Hydrographic Project Surveyor - T. Baker Smith

Hydrographic Surveying Technician

T. Baker Smith is in search of an experienced, project-oriented Hydrographic Surveyor to join our team of professionals in Texas. The position requires frequent travel to remote and/or offshore project locations to support hydrographic and/or geophysical fieldwork.

Your Opportunity:

• A chance to work both in the field and the office.
• The primary focus will be the performance of hydrographic, and depth of cover projects both major/minor in size.
• Responsible for operation of satellite survey equipment, conventional survey equipment (Total Stations, EDMS, Transit, etc.), and acoustic survey equipment interfaced to graphic computer system for navigation purposes in the marine environment.
• Performance of minor maintenance of field equipment and survey vessels. Requires travel for technical and field testing aboard survey vessels.
• Drive vehicles to and from office locations and marine docks
• Load and unload equipment and install it on vessels to be used in the surveying procedure.
• Set up, interface, test, and operate surface/sub-surface positioning equipment including DGPS, sonar, and related systems.

Desired Qualifications Skills:

• Preferable, but not required, Bachelor of Science in Surveying or Geomatics degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college/university.
• 2-5 years’ experience in Bathymetric equipment includes multibeam echo sounders, single beam echo sounders, side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, GPS survey instruments, utility locating equipment, and small vessels.
• Experience with HYPACK data collection and processing software, AutoCAD/Mapping as well as Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience with the setup and configuration of computer workstations and networks; working aboard vessels; and working with hand tools necessary to install electronic or mechanical equipment aboard a vessel.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with a client focus and a can-do attitude are required.
• Must be detail oriented, team player, safety conscious, and able to manage multiple work assignments.
• Boating and nautical skills and hold, or ability to obtain, state boating license.
• Ability to travel and work shifts aboard a vessel.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is generally in both a typical office and outside environment and thus, exposed to the noise, dust, smells, and other environmental factors present in such an environment.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, requiring 40+ hours per week. Nights away from home and weekend commitments to the firm, its associates and clients are required.

Travel

Extensive travel by vehicle, air, or other mode of transportation, in the United States and internationally will be required for this position. Nights away from home and weekend commitments to the firm, its associates, and clients are required. Monthly, or more as required, visits to each of the firm’s US based locations (where the respective discipline has a presence) and quarterly to international locations (where the respective discipline has a presence) are required.

Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable – and passion goes a long way. Here at TBS, we are in the business of cultivating people, and you are set up to succeed if you identify strongly with these values / behaviors; Growth oriented, Trustworthy, Responsive, Works hard, smart, & safe, Builds a positive team & family spirit, and are Enthusiastic & energetic.

We also know that diversity of background and thought can enhance problem-solving and encourage more creative thinking, which is why we are dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team.

Our purpose is investing in people to enhance communities and that commitment has endured for over 100 years. We pride ourselves in doing this by recruiting, hiring, and retaining diverse, passionate, and forward-thinking talent. T. Baker Smith is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to providing an inclusive and diverse environment for all associates.

Updated 07.21.2023
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title
Project Surveyor
Accountable To
Senior Project Manager/Lead Professional
Target Ratio
Direct (billable) hours/Total hours worked 90%
Position Purpose
Plans, designs, and directs surveying projects. This is a technical position involved in non‐routine and 
complex assignments. The Project Surveyor is a licensed professional land surveyor (PLS) that creates, 
reviews, and certifies survey documents and legal records. Works with the Project Manager to develop 
project deliverables which are incorporated into the project. The Project Surveyor may begin to handle 
some project management tasks but will primarily work on technical aspects.
Accountability Chart Responsibilities
• Leads technical tasks on projects
• Develops project deliverables
• Collaborates with project team members
• Task quality, schedule, and budget adherence
Essential Functions
Leads technical tasks on projects
• Participates in project planning, including preparation of scope, schedule, and project planning 
items.
• Leads the technical survey effort on projects. 
• Assembles pertinent reference data before field surveys and prepares field packs.
• Directs field data collection.
• Visits project site to monitor progress and other duties per the contract documents. 
• Mentors and may lead younger surveyors and technicians on technical tasks.
Develops project deliverables
• Prepares or modifies maps, land divisions, titles, deeds, monuments, and records.
• Assure documents are in accordance with project and applicable standards.
Collaborates with project team members
• Coordinates with the overall Project Manager and project team, including the client, on tasks.
• Attends project, client and public meetings, day, or night.
Task quality, schedule, and budget adherence 
• Optimizes the scope, budget, and schedule of the project/task, under the direction of the Project 
Manager. 
• Communicates changes in workload, project scope, schedules, and budgets with Project Manager.
• Directs and reviews work of project team to assure quality control and compliance with firm 
standards.
Updated 07.21.2023
Firmwide Functions
• Must be 100% on the same page with the TBS COMPASS.
• Meet or exceed the bar on the TBS People Analyzer.
• Adhere to the TBS Policies and Practices and TBS Safety Best Practices and Guidelines.
• Perform duties, as assigned or as apparent, to add value to projects and exceed client 
expectations.
• Meet or exceed personal target utilization rate
Supervisory Responsibilities
Potential supervision of team members, including land survey interns and/or project technicians. 
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the associate is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use
hands to operate, handle, maneuver, and manipulate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and
arms; use manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard, calculator, and telephone; talk and hear;
climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job
include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; ability to adjust focus.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in geomatics/surveying or a related field (cartography, computer science, civil 
engineering, geography and others) or equivalent experience and a surveying license (PLS) (issued 
by the state). 
• Ability to relate to clients and people at all levels of the organization and must possess excellent 
communication and diplomacy skills. 
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret most complex documents. 
• Ability to operate computer, using technical software which includes computer aided drafting and
other applications, spreadsheets, and other business software.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the associate performs responsibilities equally in both a typical 
office and outdoor environment and is exposed to weather conditions. Associate could be required to ride 
in a boat. The noise level in the office environment is usually moderate. Associate is frequently exposed 
to the noise, dust, smells, and other environmental factors present in such situations. Nights away from 
home are required.
Hours of Work
This is a full-time position, requiring 40+ hours per week. Nights and weekend commitments to the firm, 
its associates and clients are required.