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Hydrographic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydrographic Specialist

North Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Position Overview Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic Survey team out of our Charleston, SC This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to spend ...

S., including hydrographic surveys, geophysical investigations, and marine infrastructure assessments. This role is primarily office-based and focused on transforming raw field data into accurate ...

Hydrographic Technician III

Wilmington, NC ยท On-site

$31K - $40K/yr

The Hydrographic Technician III is an expert Hydrographic Survey field crew member responsible for performing various duties such as assisting with field data collection in various marine ...

Hydrographic Technician III

Wilmington, NC ยท On-site

$31K - $40K/yr

The Hydrographic Technician III is an expert Hydrographic Survey field crew member responsible for performing various duties such as assisting with field data collection in various marine ...

WI ยท On-site

Senior Hydrographic Surveyor - Michels Construction, Inc. Lomira, WI If you like variety and challenge and take satisfaction from knowing your work supports modern construction, consider joining the ...

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team in Pensacola as a Hydrographic Technician II . If you want to work at a company that will help improve the future of the communities where we live ...

Showing results 21-40

Hydrographic information

See salary details

$25K

$64.6K

$113K

How much do hydrographic jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrographic in the United States is $64,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $79,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Hydrographic jobs?

Cities with the most Hydrographic job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrographic jobs?

The most popular types of Hydrographic jobs are:

What states have the most Hydrographic jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hydrographic jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hydrographic job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 34% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,562 per year, or $31 per hour.

Hydrographic Specialist

North Charleston, SC โ€ข On-site

Socket.dev
Network Securityย โ€ขย 1 - 10 employees

$75K - $94K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.

Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Workยฎ, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

Position Overview

Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic Survey team out of our Charleston, SC 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 the US. 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, youโ€™ll work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

  • Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
  • Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
  • Flexible paid time off/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!

Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Pay Range

$75,400 โ€” $94,300 USD

Find out more about what Woolpert has to offer here: http://woolpert.com/about-us/

Woolpert is an equal-opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal-Employment-Opportunity-The-Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.

Applicants who require an accommodation throughout the application and interview process should request this in advance by contacting askhr@woolpert.com.

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