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Hydrographic Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$100 - $150/hr

Supervise, train and mentor survey engineers, technicians, and support staff. * Collect and process topographic data as referenced to hydrographic applications. * Support the maintenance, upkeep, and ...

Surveyor

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * 4-Year degree from an accredited college or university with a course in engineering or closely related field * AutoCAD or MicroStation proficiency * Certified Hydrographer ...

Surveyor

Lexington, KY · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * 4-Year degree from an accredited college or university with a course in engineering or closely related field * AutoCAD or MicroStation proficiency * Certified Hydrographer ...

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 Kentucky?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Hydrographic Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

$100 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

GBA is seeking a self-motivated Senior Survey Manager with 8+ years of hydrographic survey experience to join our team and lead projects related to dredging, hydrographic, and geophysical surveys.This is a hybrid role, located in our Baltimore, MD office, with some flexibility for remote work.This position will support the daily operations of the Baltimore survey department and be a regional lead for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.This position will require frequent communication and interaction with the Baltimore Division & Survey Leadership. Hydrographic surveys will be conducted from vessels up to 45 feet in length.Data collection will include single beam, multi-beam, side scan sonar and towed arrays including magnetometer and sub-bottom devices. This is an on-site position and relocation to the Baltimore metro area is a requirement.The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Assist the Baltimore Division and Survey Leadership in the successful completion of marine survey projects from start to finish.
  • Participate in and lead hydrographic and geophysical survey projects from inception to completion for local, state, and federal clients along the Atlantic Coast with a focus on the Mid-Atlantic region.
  • Apply leadership and teamwork skills to effectively plan, execute, and manage scopes, budgets, and schedules to meet client needs.
  • Participate in business development activities including marketing, client engagement, developing scopes of work, and budgeting.
  • Supervise, train and mentor survey engineers, technicians, and support staff.
  • Collect and process topographic data as referenced to hydrographic applications.
  • Support the maintenance, upkeep, and documentation of the survey vessel and company vehicles in concert with the vessel operator.
  • Ensure accordance with company standards, industry standards and local regulations.
Required Skills:
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team.
  • Possesses effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of inland and nearshore hydrographic surveying procedures and data processing techniques to meet or exceed the hydrographic standards as referenced within the Corps of Engineers Hydrographic Survey Manual.
  • Demonstrated experience in both single beam and multi-beam hydrographic data collection and processing. Ability to perform all functions for single beam and multi-beam surveys from field to finish.
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing industry standard hydrographic data collection and post processing software such as: Hypack, Hysweep, Sonarwiz, etc.
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing industry standard hydrographic data collection equipment, such as Real-Time Kinematic GPS, single beam echo sounders, multibeam data collection systems, MRUs (including all peripheral devices associated with hydrographic data collection systems).
  • Demonstrated experience using AutoCAD to prepare survey deliverables.Experience with Autodesk Civil3D highly desired.
Required Experience:
  • Degree in surveying, geomatics, engineering technology or closely related discipline from an accredited program. Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in hydrographic surveying.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
Preferred Experience:
  • Experience with collection and post processing of side scan sonar data, and geophysical data using towed arrays including magnetometer and sub-bottom devices a plus.
  • Possession of or ability to sit for Professional Engineering (P.E.) and/or Professional Land Surveyor (P.L.S.) exam a plus.
  • Possession of or ability to sit for U.S. Hydrographer Certification from NSPS-THSOA including Level 1, Certified Master Hydrographer (CMH), or Level 2, Certified Hydrographer (CH) a plus.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain International Hydrographer Certification from FIG/IHO/ICA including CAT A or CAT B program a plus.
Travel:

Frequent travel to inland and nearshore areas is required for this position.Travel canconsist of single day survey events (i.e., out, and back in the same day); however, some surveys will require overnight stay when multiple days are required to complete. Rotating shift schedules should be expected on large survey and beach nourishment projects. Survey rotations will require weekend work.

Salary shall be commensurate with skills, knowledge and demonstrated experience, augmented by professional licensure and/or certification.

GBA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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