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Surveying Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Learn surveying standards, practices, and technology through field experience and mentorship. * Perform other duties as assigned to support survey operations. * Assist with construction staking ...

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 ...

Associate of Science degree in Surveying or equivalent preferred, but not required * Land Surveyor in Train (LSIT) or Certified Survey Technician (CST) certification preferred, but not required ...

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 ...

The Surveyor will be responsible for overseeing the survey work, including the collection of data and the preparation of maps, plans, and legal descriptions. They will ensure that the work is ...

The Surveyor will be responsible for overseeing the survey work, including the collection of data and the preparation of maps, plans, and legal descriptions. They will ensure that the work is ...

Strong understanding of surveying systems and techniques * Ability to manage a fair workload by staying focused and managing priorities * Strong knowledge in surveying standards, practices, and ...

Operate Trimble equipment, Robotic Total Stations, and other surveying technologies to gather precise field measurements. * Interpret construction drawings, site plans, and engineering documents to ...

Lead a team of surveyors in the field, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to complete the job * Oversee the survey work, including the collection of data and the preparation ...

Operate Trimble equipment, Robotic Total Stations, and other surveying technologies to gather precise field measurements. * Interpret construction drawings, site plans, and engineering documents to ...

Chief Surveyor

Nevada, IA · On-site

$55 - $76/hr

Must possess a working knowledge in operating surveying equipment, including electronic theodolite total station, levels, data collector, and GPS equipment. * Proficient in PC, MS Office Software and ...

Lead a team of surveyors in the field, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to complete the job * Oversee the survey work, including the collection of data and the preparation ...

UG Chief Surveyor

Nevada, IA · On-site

$95 - $130/hr

Underground Surveying and Data Collection Establish and maintain underground survey control networks, including primary and secondary control points. Perform development surveys, including heading ...

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Showing results 1-20

Surveying information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$29

$45

How much do surveying jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for surveying 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 surveying?

Surveying is the science and technique of determining the positions, distances, and angles between points on the Earth’s surface. Surveyors use specialized equipment such as GPS, total stations, and levels to collect data for mapping, construction, and land ownership purposes. Their work is essential for planning roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, as well as for resolving property boundaries and land disputes.

What is a surveying job?

As a surveyor, you determine the location of legal property lines. Surveyors compile data and legal documents known as surveys for mapping or building real estate projects. You can be hired by homeowners, businesses, or government agencies to work on various types of projects, from assessing property lines for commercial construction or the sale of a private home, to providing data on where to build roads. Surveyors frequently work for engineering firms, but many also find jobs with construction companies or local governments. You may also prepare sketches, take measurements of work sites, and calculate estimates.

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

To thrive as a Surveyor, you need strong mathematical, analytical, and spatial reasoning skills, typically supported by a degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field and relevant licensure. Familiarity with GPS, GIS software, total stations, and CAD systems is essential for accurate data collection and mapping. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication skills set outstanding surveyors apart when working with clients and teams. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring precise land measurements, compliance with regulations, and successful project outcomes.

What are some common challenges surveyors face during fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Surveyors often encounter challenges such as adverse weather conditions, difficult terrain, and equipment malfunctions while working in the field. To address these issues, it's important to plan thoroughly before heading out, ensure all equipment is well-maintained, and be prepared to adapt to changing site conditions. Effective communication with team members and clients is also essential to resolve unexpected problems quickly and maintain project timelines. Many surveyors find that flexibility and problem-solving skills are key to overcoming these common challenges.

What is the difference between Surveying vs Civil Engineering?

AspectSurveyingCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsSurveying license or certification, degree in surveying or geomaticsEngineering degree, PE license in civil engineering
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, fieldwork, construction sites, land developmentOffice, design projects, construction sites, infrastructure planning
Industry UsageLand development, construction, mapping, GISInfrastructure, transportation, water resources, structural projects

Surveying and civil engineering are related fields but differ in focus. Surveying primarily involves land measurement, mapping, and boundary determination, often in outdoor environments. Civil engineering encompasses designing, planning, and managing infrastructure projects, with a broader scope that includes structural and environmental considerations. Both professions require specific credentials and often collaborate on construction projects, but their core responsibilities and work settings differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surveying jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Surveying jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Surveying jobs in Iowa?

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Surveying jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Surveying job openings:

Infographic showing various Surveying job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,679 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Survey Technician

Keeley Construction

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

At Keeley Companies, we believe in empowering our people and fulfilling career aspirations. Keeley is a career destination with countless opportunities for advancement, and a world-class family culture that is centered around creating the best possible environment for our people to thrive.

Keeley Construction is looking to hire a Survey Technician for our growing Geospatial Group in St. Louis, MO. This person would be required to travel to jobsites and when not traveling have the opportunity to work remotely from their home. 

Primary Responsibilities
•    Assist Survey Crew Chiefs and Project Surveyors in performing field survey operations.  
•    Set up, operate, and maintain survey equipment including GPS receivers, total stations, levels, and data collectors.  
•    Collect field measurements and maintain accurate survey notes and records.  
•    Verify measurements and assist in quality checks of collected data.  
•    Maintain survey equipment and report equipment issues to supervisors.  
•    Work collaboratively with field and office personnel to support project delivery.  
•    Learn surveying standards, practices, and technology through field experience and mentorship.
•    Perform other duties as assigned to support survey operations.  
•    Assist with construction staking, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and as-built surveys. 

Minimum Qualifications
•    Bachelor's Degree in Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Geomatics, Geospatial Sciences, or a related field is a plus; Or 3-5 years of applicable experience is a plus. 
•   Internship, co-op, or previous experience in surveying, engineering, GIS, or construction is preferred but not required. 
•    Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D preferred. 
•    Familiarity with survey data collection software and GIS platforms is a plus. 
•  Basic understanding of surveying principles, coordinate systems, and mapping concepts. 
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. 
•    Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills. 
•    Ability to learn new technologies, workflows, and software applications. 

#LI-MR1 #LI-Onsite

All Keeley Brands (Keeley Construction Group, Keeley Properties, Keeley Restoration, Keeley Companies) do not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms, headhunters, or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of a Keeley company without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of any Keeley Company. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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