aerial data sources (LiDAR or point cloud workflows)
• Ability to contribute to drafting standards and QA/QC processes
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in technical deliverables
• Motivated, curious, and willing to learn emerging survey technologies

Compensation: $38.00-47.50/hourly* 

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment. 

Working Conditions 

• This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 
• This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following: 

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. 

• Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees). 

• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc. 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time. 

Connect with us! 

LinkedIn 

Instagram 

YouTube 

Dudek Talent Community 

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.  

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this