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Topographic Map Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Survey Instrument Person

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$37K - $58K/yr

... topographic map, drone image capturing software, hydrographic surveys, highway surveys, transportation surveys, surveying equipment Top Skills Details topographic surveys,boundary surveys,total ...

Principal Responsibilities โ€ข Perform complex survey work for construction stakeout and boundary, topographic, and as built surveys โ€ข Research historic maps, land records, previous surveys, and ...

Earth Science Tutor

Washington, DC ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through analyzing topographic maps, predicting weather from pressure systems, interpreting seismic data, and understanding watershed dynamics. Emphasizes observational skills and ...

Earth Science Tutor

Laurel, MD ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through analyzing topographic maps, predicting weather from pressure systems, interpreting seismic data, and understanding watershed dynamics. Emphasizes observational skills and ...

Earth Science Tutor

Leesburg, VA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through analyzing topographic maps, predicting weather from pressure systems, interpreting seismic data, and understanding watershed dynamics. Emphasizes observational skills and ...

Earth Science Tutor

Fairfax, VA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through analyzing topographic maps, predicting weather from pressure systems, interpreting seismic data, and understanding watershed dynamics. Emphasizes observational skills and ...

Earth Science Tutor

Bowie, MD ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through analyzing topographic maps, predicting weather from pressure systems, interpreting seismic data, and understanding watershed dynamics. Emphasizes observational skills and ...

Earth Science Tutor

Alexandria, VA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through analyzing topographic maps, predicting weather from pressure systems, interpreting seismic data, and understanding watershed dynamics. Emphasizes observational skills and ...

Earth Science Tutor

Rockville, MD ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through analyzing topographic maps, predicting weather from pressure systems, interpreting seismic data, and understanding watershed dynamics. Emphasizes observational skills and ...

Earth Science Tutor

College Park, MD ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through analyzing topographic maps, predicting weather from pressure systems, interpreting seismic data, and understanding watershed dynamics. Emphasizes observational skills and ...

SUE Field Technician III

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Ability to read and understand directional maps, topographic maps and various types of utility prints * Ability to use and interpret various pieces of electromagnetic utility locating equipment

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Topographic Map information

See Washington salary details

$13

$28

$54

How much do topographic map jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for topographic map in Washington is $28.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $33.75 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Topographic Map job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,529 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Survey Instrument Person

Actalent

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

$37K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

The Survey Instrument Person will carry out a range of surveying assignments and assist the Survey Party Chief as directed to conduct land surveys of roads, bridges, and buildings sites. They will establish and re-establish lines for construction stakeout surveys and easement and property lines; recovers property corners and sets traverse control points for boundary surveys; sets and marks stakes for construction stakeout projects.•Setting-up and operating survey equipment, including data collector, level, and GPS as well as performing all aspects of stakeout and location surveys using applicable survey equipment.•Field duties include loading, maintaining, and operating the following equipment: Total Station, Data collector, Level, Magnetic Locator, Hand Held Radios•Responsible for downloading data collector files each afternoon and complete report in the downloaded job files book. •Maintains field supply inventory (stake, pin, nail, and flagging, etc.)•Other field duties may include, but are not limited to; Chaining, Hub driving, Setting up prisms, Giving sights, Carrying tools and supplies, Opening manholes and other inlet structures, Digging, Cutting brush

Skills

topographic surveys, boundary surveys, total station, land surveying, alta surveys, construction survey, topcon, leica, trimble gps, topographic map, drone image capturing software, hydrographic surveys, highway surveys, transportation surveys, surveying equipment

Top Skills Details

topographic surveys,boundary surveys,total station,land surveying

Additional Skills & Qualifications

-Comfortable conducting land surveys of roads, bridges, and building sites (will be working outside in all elements - not just doing sidewalks)-Basic math competency, has knowledge or ability to learn surveying practices-Reliable and comfortable with accurately recording survey results-Ability to pass drug & background check

Experience Level

Entry Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Chantilly, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $37440.00 - $58250.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

-Free Vision, dental, and life insurance-80% of health care insurance covered-$900 contribution to HSA-4% 401k match-Yearly boot allowance through Redwing Account (provided for each member to cover cost of steel-toed boots)-Mileage reimbursement

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chantilly,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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