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Land Survey Drafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Survey Drafter

Darby, PA

$26.44 - $33.65/hr

The position supports a variety of civil engineering, land development, and topographic survey projects and requires strong technical drafting skills and field surveying experience. Responsibilities

Survey Drafter

Darby, PA

$26.44 - $33.65/hr

The position supports a variety of civil engineering, land development, and topographic survey projects and requires strong technical drafting skills and field surveying experience. Responsibilities

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Land Survey Drafting information

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$11

$25

$48

How much do land survey drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for land survey drafting in the United States is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a land survey drafting professional?

To succeed in Land Survey Drafting, a strong understanding of surveying principles, attention to detail, and proficiency in drafting are essential, often supported by a degree or certificate in surveying, drafting, or a related field. Familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS software, and electronic data collection systems is typically required to produce accurate survey drawings. Strong spatial reasoning, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with surveyors and engineers help individuals excel in this role. Mastering these skills ensures precise mapping, effective project coordination, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

What is land survey drafting?

Land survey drafting is the process of creating detailed maps and drawings based on data collected by land surveyors. These drafts illustrate property boundaries, land features, and construction layouts, and are essential for legal, engineering, and construction projects. Drafters use specialized computer-aided design (CAD) software to convert survey measurements into precise visual representations that can be used by architects, engineers, and developers.

What are some common challenges faced when collaborating with field surveyors in a land survey drafting role?

One of the main challenges in Land Survey Drafting is ensuring clear and accurate communication with field surveyors to interpret collected data correctly. Discrepancies in field notes or incomplete measurements can lead to errors in drafting, so it's vital to establish effective feedback loops and clarify uncertainties promptly. Building a strong working relationship with field teams and developing a good understanding of survey equipment and methods are key to producing reliable survey drawings. Regular collaboration helps reduce misunderstandings and improves the overall quality of deliverables.

Is land surveying a good career to get into?

Land survey drafting is a skilled profession that involves creating detailed maps and plans based on field measurements, often requiring knowledge of CAD software and understanding of legal property boundaries. It offers steady employment opportunities, especially with experience and certifications, and typically involves outdoor work and attention to detail. The field can be a stable career choice for those interested in geography, engineering, and technical drawing.

What is the difference between Land Survey Drafting vs Land Surveying?

AspectLand Survey DraftingLand Surveying
CredentialsDrafting certifications, CAD skillsSurveying licenses, certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, CAD softwareFieldwork, on-site measurements
Employer & IndustrySurveying firms, engineering companiesConstruction, land development, government agencies
Primary FocusCreating survey maps and plansMeasuring land, boundary determination

Land Survey Drafting involves preparing detailed maps and plans based on survey data, primarily working in an office environment. Land Surveying includes fieldwork to measure land boundaries and features, often requiring licenses. While both roles collaborate closely, surveyors perform the measurements, and draftspersons create the visual representations.

What cities are hiring for Land Survey Drafting jobs? Cities with the most Land Survey Drafting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Land Survey Drafting jobs? The most popular types of Land Survey Drafting jobs are:
What states have the most Land Survey Drafting jobs? States with the most job openings for Land Survey Drafting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Land Survey Drafting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,560 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Survey Drafter

Actalent

Darby, PA

$26.44 - $33.65/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Survey Drafter / Survey CAD Technician

Job Description

This role combines field surveying in the Philadelphia area with office-based drafting work. The Survey Drafter / Survey CAD Technician collects precise measurements and survey data in the field using Trimble or similar equipment, then returns to the office to produce accurate survey drawings and documentation in AutoCAD. The position supports a variety of civil engineering, land development, and topographic survey projects and requires strong technical drafting skills and field surveying experience.

Responsibilities

  • Perform field surveying in the Philadelphia area, collecting accurate measurements and survey data using Trimble or similar survey equipment.
  • Document survey findings in the field, including measurements, site conditions, and relevant topographic and boundary information.
  • Return to the office and convert field survey data into detailed CAD drawings using AutoCAD and Civil 3D or similar civil design tools.
  • Prepare topographic surveys, land surveys, and related drawings to support civil engineering and land development projects.
  • Interpret and apply civil engineering and land surveying principles to produce clear, precise, and compliant survey drawings.
  • Collaborate with civil engineers, survey technicians, and other team members to ensure survey and design information is accurate and complete.
  • Review, verify, and update survey CAD files to reflect as-built conditions and design changes as needed.
  • Maintain organized digital and paper records of survey data, drawings, and project documentation.
  • Operate survey instruments and CAD software safely and efficiently, following established procedures and industry standards.
  • Travel to various project sites as required and drive between field locations and the office using a valid driver’s license.

Essential Skills

  • Minimum of 5 years of survey drafting experience.
  • Hands-on experience conducting survey work in the Philadelphia area.
  • Proficiency with Trimble or similar survey equipment.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to field sites.
  • Strong drafting experience using AutoCAD.
  • Experience with Civil 3D or similar civil engineering CAD tools.
  • Working knowledge of civil engineering and land surveying concepts.
  • Ability to perform topographic surveys and prepare topographic survey drawings.
  • Experience with land surveying and land development projects.
  • Proficiency in creating and editing survey CAD drawings with high accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience in civil engineering, civil design, or a related technical field.
  • Experience working as a survey technician or survey CAD technician.
  • Familiarity with topography, land survey practices, and survey design standards.
  • Ability to interpret engineering plans, survey notes, and design specifications.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple survey and drafting tasks simultaneously.
  • Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers, surveyors, and project team members.

Work Environment

The position is based in an office of approximately 20 people, offering a collaborative and professional environment. Work is split between field assignments in the Philadelphia area and office-based drafting tasks. In the field, you will use Trimble or similar survey equipment to collect data; in the office, you will primarily work with AutoCAD and civil engineering CAD tools to produce survey drawings. The role requires regular driving between the office and project sites using a valid driver’s license. The environment supports a mix of fieldwork and desk-based CAD work, providing exposure to a variety of civil engineering, land development, and topographic survey projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Darby, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.44 - $33.65/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Darby,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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