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Survey Pilot Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a 5 year or more experienced survey technician to join our team with ... Interest in acquiring an FAA remote pilot certificate. V&K BENEFITS * Benefits available 30 days ...

We are looking for a 5 year or more experienced survey technician to join our team with ... Interest in acquiring an FAA remote pilot certificate. V&K BENEFITS * Benefits available 30 days ...

We are looking for a 5 year or more experienced survey technician to join our team with ... Interest in acquiring an FAA remote pilot certificate. V&K BENEFITS * Benefits available 30 days ...

... survey, and construction. You will work alongside industry leaders, Casey Patton, PE, Water ... pilot testing * Diagnose existing system operations, troubleshoot issues, and drive process ...

... survey, and construction. You will work alongside industry leaders, Casey Patton, PE, Water ... pilot testing * Diagnose existing system operations, troubleshoot issues, and drive process ...

Survey Pilot information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$29

$45

How much do survey pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey pilot in Iowa is $29.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $33.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a survey pilot?

Survey Pilots are professional aviators who operate aircraft specifically for aerial surveying and data collection purposes. Their primary role involves flying over designated areas to capture photographs, collect lidar or multispectral data, or conduct other types of airborne surveys. They work closely with surveyors, engineers, or scientists to ensure precise flight paths and accurate data collection. Survey Pilots often operate specialized equipment and must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. This job can involve irregular hours and travel to remote locations.

What does a survey pilot do?

A survey pilot usually flies for an organization to perform different measurement data capture flights. Your responsibilities include capturing data via aerial photos, making bedrock content measurement, and laser scanning when you are in flight. Other duties include safely operating the aircraft, conducting flights that comply with all regulations, communicating with maintenance to ensure that the plane and engine are working, performing post-flight and pre-flight operations and inspections, making sure that your navigation data is accurate, and keeping detailed and accurate records that are compliant with all FAA rules and regulations. You work with the sensor operators as you fly to complete assigned missions.

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

To thrive as a Survey Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation skills, and experience with aerial survey operations. Familiarity with specialized survey equipment, GPS technology, and data collection systems is typically required, along with certifications such as Instrument Rating. Attention to detail, strong communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing variable weather and coordinating with ground crews. These skills ensure accurate data capture, safe flight operations, and effective teamwork in diverse and dynamic survey environments.

What are the typical challenges a survey pilot faces during aerial data collection missions?

Survey Pilots often encounter challenges such as flying in varying weather conditions, maintaining precise flight paths, and operating specialized survey equipment while ensuring safety and data accuracy. Coordination with ground crew and survey technicians is crucial, as is the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments or mission requirements. Additionally, Survey Pilots must manage fatigue during long flight hours and comply with regulatory standards for both aviation and data collection procedures.

What is the difference between Survey Pilot vs Survey Coordinator?

AspectSurvey PilotSurvey Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires pilot licenses and aviation certificationsRequires educational background in research, statistics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentOperates aircraft for aerial surveysManages survey projects, coordinates teams and schedules
Industry UsageUsed mainly in aerial data collection, environmental monitoringCommon in research, market research, and project management

Survey Pilot and Survey Coordinator roles differ mainly in their credentials and work environment. Survey Pilots operate aircraft for aerial surveys, requiring aviation licenses, while Survey Coordinators manage survey projects on the ground, focusing on planning and coordination. Both roles are essential in data collection industries but serve distinct functions.

What are popular job titles related to Survey Pilot jobs in Iowa?

For Survey Pilot jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Survey Pilot jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Survey Pilot jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Survey Pilot job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,679 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Survey Technician

Kleinfelder Inc

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago


Kleinfelder rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Take Your Career to the Next Level 

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!  In 2025, we acquired Veenstra & Kimm, a dedicated team of engineers with a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences, dedicated to one goal: Creating a brighter future for your community. 

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Our collaborative, multidisciplinary group works together to deliver integrated, highimpact solutions.

Position Overview:

V&K is currently looking for a Full Time Surveyor in our West Des Moines, Iowa office.  We are looking for a 5 year or more experienced survey technician to join our team with accessibility to grow into a profession. Veenstra & Kimm is a thriving consultant firm involved in the municipal and utility sectors of Iowa. We provide engineering/surveying services for a wide variety of projects for large metropolitan cities to small communities across Iowa.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for In-the-field surveys for Topography, Boundary, Control, Construction Staking and As-Builts.
  • Review and verifies survey data to ensure accuracy/precision, completeness and compliance with project specifications and industry standards.
  • Performs data analysis, calculations and adjustments related to a project's survey measurements and control networks.
  • Operates advanced Trimble survey equipment, GNSS Base/Rover, robotic total stations.
  • May operate bathymetric echosounder equipment or UAS operations equipment with the required certificates.
  • Assists engineers, project managers and other professionals to ensure that the survey data supports project design and construction requirements.
  • Conducts office-based tasks such as CAD drafting, data processing and analysis of raw data. Maintains detailed and organized records of survey work, including field notes, sketches and digital files.
  • Participates in field reconnaissance, stakeout, establishment of control network and monumentation.
  • Ensures all safety protocols and industry best practices are followed while performing fieldwork.

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience as a survey crew assistant performing surveys in topography, control and construction staking.
  • Has acquired a technical degree in surveying and/or CAD, such as an Associate of Applied Science, or a related field is preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of survey techniques, instrumentation, data analysis and geographical mapping.
  • Proficiency in survey-related software Autodesk Civil 3d and/or Bentley OpenRoads Designer.
  • Has basic understanding of the Iowa RTN GNSS State and Regional coordinate systems.
  • Ability to read blueprints, strip maps and construction plans.
  • Must maintain a valid driver's license to operate company owned vehicles in accordance with job duties.
  • Have the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Willing to work overtime when needed and ability to assist other office's projects with minimal travel outside of the Des Moines metro.

Preferred Skills:

  • Have a basic understanding of legal documents and records related to land surveys.
  • Desire to advance knowledge to become a certified survey technician or land surveyor in training LSIT.
  • Interest in acquiring an FAA remote pilot certificate.

V&K BENEFITS

  • Benefits available 30 days following date of employment, includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, plus additional supplemental insurances
  • Clothing allowance
  • 401k with company match
  • Paid Time Off and 9 paid holidays
  • Paid training and development on and off-site

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Progress with an Employer that Values You 

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following: 

We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program. 

Equal Opportunity:Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules) 

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES 

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder. 


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