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Survey Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

T Baker Smith

Offshore Surveyor

Prairieville, LA · On-site

Gather the survey line database and ensure the survey vessel is navigated along the predetermined survey lines within the required tolerance and accuracy. Desired Qualifications: * Minimum of 2 ...

Woolpert

Hydrographic Specialist

Honolulu, HI

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 ...

McKim & Creed

Hydrographic Technician II

Wilmington, NC

$31K - $40K/yr

Acquire data in various marine environments using modern techniques and survey vessel operation using multibeam, singlebeam, sidescan, magnetometer, and sub-bottom. * Plan and budget survey projects.

McKim & Creed

Hydrographic Technician II

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$31K - $40K/yr

Acquire data in various marine environments using modern techniques and survey vessel operation using multibeam, singlebeam, sidescan, magnetometer, and sub-bottom. * Plan and budget survey projects.

Saltwater Inc

Plankton Survey Support

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Survey participation in large vessel plankton surveys and other resource surveys as needed. Survey participation and duties shall include, but are not limited to, duties associated with the following ...

Goodwin Marine Services

Vessel Cook

Hull, MA · On-site

$350/day

Our vessels support scientific research, offshore construction, marine surveying, environmental projects, and government operations throughout the Northeast and beyond. As our vessel cook, you'll ...

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How much do survey vessel jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey vessel in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical working conditions and daily responsibilities for someone working on a Survey Vessel?

Survey Vessel crew members often work in shifts and spend extended periods at sea, adapting to varying weather and sea conditions. Daily responsibilities include operating and maintaining survey equipment, collecting and processing hydrographic or geophysical data, and preparing detailed reports for clients or regulatory authorities. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as engineers, scientists, and navigators—is common, as is troubleshooting technical issues in real time. While the work can be physically demanding, it offers the opportunity to contribute to important maritime projects and develop specialized skills in marine technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Survey Vessel position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Survey Vessel crew member, you need expertise in marine navigation, hydrographic surveying, and data collection, typically supported by relevant maritime certifications or a technical degree in marine surveying or oceanography. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as multibeam echosounders, GPS systems, and data analysis software is crucial. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for success onboard. These skills are vital to ensure accurate data collection in sometimes challenging marine environments and to maintain safety and efficiency during survey missions.

What is a Survey Vessel job?

A Survey Vessel job involves working on a specialized ship equipped with technology to collect data about the seafloor, water conditions, and underwater structures. These vessels are commonly used for hydrographic surveys, environmental assessments, and offshore construction projects. Crew members may include hydrographers, marine technicians, and navigation specialists who operate sonar equipment, GPS, and other instruments. The data collected helps with mapping, resource exploration, and ensuring safe navigation for other maritime activities.

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Survey Vessel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Survey Vessel job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Hydrographic Survey Specialist- San Rafael, CA

Woolpert

San Rafael, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Woolpert Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 443 rated engineering

Job description

Position Overview 

Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic Survey team out of our San Rafael, CA 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 California, with a strong focus on the San Francisco Bay Area and the broader California coast. 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. 

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 will work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to competitive pay, we offer a robust set of benefits, including: 

  • Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm. 
  • Flexible paid time off and 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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