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Survey Drafting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on applying survey drafting and technical skills to support boundary, topographic, and ALTA/NSPS survey deliverables. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex ...

This role focuses on applying survey drafting and technical skills to support boundary, topographic, and ALTA/NSPS survey deliverables. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex ...

Land Surveying CAD Technician

Encinitas, CA · On-site +1

$38 - $47.50/hr

This role focuses on applying survey drafting and technical skills to support boundary, topographic, and ALTA/NSPS survey deliverables. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex ...

This role involves conducting various types of survey research, computations, reviewing computer-aided survey drafting of topographic maps and plats, and preparing written descriptions of land for ...

Land Surveying CAD Technician

Encinitas, CA · On-site +1

$38 - $47.50/hr

This role focuses on applying survey drafting and technical skills to support boundary, topographic, and ALTA/NSPS survey deliverables. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex ...

This role focuses on applying survey drafting and technical skills to support boundary, topographic, and ALTA/NSPS survey deliverables. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex ...

This role focuses on applying survey drafting and technical skills to support boundary, topographic, and ALTA/NSPS survey deliverables. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex ...

In your role, you assist the Survey Managers in managing survey crews and provide survey research, computations, and review of survey drafting for topographic maps and plats, as well as writing of ...

In your role, you assist the Survey Managers in managing survey crews and provide survey research, computations, and review of survey drafting for topographic maps and plats, as well as writing of ...

In your role, you assist the Survey Managers in managing survey crews and provide survey research, computations, and review of survey drafting for topographic maps and plats, as well as writing of ...

In your role, you assist the Survey Managers in managing survey crews and provide survey research, computations, and review of survey drafting for topographic maps and plats, as well as writing of ...

This role involves conducting various types of survey research, computations, reviewing computer-aided survey drafting of topographic maps and plats, and preparing written descriptions of land for ...

This role involves conducting various types of survey research, computations, reviewing computer-aided survey drafting of topographic maps and plats, and preparing written descriptions of land for ...

This role involves conducting various types of survey research, computations, reviewing computer-aided survey drafting of topographic maps and plats, and preparing written descriptions of land for ...

This role involves conducting various types of survey research, computations, reviewing computer-aided survey drafting of topographic maps and plats, and preparing written descriptions of land for ...

This role involves conducting various types of survey research, computations, reviewing computer-aided survey drafting of topographic maps and plats, and preparing written descriptions of land for ...

This role involves conducting various types of survey research, computations, reviewing computer-aided survey drafting of topographic maps and plats, and preparing written descriptions of land for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Survey Drafting information

See California salary details

$34

$37

$39

How much do survey drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey drafting in California is $37.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.15 and $38.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is survey drafting?

A Survey Drafting job involves creating detailed maps, drawings, and technical plans based on survey data collected from land measurement projects. Survey drafters use specialized software like AutoCAD or Civil 3D to produce accurate representations of property boundaries, topography, and construction layouts. They collaborate with surveyors, engineers, and architects to ensure precision and compliance with regulations. This role is essential in land development, construction, and infrastructure projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in survey drafting?

To excel in Survey Drafting, you need strong skills in geometry, mathematics, and cartography, often backed by a degree or training in surveying, civil engineering, or GIS. Proficiency with drafting software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS platforms, as well as familiarity with land survey equipment, is essential. Attention to detail, good communication, and the ability to interpret technical data distinguish top performers in this field. These abilities are crucial to producing precise and reliable survey drawings that meet regulatory standards and client needs.

What are some typical challenges faced in survey drafting, and how can they be managed?

Survey Drafting professionals often face challenges such as interpreting complex field data, ensuring accuracy in drawings, and keeping up with evolving surveying technologies. Managing these challenges requires a keen eye for detail, solid understanding of surveying principles, and proactive collaboration with field surveyors and engineers. Regular communication with project teams helps clarify ambiguities, while ongoing learning allows drafters to stay current with software and industry standards. By staying organized and using systematic quality control checks, Survey Drafters can effectively minimize errors and deliver high-quality work.

Are survey drafters still in demand?

Survey drafters are still in demand as they play a key role in creating accurate and detailed survey plans for construction, engineering, and land development projects. Proficiency in drafting software like AutoCAD and knowledge of surveying principles are important for success in this field, which is expected to grow with ongoing infrastructure development.

What cities in California are hiring for Survey Drafting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Survey Drafting job openings:

Infographic showing various Survey Drafting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,800 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Survey - Land Survey Intern

San Diego, CA • On-site

KPFF Consulting Engineers
Civil Engineering Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Company Description
About KPFF
KPFF is a multi-discipline engineering firm providing innovative engineering solutions across civil, structural, transportation, survey, and specialty practices. Dry Utility Consulting is an expanding service line that supports KPFF project teams and clients by managing one of the most schedule-critical elements of development: utility planning and coordination.
Job Description
Job Description
KPFF's San Diego Survey Group is seeking a motivated Survey Intern interested in gaining hands-on experience in land surveying and civil engineering support. This internship provides the opportunity to work directly with professional surveyors in both the field and office while contributing to real projects throughout Southern California.
KPFF proudly participates in the educational and professional development of students interested in the surveying profession. Rather than simply observing the work, our interns are integrated into active project teams and given the opportunity to contribute to real projects while learning directly from experienced surveyors and engineers.
The Survey Intern will assist the San Diego Survey Group with both field and office tasks that support land surveying and civil engineering projects. Interns gain exposure to the full survey workflow including field data collection, survey drafting, and preparation of mapping deliverables used by engineering design teams.
KPFF provides significant opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment focused on technical excellence. Our team works on a wide variety of projects including commercial developments, infrastructure improvements, healthcare facilities, and institutional campuses throughout Southern California.
Responsibilities
Intern responsibilities may include:
  1. Assisting survey field crews with data collection for boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and construction staking.
  2. Supporting survey drafting efforts using CAD software to prepare base maps and survey exhibits.
  3. Assisting with processing and organizing field data collected using modern survey equipment.
  4. Performing basic research of survey records and maps.
  5. Supporting project teams with general survey-related tasks as needed.

Interns will have the opportunity to work both in the field and in the office and gain exposure to modern survey equipment and software used in professional practice, including survey drafting and mapping using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
Qualifications
Qualifications
  1. Years of experience (0-1 year)
  2. Currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering, geomatics, surveying, or a related field.
  3. Interest in land surveying, mapping, or civil infrastructure projects.
  4. Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new technical skills.
  5. Ability to work both outdoors in field environments and in an office setting.
  6. Basic familiarity with CAD software is helpful but not required.

Students interested in pursuing a long-term career in land surveying are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional Information
What is KPFF?
KPFF is a multi-office, multi-discipline engineering firm. We're driven by a commitment to our core values of Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion; defining our professional practice, how we are organized and our commitment to our clients and employees.
We partner with the world's most thoughtful professionals to engineer extraordinary places.
KPFF offers excellent benefits including medical and life insurance, vacation/sick/holiday pay, three percent 401k contributions with no matching requirements, bonus compensation, flexible work schedule, career development programs, and much more.
Why KPFF?
Mentorship & Development: Through KPFF's Forefront Education Program, you'll receive unparalleled mentorship from seasoned professionals, empowering you to excel in your career from day one. Thrive in a setting that values your development and independence, where your ideas are welcomed, and your contributions make a real impact.
Relationship Building: At our core, we focus on forging meaningful connections. By prioritizing trust and stability, we create lasting relationships with our partners and clients that stand the test of time.
Supportive Environment: We cultivate growth in all aspects of your life in a supportive environment that values your well-being. From promoting a healthy lifestyle to organizing social activities, we strive to create a balanced and fulfilling workplace.
Compensation: The base salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and skills. The expected Salary for this position is $60,000 - $75,000Additionally, we offer performance-based bonuses to recognize and reward outstanding contributions in each Reporting Center. During the interview process, we'll provide detailed information and address any questions you may have about the overall compensation package and benefits.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.