What are the responsibilities and job description for the Survey Instrument Technician position at Kurt Bridge?
Job Title: Survey Instrument Technician
Location: Pittsburgh, PA (Hybrid work option available)
Type: Full-time, Direct Hire
About the Company
Our client is a leading environmental and civil engineering services firm with projects across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and beyond. Their work includes surveying, land development, environmental remediation, and infrastructure design. The company is committed to creating sustainable, practical solutions that protect natural resources while supporting industrial and community growth. Safety, technical excellence, and teamwork are central to their culture.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Survey Instrument Technician to join the civil survey team in Pittsburgh, PA. This role is primarily field-based, with opportunities to support office work and collaborate across service lines. The technician will work on a variety of survey projects, including boundary, subdivision, topographic, pipeline, construction stakeout, and as-built surveys. Regional travel is required, and some national travel may also be necessary. This position reports directly to the Director of Civil Survey.
Responsibilities
Operate survey instruments and support field crews on boundary, topographic, right-of-way, control, pipeline, construction, as-built, and ALTA/ACSM surveys
Perform one-person survey crew duties using GPS or robotic equipment
Assist environmental crews with GPS mapping, documentation, and related tasks
Conduct public record research to support survey work
Perform brush cutting, digging, staking, and other field tasks as needed
Document survey data, notes, and sketches to meet accuracy standards
Maintain, calibrate, and manage assigned survey equipment
Complete required documentation such as field logs, safety notes, and client-specific forms
Support office work such as data reduction, deed plotting, drafting, and survey calculations
Follow all company and client safety standards
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required; SIT, technical school, or college-level coursework in surveying a plus
Minimum 2 years of experience as a Survey Instrument Technician, or an associate's degree in surveying with at least 1 year of experience
Solid technical knowledge of survey practices and mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry)
Proficiency with survey equipment including Total Stations, data collectors, and GPS systems (Trimble preferred)
Familiarity with software such as Survey Pro, Trimble Access, Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, or Trimble Pathfinder Office is a plus
Knowledge of oil and gas-related survey tasks (pipelines, well pads, construction surveys) preferred
Physically capable of performing fieldwork in varied weather and terrain; able to lift up to 75 pounds
Valid driver's license; ability to pass DOT drug/alcohol screenings (including random testing)
Willingness to travel and stay overnight as project needs develop
Strong communication and organizational skills
What's Offered
Competitive compensation with performance-based bonuses
Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits
Paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible
Direct hire placement with long-term career stability
Strong safety culture and opportunities for professional growth
