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Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic ... Bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, environmental science, ocean engineering, geology ...

Hydrographic Specialist

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Position Overview Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic ... Bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, environmental science, ocean engineering, geology ...

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Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior hydrographic survey engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of hydrographic surveying principles, strong analytical skills, and typically a degree in hydrography, geomatics, or a related field. Proficiency with survey equipment such as multibeam echo sounders, GNSS/GPS, data processing software (e.g., CARIS, HYPACK), and relevant certifications (e.g., from IHO or IMCA) are essential. Leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and collaborating on complex marine projects. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate data collection, project efficiency, and safety in challenging offshore environments.

What is the difference between Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer vs Hydrographic Survey Technician?

AspectSenior Hydrographic Survey EngineerHydrographic Survey Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Geomatics, Hydrography, or related field; often with certifications like IHO S-100Diploma or technical certification in surveying or hydrography
Work EnvironmentDesigning surveys, analyzing data, overseeing projects, often in field and office settingsAssisting in data collection, operating survey equipment, supporting field operations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by maritime, offshore, and government agencies for complex hydrographic projectsCommonly employed in field teams for routine data collection and support roles

The Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer typically holds advanced education and oversees complex projects, while the Hydrographic Survey Technician focuses on data collection and equipment operation. Both roles are essential in hydrographic surveying but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What types of projects and environments does a senior hydrographic survey engineer work on, and how does this affect daily responsibilities?

As a Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer, you can expect to work on a range of projects, including offshore energy development, port and harbor construction, dredging operations, and coastal mapping. These projects may take place in varied environments—ranging from open sea conditions to sheltered waterways—impacting the complexity of data collection and equipment deployment. Daily responsibilities often include planning survey operations, overseeing data acquisition with advanced sonar and positioning systems, managing field teams, and ensuring data quality. You’ll also collaborate closely with project managers, GIS specialists, and marine construction teams to interpret results and support decision-making, making adaptability and strong communication skills essential.

What is a senior hydrographic survey engineer?

Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineers are professionals who specialize in measuring and mapping bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. They use advanced surveying equipment and software to collect data on water depth, seafloor characteristics, and underwater features, which are vital for navigation, construction, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring. As senior-level engineers, they often oversee survey projects, manage teams, ensure data quality, and provide technical expertise. Their work is critical to maritime safety, coastal development, and scientific research.
What cities are hiring for Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrographic Survey Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Hydrographic Survey Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Hydrographic Survey Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Hydrographic Specialist

Woolpert

Honolulu, HI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Woolpert Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

238th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Position Overview

Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic Survey team out of our Port Orchard, WA or Honolulu, HI 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 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. 

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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'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!

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