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Hydrographic Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

REY Engineers, Inc

Senior Bathymetric Surveyor

Folsom, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Lead bathymetric, hydrographic, and mobile LiDAR projects from planning through final deliverables * Oversee mission planning, field operations, data acquisition, processing, and quality assurance

Dixon Marine Services, Inc

Be Seen First

Marine Project Manager

Inverness, CA · On-site

$2.2K - $2.8K/wk

... hydrographic tools Strong working knowledge of Microsoft suite and construction software, as well as AutoCad Excellent written and verbal communications Scheduling experience and cost control ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

Palm Desert, CA

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 ...

Posted today

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

San Diego, CA · On-site

Experience in hydrographic surveying is a plus. * Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

Irvine, CA

Experience in hydrographic surveying is a plus. * Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

San Diego, CA

Experience in hydrographic surveying is a plus. * Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

San Diego, CA

Experience in hydrographic surveying is a plus. * Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

Irvine, CA · On-site

Experience in hydrographic surveying is a plus. * Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

Irvine, CA · On-site

Experience in hydrographic surveying is a plus. * Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment ...

NV5

Land Surveyor

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

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 ...

NV5

Associate Land Surveyor

Sacramento, CA

$45 - $50/hr

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 ...

NV5

Land Surveyor

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

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 ...

NV5

Associate Land Surveyor

Petaluma, CA

$45 - $50/hr

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 ...

NV5

Associate Land Surveyor

Palm Desert, CA

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 ...

NV5

Associate Land Surveyor

Sacramento, CA

$45 - $50/hr

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 ...

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Hydrographic information

See California salary details

$24.5K

$63.2K

$110.7K

How much do hydrographic jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrographic in California is $63,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,127.00 and $77,359.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hydrographic?

A hydrographic job involves mapping and surveying bodies of water to measure depth, tides, currents, and underwater features. Hydrographers use specialized equipment such as sonar, GPS, and echo sounders to collect data for navigation, construction, environmental studies, and resource management. They work for government agencies, private firms, and research institutions to ensure safe maritime operations and coastal development.

What does a typical day look like for a hydrographic professional?

A typical day for a Hydrographic professional involves a mix of fieldwork and office tasks. Field activities may include collecting data on water depth, seabed conditions, and underwater features using specialized survey equipment on boats or coastal sites. In the office, hydrographers process and analyze collected data, generate charts or maps, and prepare reports for clients or regulatory agencies. Collaboration with surveyors, engineers, and environmental scientists is common, as is the need to adapt to weather or site conditions. This dynamic balance of hands-on and technical work makes hydrographic roles both engaging and vital to marine and coastal projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the hydrographic position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydrographic, you need a solid understanding of hydrography, cartography, mathematics, and geography, typically supported by a relevant degree or technical training. Experience with hydrographic survey equipment (like multi-beam echo sounders and GPS systems), GIS software, and certifications such as IHO Cat A or B are often required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and clear communication help hydrographers manage fieldwork and reporting effectively. These abilities are crucial for collecting accurate marine or freshwater data, ensuring navigational safety, and supporting environmental and engineering projects.

How do you become a hydrographic?

To become a hydrographic surveyor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in hydrography, oceanography, surveying, or a related field. Gaining experience with surveying tools and software, such as GPS and sonar systems, is important, and obtaining certifications like the Hydrographic Surveyor Certification can enhance job prospects.

How much does a hydrographic get paid?

Hydrographers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or advanced equipment knowledge can earn higher wages.

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

The most popular types of Hydrographic jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Hydrographic jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hydrographic job openings:

Hydrographic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrographic job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,221 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Hydrographic Survey Specialist- San Rafael, CA

Woolpert

San Rafael, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Woolpert Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

243rd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Position Overview 

Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic Survey team out of our San Rafael, CA office. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to spend real time in the field, working on marine infrastructure, marine construction, and navigational charting surveys throughout California, with a strong focus on the San Francisco Bay Area and the broader California coast. Travel to other states will come up as project needs dictate, and candidates should expect approximately 100 days of travel throughout each year. 

We are especially interested in candidates who bring both survey skills and vessel operation experience, including towing vessels on trailers. Ideally this person can run the boat as well as run the survey.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located. 

What You Will Do 

Field tasks will include: 

  • Multibeam and singlebeam hydrographic survey 
  • GNSS topographic surveys 
  • Terrestrial LiDAR surveys 
  • Survey vessel mobilization 
  • GNSS and optical horizontal and vertical control surveys 
  • Operating and towing survey vessels, and working in coastal waterways 

Office tasks will include: 

  • Multibeam and singlebeam data processing 
  • GNSS static control network processing and adjustment 
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D 
  • Mobile and static terrestrial LiDAR survey processing (also referred to as 3D laser scanning) 

What You Will Bring 

  • Bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, environmental science, ocean engineering, geology, geography, spatial science, marine science, or a comparable field. 
  • Self-motivated, quick learning, curious, and resourceful, with a common-sense approach to problem solving and workload management. 
  • A genuine interest in working for a marine-focused organization, and an appetite for regular field work and travel. 
  • Experience working on vessels and conducting hydrographic or land surveys. 

Preferred experience and qualifications: 

  • Experience operating and towing survey vessels. 
  • Experience with marine survey software such as HYPACK, QINSy, Qimera, SESWin, Discover, or other hydrographic survey programs. 
  • Experience using Global Mapper, AutoCAD, or other CAD software. 
  • Experience with magnetometer, side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, or USBL positioning systems. 
  • Experience with LiDAR mapping and processing, including terrestrial or airborne systems. 
  • Experience gathering GPS data with Trimble GPS hardware and software, including data processing. 
  • Working knowledge of geodesy and experience generating PPK solutions. 
  • Experience with 3D visualization. 
  • Working toward Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensure. 

None of the above is required on day one. We regularly hire people with a variety of backgrounds and give them adequate training on all of these topics, but candidates who already have exposure to any of it is preferred. 

Benefits You Will Love 

Certified as a Great Place to Work, Woolpert is one of the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial companies in the world. With over 75 offices and countless projects around the globe, you will work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to competitive pay, we offer a robust set of benefits, including: 

  • Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm. 
  • Flexible paid time off and vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team. 
  • Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries. 
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases. 
  • Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more. 

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