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Topographic Map Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Party Chief

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$55/hr

... topographic mapping) with either a hand-held calculator or micro-computer software. $ Knows how to interpret control point records and data sheets, as well as locate points in the field ...

Party Chief

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$55/hr

... topographic mapping) with either a hand-held calculator or micro-computer software. $ Knows how to interpret control point records and data sheets, as well as locate points in the field ...

Professional Land Surveyor

San Clemente, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Advanced Mapping & Analysis: Architect and review complex surveying deliverables, including ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, boundary retracements, and topographic mapping. * Regulatory Authority:

Professional Land Surveyor

San Clemente, CA ยท Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Advanced Mapping & Analysis: Architect and review complex surveying deliverables, including ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, boundary retracements, and topographic mapping. * Regulatory Authority:

Professional Land Surveyor

San Clemente, CA ยท Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Advanced Mapping & Analysis: Architect and review complex surveying deliverables, including ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, boundary retracements, and topographic mapping. * Regulatory Authority:

Project Surveyor

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$135K - $156K/yr

Key responsibilities include preparing field workplans, subdivision maps, and legal descriptions, as well as interpreting field data and creating topographic maps. The ideal candidate will have ...

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Senior Project Surveyor

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

Lead and coordinate land surveying activities for large-scale civil engineering projects, including ALTA surveys, construction staking, and topographic mapping. * Serve as the project technical ...

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Senior Project Surveyor

Rancho Cucamonga, CA ยท On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

Lead and coordinate land surveying activities for large-scale civil engineering projects, including ALTA surveys, construction staking, and topographic mapping. * Serve as the project technical ...

Surveyor III - LSIT

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$102K - $161K/yr

Key responsibilities include preparing field workplans, subdivision maps, and legal descriptions, as well as interpreting field data and creating topographic maps. The ideal candidate will have ...

PLS Land Surveyor

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Lead and coordinate land surveying activities for large-scale civil engineering projects, including ALTA surveys, construction staking, and topographic mapping. * Serve as the project technical ...

With decades of expertise in design & topographic survey mapping, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, subsurface utility investigation, and aerial mapping, NV5 integrates the latest geospatial technology ...

With decades of expertise in design & topographic survey mapping, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, subsurface utility investigation, and aerial mapping, NV5 integrates the latest geospatial technology ...

Land Surveyor III

Fresno, CA ยท On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Topographic design mapping experience * Ability to read and interpret deeds * Knowledge of boundary survey principles Compensation & Benefits * Hourly Range: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour (commensurate ...

With decades of expertise in design & topographic survey mapping, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, subsurface utility investigation, and aerial mapping, NV5 integrates the latest geospatial technology ...

With decades of expertise in design & topographic survey mapping, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, subsurface utility investigation, and aerial mapping, NV5 integrates the latest geospatial technology ...

Showing results 21-40

Topographic Map information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$47

How much do topographic map jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for topographic map in California is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a topographic map?

A topographic map is a detailed, accurate representation of the Earth's surface, showing natural and man-made features. These maps use contour lines to depict elevation changes and the shape of the terrain, making it easy to see hills, valleys, and slopes. Topographic maps also include features such as rivers, forests, roads, and buildings, making them useful for activities like hiking, planning, and engineering. They are essential tools for geographers, surveyors, and outdoor enthusiasts to understand landscape and elevation.

What is a topographic map technician?

A Topographic Map job involves creating, analyzing, and interpreting detailed maps that represent the Earth's surface, including elevation, terrain features, and natural or man-made landmarks. Professionals in this field use geographic information systems (GIS) and surveying techniques to collect and process spatial data. These maps are essential for fields like engineering, urban planning, environmental management, and outdoor navigation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a topographic map technician?

To thrive as a Topographic Mapper, you need expertise in cartography, geospatial analysis, and a background in geography or a related field. Familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS technology, and mapping software like ArcGIS is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure accuracy and quality in map production. These skills are vital for creating precise topographic maps that support land use planning, engineering, and environmental management.

What are some common challenges faced when working as a topographic map technician, and how can they be addressed?

Topographic map technicians often encounter challenges such as ensuring data accuracy in diverse terrains, managing large volumes of geospatial information, and adapting to rapidly changing technology. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with the latest mapping software, maintaining meticulous data validation processes, and collaborating closely with field surveyors and GIS specialists. Effective communication within a multidisciplinary team is crucial for resolving discrepancies and delivering precise, up-to-date topographic maps for clients and stakeholders.

What is the difference between Topographic Map vs Cartographer?

AspectTopographic MapCartographer
Primary FocusCreating detailed maps showing terrain features, elevations, and landformsDesigning, producing, and updating various types of maps, including topographic maps
Required SkillsGeographic knowledge, map reading, GIS skillsGIS proficiency, cartographic design, spatial analysis
Work EnvironmentField surveys, GIS labs, mapping officesOffice-based, GIS centers, fieldwork for data collection
Industry UsageUsed by surveyors, engineers, environmental agenciesEmployed by mapping companies, government agencies, urban planners

While a topographic map is a detailed representation of terrain features, a cartographer is a professional who creates and updates these maps. Cartographers use skills like GIS and cartographic design to produce accurate maps, including topographic maps, for various industries and purposes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Topographic Map jobs in California?

The most popular types of Topographic Map jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Topographic Map jobs in California?

For Topographic Map jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Topographic Map jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Topographic Map jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Topographic Map job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,871 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Party Chief

Roseville, CA โ€ข On-site

Essel
Recruiting and Staffing Servicesย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION - PARTY CHIEF
$ Operates survey instruments required to perform surveys as directed by the Field Survey Manager.
$ Knowledgeable of, and abides by safety requirements.
$ Knowledgeable of traffic control and safety procedures for a variety of surveying and construction operations.
$ Knowledgeable of the care, cleaning and use of a variety of surveying tools and equipment. $ Knowledge of the operation, checking and basic field adjustments on transits, total stations, total electronic station, data collectors, levels, compass, tribrachs, and tripods. $ Knowledgeable of trigonometry, geometry, algebra, coordinate geometry, and basic surveying computations.
$ A familiarity with hand-held calculators is important
$ Demonstrates lot, area, and intersection (bearing-bearing, distance-distance, bearing distance) computations.
$ Knowledge of the reduction and checking of the field notes listed below for the determination of positions and elevations.
$ Knowledgeable of the principles of performing surveys: leveling, traversing, triangulation, trilateration, public land surveys, metes and bounds surveys, construction surveys, and photo control surveys.
$ Able to facilitate field work for a variety of standard types of surveys under the direction of the Field Survey Manager.
$ Knows basic sources of measurement errors.
$ Knows principles of staking and marking.
$ Knows how to keep neat and orderly field notes for standard surveying operations: leveling, traversing, topographic mapping, layout, as-built surveys, boundary surveys, profile and cross-section surveys.
$ Able to enter field data and produce positional information (i.e., leveling, traversing, stadia, topographic mapping) with either a hand-held calculator or micro-computer software. $ Knows how to interpret control point records and data sheets, as well as locate points in the field.
$ Knowledgeable of and understands plan reading and preparation (i.e., site plans, boundary plans, highway plans, profile and cross sections, horizontal and vertical curves, pipeline plans, foundation plans, and developing existing and finished contours).
$ A basic knowledge of the terminology and principles of conventional drafting. $ Knowledgeable of surveying ethics and technical standards.
$ Show responsibility in the profession (i.e. attire, honesty, respect for personal property). $ Identifies, recommends, and practices ways to be productive and efficient. $ Provides accurate account of time spent on projects with descriptions for each time entry. $ Adheres to established company policies and assure that he/she follow standard procedures. $ Assure he/she adheres to procedures in the safety manual and uses all personal safety equipment provided.
$ Performs field survey activities in accordance with standards set by state statutes and the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping.
Land Surveying Civil Engineering
1001 Enterprise Way, Suite 100 Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 783-8898 Fax (916) 783-8222
Site Design/ Planning www.burrellcg.com
JOB DESCRIPTION - PARTY CHIEF Continued
$ Plans daily activities considering possible multiple projects to meet productivity goals set by Project Managers.
$ Knows how and enforces neat and orderly field notes for standard surveying operations: leveling, traversing, topographic mapping, layout, as-built surveys, boundary surveys, profile and cross-section surveys.
$ Knows where, when, and number of pictures to take during field operations. $ Performs vehicle and equipment inventory, loading and maintenance. $ Makes timely requests for external equipment, procedural changes, new equipment purchases and vehicle maintenance to the Field Survey Manager.
$ Communicates with the office staff about all aspects of the project.
$ Works without direct day-to-day supervision and makes technical and supervisory decisions for projects assigned within specified limits of authority.
$ Performs daily Data Collector downloading.
$ Prepares daily time sheets, data logs, expense reports and field change orders. $ Provides input to Project Manager (Field Survey Manager) and Group Leader for the formal performance evaluation.
$ Participates in Survey Department training.
$ Identifies, recommends, and practices ways to be productive and efficient. $ Performs other duties as assigned.
Salary Range: $30 per hour to $55 per hour*
*Salary Range is based upon level of education, years of experience, proficiency, and depth of knowledge in the industry.
Requirements
Trimble, GPS R-12, Robotic S-7 and a Data Collector TSC3.
3 years of relevant field experience
We are looking for someone who is a hard worker, driven and can acclimate in all types of weather.
Our Party Chiefs mainly work independently, and on occasion will team with up with the other crews to complete the job(s).
Benefits
100% Medical Benefits for yourself and 50% for Dependents
Vision and Dental Insurance Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Education Reimbursement
Paid Gym Membership
401k with 4% Match
Profit Sharing
Work Anniversary Trips
Numerous Company Events valuing Work/Life Balance

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About Essel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and temporary help services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US