1

Topographic Map Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Knowledge of boundary surveying, control surveys, construction staking, and topographic mapping. * Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. * Effective verbal and written communication ...

This role involves conducting various types of survey research, computations, reviewing computer-aided survey drafting of topographic maps and plats, and preparing written descriptions of land for ...

New

AUTOCAD 2014 Drafting

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$24 - $32.25/hr

Additional Information Drafting/engineering drawing techniques, principles, symbols and abbreviations facilities and topographic maps, construction plan drawings and electrical diagrams; Survey ...

Surveyor II

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Compile topographic information, compute and manipulate digital terrain models for topographic mapping. * Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of final maps, parcel maps, record of survey and ALTA ...

Project Surveyor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$50 - $65/hr

Technical Mapping & AnalysisPrepare technical mapping and final drawings for agency submittals and approvals, including topographic mapping and boundary analysis.Research & CalculationsResearch and ...

Project Surveyor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$50 - $65/hr

Technical Mapping & AnalysisPrepare technical mapping and final drawings for agency submittals and approvals, including topographic mapping and boundary analysis.Research & CalculationsResearch and ...

Project Surveyor

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

$50 - $65/hr

Technical Mapping & Analysis Prepare technical mapping and final drawings for agency submittals and approvals, including topographic mapping and boundary analysis. * Research & Calculations Research ...

Project Surveyor

Riverside, CA · On-site

$50 - $65/hr

Technical Mapping & AnalysisPrepare technical mapping and final drawings for agency submittals and approvals, including topographic mapping and boundary analysis.Research & CalculationsResearch and ...

Showing results 41-60

Topographic Map information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$47

How much do topographic map jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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:

What cities in California are hiring for Topographic Map jobs?

Cities in California with the most Topographic Map job openings:

Infographic showing various Topographic Map job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,871 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Senior Land Surveyor

NV5

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting solutions for the built environment. We specialize in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support infrastructure resilience and building systems performance throughout the entire asset lifecycle.

NV5's 5,000 consulting engineers, inspectors, and analysts play a critical role in shaping our communities through resilient infrastructure that will stand the test of time and efficient smart building systems for optimized facility environments.

With more than 100 offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 assists clients with planning, designing, building, testing, certifying, and operating infrastructure assets that improve the communities where we live and work.

NV5's expert surveyors and geospatial specialists work across diverse environments, including deserts, rivers, mountains, and urban infrastructure. Their high-precision data minimizes errors and enhances project outcomes.

As a national leader in geospatial data, we utilize cutting-edge technologies, including lidar, topobathy, orthoimagery, hyperspectral imaging, and high-definition scanning (HDS). Our advanced drones, aircraft, robotics, and mobile data collection tools ensure accuracy and efficiency.

NV5 provides cost-effective, high-precision land surveying and mapping services for land acquisition, site development, real estate, construction projects, transportation infrastructure, and environmental assessments. Our experienced surveyors collaborate with government agencies, municipalities, commercial developers, healthcare institutions, and engineering firms to deliver tailored solutions that align with project requirements and community impact.

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 to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

We are seeking a Senior Surveyor to provide professional review of work products, manage office and field workload under the direction of the Survey Manager, and support the Survey Manager in maintaining project schedules and budgets.

This role involves conducting various types of survey research, computations, reviewing computer-aided survey drafting of topographic maps and plats, and preparing written descriptions of land for deeds, leases, and other legal documents per local, state, federal, and project requirements. The Senior Surveyor will review projects, perform quality assurance, and report progress through completion on each project assigned.

Responsibilities
  • Provide professional and technical oversight and guidance.
  • Perform project research, logistics, and management; review plats and prepare legal descriptions.
  • Adhere to company policies, safety plans, and project safety plans.
  • Conduct quality control checks on each project, including computations, field book formats, and content.
  • Supervise project field crews and/or serve as field crew chief.
  • Work on control, boundary, subdivision, topographic, and design surveys, ALTA /NSPS standards, aerial mapping surveys, and may also perform hydrographic surveying.
  • Accurately run and adjust survey measuring instruments, including digital levels, GPS equipment, and total stations with electronic data collecting capabilities.
  • Identify and understand basic sources of measurement errors.
  • Perform mathematical calculations and check field data.
  • Perform data reduction, field note reduction, calculations, data checks, and staking.
  • Computations using survey programs and Civil3D.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

To successfully perform this job, an individual must satisfactorily execute each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

  • California Professional Land Surveyor registration certification is a plus.
  • Minimum of 10 years of surveying and mapping experience required.
  • 3+ years of project management experience preferred.
  • Must have experience with the local or other utility industry 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and practical written and oral communication skills.
  • Proficiency in using total stations, GPS receivers, data collectors, and GPS reduction software.
  • Proficiency in Trimble Business Center, StarNet, or similar survey processing software.
  • Experience in Civil3D with demonstrated survey drafting skills required; excellent Civil3D skills a plus.
  • Ability to read and understand survey drawings, plans, and specifications.
  • UAV / UAS operation, data acquisition, and data reduction experience a plus.
  • Knowledge of principles of monumentation, staking, and marking.
  • Experience in hydrographic surveying is a plus.
  • Experience with lidar data processing is a plus.
  • Proficiency with MS Word and Excel.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, provided the candidate can meet the physical demands listed below.

  • Ability to effectively manage stress in the workplace without losing time or undue strain.
  • Frequently required to sit, walk, talk, or listen.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Must be able to sit for extended periods, work at a computer terminal for extended periods, type/key-in data, and answer telephones frequently as needed.
  • Adherence to company policies, safety plans, and project safety plans is required.

The pay range for this position in California is $45.00 to $65.00 per hour. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

#INDHP

#LI-KS1

Employment Type: OTHER

What NV5 employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


NV5 logo

About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US