Survey Entry Level Field Technician

AKS Engineering & Forestry
Full_timeKirkland, United States

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Survey Entry Level Field Technician
  • Company: AKS Engineering & Forestry
  • Location: Kirkland, Washington, United States
  • Job Type: On-site, Full-Time
  • Category: Field Technician, Surveying
  • Date Posted: June 27, 2025
  • Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
  • Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Join AKS Engineering & Forestry, a locally owned firm dedicated to building better communities through engineering solutions across the Pacific Northwest.
  • As a Survey Entry Level Field Technician, you'll work alongside project surveyors, field crews, project engineers, and project managers on various public and private sector projects.
  • This role offers a great starting point for someone eager to learn on the job, gain hands-on experience, and grow their career with a well-respected, collaborative, and dynamic team of professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for individuals interested in starting a career in land surveying, with a focus on learning and growth in a supportive team environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Perform physically demanding work, including packing heavy survey equipment, pounding hubs, and clearing brush.
  • Receive hands-on training in the use of survey instruments, automated data collection tools, GPS equipment, calculators, and other specialized gear.
  • Operate Trimble Robotic Total Stations, GN22 Receivers, and TSC5 Data Collectors.
  • Support data collection efforts using unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
  • Follow all safety protocols, including AKS standards as well as state, federal, and site-specific regulations.
  • Work in adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain.
  • Occasionally travel out of town/overnight when needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and the ability to work well in a collaborative environment. Previous land surveying experience is not required, as the role offers on-the-job training.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required. A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, forest engineering, geomatics, or a related field is a plus.

Experience: No previous land surveying experience is required. Backgrounds in forestry, wildland firefighting, or agricultural work are also valued.

Required Skills:

  • Strong focus on safety and adherence to safety protocols
  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks
  • Motivated and eager to learn
  • Team-oriented with strong collaboration skills
  • Ability to pass a urinalysis drug screening
  • Valid OR or WA driver's license and a clean driving record

Preferred Skills:

  • Strong foundation in mathematics, with the ability to apply it in practical, real-world settings
  • Previous experience with survey instruments, GPS equipment, or related tools
  • Familiarity with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operation

📝 Enhancement Note: While previous experience is not required, candidates with a strong foundation in mathematics and relevant experience in related fields will have an advantage in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • As this is an entry-level role, a portfolio is not required. However, any relevant experience or projects demonstrating your skills in surveying, mathematics, or related fields can be highlighted in your application.

Technical Documentation:

  • Not applicable for this role, as it focuses on field work and on-the-job training.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,000 per year (based on regional market research for entry-level field technician roles in the Pacific Northwest)

Benefits:

  • Health coverage that supports your total well-being
  • 401(k) match
  • Paid holidays
  • Generous PTO
  • Weekly team lunches
  • Culture that connects and invests in experiences that build strong teams and communities
  • A place people love to work, with a Top Workplaces award-winning culture

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with overtime as needed to meet project deadlines. This role requires early morning starts, typically at 6:00 a.m.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on regional market research for entry-level field technician roles in the Pacific Northwest. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and other factors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Forestry

Company Size: Locally owned firm with 30 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest

Founded: Not specified

Team Structure:

  • Collaborative and dynamic team of professionals, including project surveyors, field crews, project engineers, and project managers
  • Strong focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration

Development Methodology:

  • Not specified, as this role focuses on field work and on-the-job training

Company Website: AKS Engineering & Forestry

📝 Enhancement Note: AKS Engineering & Forestry is a well-respected, locally owned firm with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality engineering solutions across the Pacific Northwest. The company values teamwork, collaboration, and growth, making it an ideal place for entry-level professionals to start their careers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Not applicable, as this role is focused on field work and surveying, not web technology.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to Project Surveyors, field crews, Project Engineers, and Project Managers, depending on the specific project assignment.

Technical Impact: As a Survey Entry Level Field Technician, you will directly contribute to the successful completion of surveying tasks on various projects, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.

Growth Opportunities:

  • On-the-job training and mentorship from experienced team members
  • Opportunities to advance within the company as you gain experience and develop your skills
  • Clear paths for professional development, allowing you to grow with purpose

📝 Enhancement Note: This entry-level role offers a strong foundation for a career in land surveying, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Not specified, as this role focuses on field work and on-site surveying tasks.

Office Location(s): Kirkland, Washington, with occasional travel out of town/overnight when needed.

Workspace Context:

  • Field work environment, with a focus on outdoor, on-site surveying tasks
  • Collaborative team environment, working alongside project surveyors, field crews, project engineers, and project managers
  • Opportunities to work in various locations and on diverse projects across the Pacific Northwest

Work Schedule: Early morning starts, typically at 6:00 a.m., with overtime as needed to meet project deadlines. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to work outdoors and on-site, with the chance to explore diverse locations and projects across the Pacific Northwest.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Online application review and initial screening
  2. Phone or video call to discuss the role and answer any questions
  3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  4. Final decision and offer

Portfolio Review Tips: Not applicable, as this role focuses on field work and on-the-job training.

Technical Challenge Preparation: Not applicable, as this role focuses on field work and on-the-job training.

ATS Keywords: Not applicable, as this role is focused on field work and surveying, not web technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing your fit for the position, your willingness to learn, and your ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a collaborative team environment.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable, as this role is focused on field work and surveying, not web technology.

Backend & Server Technologies: Not applicable, as this role is focused on field work and surveying, not web technology.

Development & DevOps Tools: Not applicable, as this role is focused on field work and surveying, not web technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not focused on web technology, it does require proficiency in the use of survey instruments, automated data collection tools, GPS equipment, and other specialized gear.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values: Not applicable, as this role is focused on field work and surveying, not web technology.

Collaboration Style:

  • Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration with project surveyors, field crews, project engineers, and project managers
  • Open and supportive learning environment, with opportunities for on-the-job training and mentorship

📝 Enhancement Note: The collaborative and supportive team culture at AKS Engineering & Forestry makes it an ideal place for entry-level professionals to start their careers in land surveying.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Performing physically demanding tasks in adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain
  • Working with heavy survey equipment and specialized gear
  • Adapting to new environments and project requirements as needed

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • On-the-job training and mentorship from experienced team members
  • Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of land surveying and project management
  • Clear paths for professional development, allowing you to grow with purpose

📝 Enhancement Note: This entry-level role offers a unique opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive team environment, with the chance to gain experience in various aspects of land surveying and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions: Not applicable, as this role is focused on field work and surveying, not web technology.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Why are you interested in this role and land surveying as a career?
  • How do you handle physically demanding tasks and working in adverse weather conditions?
  • Can you describe a time when you worked well in a collaborative team environment?
  • How do you approach learning new tools and technologies?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: Not applicable, as this role focuses on field work and on-the-job training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing your fit for the position, your willingness to learn, and your ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a collaborative team environment. Be prepared to discuss your relevant experience and any questions you have about the role or the company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Survey Entry Level Field Technician position:

  1. Submit your application through the application link.
  2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and interest in land surveying.
  3. Prepare for the interview process by researching the company and considering your responses to common interview questions, as outlined above.
  4. If selected, complete any required background checks and onboarding processes.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required, along with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Candidates should be motivated, eager to learn, and able to work in adverse conditions.