SUMMARY:

SMA is currently recruiting for a full-time Surveyor-in-training I/III (LSIT) for the Geomatics Tech Sector in the Albuquerque, NM office. This position is an intermediate-level surveying position. This position will expose the candidate to multiple facets of surveying, working with our Professional Land Surveyors, CAD drafters, and Field Crew Chiefs to understand both field and office practices. The environment is somewhat fast paced requiring the candidate to be a quick learner. Any project management experience is a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must be proficient with the set-up and operation of instrumentation required for the collection or layout of survey data in the field (includes Trimble RTK/GPS, total stations, controllers/data collectors, and automatic levels). Advanced knowledge of the calibration of survey equipment is required regularly.
• Has advanced knowledge in the operation of controllers or data collectors, including control initialization, GPS OPUS techniques, layout techniques (centerline and offset staking, curve staking intersections, radial stake out and basic error analysis).
• Transmits survey data to the proper files in the computer network, and is able to acquire the data for field use.
• Able to send data to the office from remote locations using by laptop and a modem daily.
• Must be proficient at reading plans and calculating centerlines, stationing, horizontal and vertical curve data, utility locations, curb & gutter, and curb returns.
• Perform construction staking activities, including slope stake, utility offsets, streets, and commercial lots.
• Able to prepare neat written field notes, daily records and maintain cut sheets for staking projects.
• Knowledge of survey safety and standard practices.
• Review and prepare proposals under the review of a licensed surveyor.
• Coordinate field work and office work on projects. Must be willing to travel.
• Coordinate billing, change orders, and monitor budgets with the support of a licensed surveyor.
• Review plats, deeds, construction staking notes, etc., with very limited oversight.
• Coordinate schedules for both office and field staff to help ensure timelines are met.
• Understand Civil 3D enough to identify mistakes, must have a good understanding of what final boundary surveys and exhibits should look like, and what a design surface model should look like.
• Must have a strong understanding of interpreting plans, understand how to analyze cross sections, profiles, and details, and be able to QA/QC layout points.
• Boundary-related experience- Read and interpret legal descriptions and plats.
• Research legal documents, monument records, and control data from multiple county websites.
• Break down a section from the found evidence and calculate the aliquot corner location using principles outlined in the BLM Survey Manual.

SALARY GRADE: $60,000 - $73,000 (Salary)

TRAVEL: up to 25%.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A bachelor’s degree in Land Surveying/Geomatics or a related field is required.
• Must have passed the LSIT exam and/or can obtain LSIT certification within 6 months of hire.
• NSPS CST Certification and FAA Part 107 license are preferred but not required.
• Minimum of three years of surveying experience required or the equivalent thereof.
• Proficient in Auto CAD Civil 3D and Trimble Business Center.
• Able to pass the drug/alcohol test and must have a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able and willing to frequently lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Why SMA?
Since 1985, Souder, Miller & Associates has been a leader in providing engineering, survey, and environmental solutions across New Mexico. As the third-largest engineering firm in the state, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges, from designing public infrastructure to environmental remediation. Our employee-driven culture fosters a sense of ownership and community where everyone’s contribution is recognized and valued.

At SMA, you’re not just a team member – you’re an integral part of our journey to success, a mentor to the next generation of engineers, and a leader who shapes the future of the communities we serve.