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Survey Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Fessler & Bowman

GPS / Survey Technician

Holly, MI · On-site

FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required, will provide training and class expenses if necessary ... As a Survey/GPS Tech, you will split your time between the office and field. Environments include ...

Fessler & Bowman

GPS / Survey Technician

Holly, MI · On-site

FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required, will provide training and class expenses if necessary ... As a Survey/GPS Tech, you will split your time between the office and field. Environments include ...

DLZ Corporation

Environmental Project Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... surveying, right-of-way acquisition, and materials testing across the Midwest. Join a team where ... Proficiency in developing Conceptual Site Models, Feasibility Studies, and Pilot Studies.

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All JobsSurvey Pilot JobsSurvey Pilot Jobs in Michigan

Survey Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$27

$42

How much do survey pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey pilot in Michigan is $27.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $31.44 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.

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Survey Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Survey Pilot job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,307 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

GPS / Survey Technician

Fessler & Bowman

Holly, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Founded in 1963 by Don Fessler & George Bowman, Fessler & Bowman, Inc. has grown from a residential flatwork & basement wall contractor to a top 100 Commercial Concrete Contractor recognized across the nation. Keeping customer satisfaction as our fundamental core value has allowed Fessler & Bowman, Inc. to prosper for more than six decades.

Our Culture & Philosophy:

Fessler & Bowman is a fast-paced and culture-focused industry leader in specialty concrete and civil earthwork. When we talk about culture at F&B, it is not just a plaque hanging in our lobby.Our values are our driving force and have allowed us to build a phenomenal team delivering best-in-class products to our customers.

  • Open & Constructive
  • Take Pride in Our Product
  • Relentless Commitment
  • Care About Our Customers
  • Team Success

Summary:

The GPS/Survey Technician will be responsible for building GPS models using multiple software's for machine control and site layout for civil projects. This role will complete drone flights to verify as built conditions and set up base stations for GPS while collaborating with site supervision. Working alongside project management to ensure models are continuously up to date pending change events and orders. Assisting the estimating department with grading takeoffs in Trimble Business Center or Insite. The descriptions below are representative of, but not limited to, the duties and responsibilities for this position.

Five Key Roles of the GPS/Survey Technician:

  • Use 3D modeling technologies (Trimble Business Center, Insite, Propeller, AutoCAD) to produce construction models per contract documents.
  • Attend estimating and project hand-off meetings to provide a visualization of the project and identify potential RFIs, value engineering, site logistics solutions, etc.

  • Work with the estimating department to establish accurate takeoffs.
  • Review all change proposals and update 3D models in accordance with project changes.
  • Review data for completeness and accuracy.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Setup base stations, upload surface models and line work to grading equipment and data collectors.
  • Work closely with the estimating team for quantity extraction to enable model-based cost planning.
  • Collect as-built survey data using UAV technologies.
  • Collect as-built utility data using GPS mapping equipment.
  • Continuously refine and manage 3D modeling capabilities and provide training support to operations and management staff.
  • Attend seminars, training sessions, certification courses, etc. and translate new information to appropriate team members including a quarterly report to leadership team.
  • Communicating and upholding the Company's commitment to Integrity and Code of Ethics.
  • Other relevant tasks as assigned.


Education, Experience & Qualifications:

  • Ability to read blueprints and specs.
  • Ability to work independently and safely in conjunction with a foreman, superintendent, or project management to solve problems in the field as needed.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
  • 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong organizational, problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Strong experience with Microsoft Excel and Word.
  • Creative and results-oriented, with a strong sense of urgency and self-motivation.
  • FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required, will provide training and class expenses if necessary.


Travel:

Consistent travel from the office to job sites. Fessler & Bowman will compensate for travel when applicable.


Work Environment:

As a Survey/GPS Tech, you will split your time between the office and field. Environments include but are not limited to the following: office and field settings, high/low temperatures, areas close to traffic, loud and frequent noises, confined spaces, heights, indoor/outdoor settings.


Benefits:

Fessler & Bowman is proud to provide eligible Team Members with the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • 401k with company contributions
  • Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off


Recruitment Process:

The recruitment process will include a phone screen, in-person meeting, and a pre-employment background check and drug test.


Fessler & Bowman is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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