1

Lidar Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Typical responsibilities include detailed analysis and review of topographic lidar data ... operating procedures , checklists, and report/metadata templates * Training junior staff in QA/QC ...

... operating an ArcGIS Enterprise solution, and an advanced level of proficiency and demonstrated ... LiDAR point clouds and photogrammetry into 3D models, orthomosaics, surfaces, and derived ...

Geospatial Quality Analyst

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$69K - $88K/yr

Typical responsibilities include detailed analysis and review of topographic lidar data ... operating procedures , checklists, and report/metadata templates * Training junior staff in QA/QC ...

PIMS Senior GIS Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$123K - $178K/yr

... operating an ArcGIS Enterprise solution, and an advanced level of proficiency and demonstrated ... LiDAR point clouds and photogrammetry into 3D models, orthomosaics, surfaces, and derived ...

Autonomy SME, Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$62.25 - $85.50/hr

... LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data. • Optimize AI models for deployment on edge ... operators, and engineering teams to define autonomy requirements and roadmaps. Qualifications

... and LiDAR imagery. * Provide analysts that are capable of simultaneously being able to view ... Execute routine tasks of varying scope and complexity, following Standard Operating Procedures.

ResponsibilitiesCollect, clean, and process spatial data from various sources such as lidar, multibeam, remotely operated vehicle navigation systems, satellite imagery, GPS data, and public ...

Showing results 21-40

Lidar Operator information

See Washington salary details

$11

$26

$41

How much do lidar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lidar operator in Washington is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a Lidar Operator?

To become a Lidar Operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or certification in lidar technology, surveying, or GIS. Experience with data collection, processing software, and operating lidar equipment is important, and some roles may require knowledge of GPS and mapping tools. On-the-job training is common, and safety procedures must be followed in field environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a lidar operator?

To thrive as a Lidar Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and experience with surveying or geospatial data collection, typically supported by relevant training or certifications in Lidar technology or geomatics. Proficiency with Lidar hardware, GPS systems, 3D mapping software, and data processing tools such as TerraScan or Global Mapper is essential. Being dependable, having good communication skills, and working well both independently and within field teams will help you excel in project-based environments. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate data collection, safe field operations, and effective collaboration on complex mapping or surveying projects.

What does a lidar operator do?

A typical day for a Lidar Operator often includes preparing equipment, conducting field surveys—sometimes in challenging weather or terrain—and capturing high-precision 3D data. After fieldwork, you may spend time processing and analyzing the collected data on a computer, ensuring its accuracy and completeness. Collaboration with survey managers, GIS teams, and project coordinators is common to integrate Lidar data into larger mapping or engineering efforts. The work strikes a balance between hands-on field activities and technical data analysis, offering variety and opportunities for skill development.

What is a lidar operator?

A Lidar Operator is responsible for using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to collect high-resolution spatial data for mapping and surveying purposes. They operate specialized equipment mounted on vehicles, drones, or aircraft to scan terrain, structures, and vegetation. Their duties include setting up and calibrating sensors, ensuring data accuracy, processing raw LiDAR data, and troubleshooting technical issues. Lidar Operators work in industries like geospatial mapping, construction, forestry, and infrastructure development. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with GIS software are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lidar Operator jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Lidar Operator jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Lidar Operator jobs in Washington? For Lidar Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lidar Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,286 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Geospatial Quality Analyst

Dewberry

Fairfax, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Dewberry is currently seeking a Quality Analyst to support operations within our Geospatial Technology Services department. Typical responsibilities include detailed analysis and review of topographic lidar data, topobathymetric data, IfSAR, vector data (2D and 3D), Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Digital Surface Models (DSMs), Orthoimagery, Shoreline Mapping, elevation derived hydrography (EDH) data for 3DHP, and terrains for state, federal, and private clients across the US. This is an excellent career opportunity for an individual to join a team of dedicated professionals while working in a multidisciplinary consulting and engineering firm. This position offers great potential for professional growth and the opportunity to work with and apply the latest geospatial technology.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a new graduate, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call “Dewberry at Work,” that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.


  • QA/QC of elevation data, imagery, other GIS data, and associated data products
  • Providing feedback on all stages of production
  • Creation and analysis of derivative data layers
  • Supporting and leading process improvements
  • Report and metadata creation and review
  • Supporting the creation, modification, and maintenance of internal documentation, e.g. standard operating procedures , checklists, and report/metadata templates
  • Training junior staff in QA/QC procedures and production workflows, including development and planning of training
  • Leading quality review meetings and helping prioritize tasks and projects
  • Representing quality team during client meetings
  • Assisting project managers with scope, budget, and resource estimations related to QA/QC activities
  • Understanding client expectations and helping to translate those expectations to analysts when/if data modifications are required
  • Assign tasks and coordinate with analysts, technicians, or administrative staff
  • Compose and prepare technical writing beyond existing templates

  • Bachelor's degree in Geography, GIS, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in the GIS/Remote Sensing Field
  • Creative problem solving skills
  • In-depth knowledge of Esri software, including ArcGIS Pro
  • Experience with digital elevation data, imagery, and other geospatial products
  • Experience providing quality assurance and quality control of geospatial products
  • Working knowledge of TerraScan
  • Proficiency with other geospatial software suites such as Global Mapper or LP360
  • Experience with national elevation programs, such as USGS 3DEP and/or USGS 3DHP
  • Experience with industry standards and specifications, e.g. ASPRS Positional accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data (2014), USGS Lidar Base Specifications
  • Proficiency in standard office computer applications, including MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, etc.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

 Desired Experience

  • Experience creating scripts/models/macros in multiple GIS/remote sensing platforms
  • Bathymetric data processing and/or verification experience
  • Familiarity with CMMI Frameworks
  • Familiarity with Section 508 compliance
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems)

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees. So if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry’s background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters:  Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.

#LI-EB1


The projected range for this position is $69,000-$88,000 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.



What Dewberry employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom