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Survey Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Survey Manager

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$150K/yr

Ability to work with latest in Survey technology including Trimble access, Trimble SCS900, TBC (Trimble business Center), AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Microsoft Excel. * Ability to organize and interpret ...

Ability to work with latest in Survey technology including Trimble access, Trimble SCS900, TBC (Trimble business Center), AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Microsoft Excel. * Ability to organize and interpret ...

Survey Manager

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Ability to work with latest in Survey technology including Trimble access, Trimble SCS900, TBC (Trimble business Center), AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Microsoft Excel. * Ability to organize and interpret ...

Operate and oversee the use of survey equipment, including GNSS/GPS receivers, robotic total stations, digital levels, data collectors, scanners, and other survey technology. * Perform boundary ...

Operate and oversee the use of survey equipment, including GNSS/GPS receivers, robotic total stations, digital levels, data collectors, scanners, and other survey technology. * Perform boundary ...

Survey Technician I - ChainPerson

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $35/hr

Survey Tech I -ChainPerson Job Duties * Set up and operate various types of survey equipment, including total stations, GPS units and data collectors. * Collect field survey measurements using ...

Survey Technician I - ChainPerson

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $35/hr

Survey Tech I -ChainPerson Job Duties * Set up and operate various types of survey equipment, including total stations, GPS units and data collectors. * Collect field survey measurements using ...

Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 ... As our Survey Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising survey ...

Survey Manager

Palm Desert, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 ... As our Survey Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising survey ...

Survey Manager

Palm Desert, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 ... As our Survey Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising survey ...

Survey Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Overview NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting ... As a Survey Manager , you'll be at the forefront of impactful projects-leading talented teams ...

Overview NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting ... As a Survey Manager , you'll be at the forefront of impactful projects-leading talented teams ...

Survey Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting ... As a Survey Manager , you'll be at the forefront of impactful projects--leading talented teams ...

Associate Land Surveyor

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Strong knowledge of field-to-finish workflows using GPS, robotic total stations, laser scanning, and related survey technology. * Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, and ...

Strong knowledge of field-to-finish workflows using GPS, robotic total stations, laser scanning, and related survey technology. * Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Survey Tech information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$50.6K

$78.5K

How much do survey tech jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for survey tech in California is $50,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $57,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a survey tech?

To thrive as a Survey Tech, you need a solid grasp of surveying principles, mathematics, and map reading, often supported by an associate degree or specialized training in surveying. Familiarity with GPS equipment, total stations, CAD software, and data collection systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set candidates apart in the field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate measurements, efficient data collection, and reliable support for engineering or construction projects.

What challenges does a survey tech face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Survey Techs often encounter challenges such as varying weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the need to ensure precise measurements despite environmental obstacles. Effective communication with team members and the use of advanced surveying equipment help mitigate these issues. Additionally, strong problem-solving skills and adaptability are crucial for overcoming unexpected site conditions and ensuring data accuracy. Regular training and following safety protocols also contribute to a smoother fieldwork experience.

How do you become a survey technician?

To become a survey technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue post-secondary education or training in surveying, civil engineering, or related fields. Gaining experience with surveying tools and software, such as total stations and GPS equipment, is important, and obtaining certifications like the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam can enhance job prospects.

Is surveying a high demand job?

Surveying is generally considered a stable profession with steady demand, especially in construction, land development, and infrastructure projects. The need for skilled survey technicians and licensed surveyors often increases with ongoing development and infrastructure improvements, and the job typically requires technical skills and certification.

What is a survey tech?

Survey Techs, or Survey Technicians, assist land surveyors in measuring and mapping land features for construction, engineering, and land development projects. They operate surveying equipment, collect data, and help create maps and reports used for property boundaries and site planning. Survey Techs often work outdoors and may be responsible for setting up instruments, recording measurements, and processing survey data using specialized software.

What is the difference between Survey Tech vs GIS Technician?

AspectSurvey TechGIS Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, survey certificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's in GIS or Geography
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor surveying sitesOffice-based, GIS software analysis
Industry UsageConstruction, engineering, land developmentUrban planning, mapping, environmental analysis

Survey Techs primarily perform field surveying tasks, collecting data on-site, while GIS Technicians focus on analyzing spatial data using GIS software in an office setting. Both roles support land development projects but differ in work environment and skill sets.

What are popular job titles related to Survey Tech jobs in California? For Survey Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Survey Tech jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Survey Tech jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Survey Tech jobs? Cities in California with the most Survey Tech job openings:
Infographic showing various Survey Tech job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,612 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

$150K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Overview
Barnard Construction Company, Inc., based in Bozeman, Montana, is a heavy-civil construction company with projects underway across North America. Barnard is ranked by Engineering News-Record, a leading construction industry periodical, as one of the nation's Top 400 civil contractors. We specialize in dam construction and rehabilitation, power transmission and distribution, tunneling, inland marine, oil, gas, utility, and sewer and water pipeline projects. We offer competitive salaries, profit sharing, 401(k)s, a generous health plan, annual bonuses, and challenging career opportunities with a financially solid company. Barnard's people are the reason for the success of the company. Our reputation attracts the highest quality personnel, people who are committed to producing projects that set a standard for excellence. At Barnard, we build the riskiest, most difficult, complex jobs we can find and we hire people who thrive on tough work and demanding opportunities.
Qualifications
  • 10 years of CAD experience, 5 years of which is in Autodesk Civil 3D
  • 5 years of heavy civil construction survey experience.
  • Experience in Earthwork Modeling, familiarity with Alignments and Profile Design; and knowledge of Mapping/Coordinate Systems.
  • Experience with quantity Surveys, As built drawings and Layout.
  • Strong attention to detail and quality.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Survey Data Management skills and experience, download off instruments, store, file and process into required formats to analysis and use for tracking work completed.
  • Pro-active problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work with latest in Survey technology including Trimble access, Trimble SCS900, TBC (Trimble business Center), AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Microsoft Excel.
  • Ability to organize and interpret survey data for construction project as built recording.
  • Ability to use survey data to produce records of quantities of work achieved.
  • Ability to review and interpret drawings and specifications

Responsibilities
  • Manage and oversee a team of surveyors and drafters to ensure accuracy and compliance with contract documents.
  • Provide oversite and management of all survey activities.
  • Perform quality control on quantity and as-built surveys.
  • Coordinate survey activities as needed to support construction.
  • Produce drawings and models to support construction activities
  • Prepare survey and machine control files for construction.
  • Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and as-built records.
  • Maintain a functional and current knowledge of production operations schedules and procedures and make directive decisions as they pertain to the survey responsibilities and personnel in their charge
  • Draft and produce survey documents using AutoCAD and Civil 3D

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled, E-Verify Employer