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Survey Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woolpert

Hydrographic Survey Specialist

Irvine, CA

Survey Vessel Mobilization * GNSS & Optical Horizontal & Vertical Control Surveys * Candidates with small vessel and coastal waterways experience are preferred. Office Tasks will include: * Multibeam ...

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 Survey Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $82K/yr

Survey Vessel Mobilization * GNSS & Optical Horizontal & Vertical Control Surveys * Candidates with small vessel and coastal waterways experience are preferred. Office Tasks will include: * Multibeam ...

Anglin Consulting Group

Marine Surveyor

Petersburg, VA · On-site

... survey, and engineering support for vessel sustainment and maintenance operations. This role is critical to ensuring the safety, reliability, and lifecycle performance of government watercraft. The ...

NV5

Overview The Senior Vessel Operator is a USCG licensed operator who operates and supports NV5's hydrographic survey vessels, ranging in size from 21ft - 75ft. This position requires a high level of ...

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.

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.

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

... vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, which can accommodate up to 42 people when fully loaded. However ... survey operations throughout the Great Lakes. The primary homeport is Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Survey Vessel information

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How much do survey vessel jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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.

How much does a maritime surveyor make?

Maritime surveyors typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior surveyors or those working on complex projects can earn higher salaries, and the job often involves working on ships or in port environments with specialized tools and safety protocols.

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.

How to become a vessel surveyor?

To become a vessel surveyor, typically one needs a background in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as those from classification societies. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions on ships or in marine inspection is also important, along with strong knowledge of safety standards and inspection procedures.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Survey vessel jobs typically do not pay $10,000 a month without specialized skills or experience. High-paying roles in industries like sales, real estate, or skilled trades may reach that level without a degree, but maritime survey work usually requires technical training and certifications. Most jobs paying this salary level without a degree involve sales, entrepreneurship, or highly skilled trades rather than maritime roles.

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.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Survey vessel operators or specialized maritime professionals working on high-value projects can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and in-demand skills such as sonar or underwater inspection. These roles often involve offshore work, long hours, and technical expertise in marine environments.
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Survey Vessel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Survey Vessel job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.
Hydrographic Survey Specialist

Hydrographic Survey Specialist

Woolpert

Irvine, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Woolpert Inc. rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Position Overview

Woolpert is hiring a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our dynamic Hydrographic Survey Team in Southern California. This position reports to the Hydrographic Survey Team Leader and is responsible for surveys for private and public agencies throughout the United States with offices in California, Washington, Alaska and Texas.

Candidates should expect approximately 100 days of travel throughout each year.

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 & Optical Horizontal & Vertical Control Surveys
  • Candidates with small vessel and coastal waterways experience are preferred. 

Office Tasks will include: 

  • Multibeam and Singlebeam Data Processing
  • GNSS Static Control Network Processing and Adjustment
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Mobile & Static Terrestrial LiDAR Survey Processing (same 3d laser scan) 

What You Will Bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in surveying, Geomatics, environmental science, ocean engineering, geology, geography, spatial science, marine science or comparable field.
  • Self-motivated, quick learning, curious, resourceful, flexible individual with a common-sense approach to conducting business and workload management.
  • Interest and desire to work in a marine focused organization 

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:  

  • LSIT
  • Experience using Global Mapper
  • Experience using marine software (QINSy, CARIS,EIVA Beamworks)
  • Experience gathering GPS data with Trimble GPS hardware and software and data processing
  • Experience with AutoCAD or other CAD software, MS-Visio, and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, InDesign).
  • Experience with LiDAR processing
  • Experience with 3D visualization 

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'll work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

  • Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
  • Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
  • Flexible paid time off/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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