Field Technician, Geospatial

Cobb, Fendley & Associates•Austin, TX

27d

About The Position

CobbFendley is seeking an experienced Geospatial Field Technician to support field operations and project completion from its Austin, San Antonio, and San Marcos offices. The position performs assigned field tasks under supervision, develops foundational technical skills, follows established procedures, and safely operates equipment. Duties may include local and out-of-state travel, overnight stays, operation and routine maintenance of vehicles (including large vehicles with trailers), and cross-training in telecommunications, surveying, or SUE field services. The technician assists a Geospatial Party Chief with survey data collection and construction staking, including placing iron rods, wood lathes, and hubs. Under a Party Chief’s supervision, the technician also performs boundary and topographical surveying tasks, positions prism poles, sets up backsights, clears brush, digs holes, inventories supplies, and opens manholes and works around utilities, hand holes, hole boxes, and vaults in accordance with safety procedures. The role requires compliance with safety and quality procedures, hazard awareness, proper PPE use, and developing familiarity with applicable codes and traffic control plans. Work is divided between outdoor settings (approximately 80%) and indoor office or warehouse spaces (approximately 20%). The job involves working in construction sites and traffic work zones, uneven terrain, confined spaces, and extreme weather, as well as using PPE and pneumatic, hand, and power tools. The position is full-time, generally 40 hours per week, with hours that may fluctuate based on department needs and may include overtime. Standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST, though field schedules may vary with project workload.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
No experience is required; the role is described as emerging-level, with basic understanding and minimal practical experience requiring guidance and supervision.
Knowledge of field operations, methods, procedures, safety requirements, and environmental considerations associated with civil infrastructure work in outdoor settings.
Skills using industry-standard tools, equipment, and computer software to perform field tasks, document work, and communicate effectively.
Ability to safely operate required equipment and travel locally, regionally, and interstate, with occasional overnight stays.
Ability to perform work in varying weather, terrain, and environmental conditions.
Ability to remain alert and responsive while working in lane closure zones adjacent to high-traffic and dynamic areas.
Ability to lift, carry, and balance equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to walk long distances (3+ miles) and climb on uneven surfaces.
Ability to perform physical activities including reaching, bending, stooping, carrying, lifting, pushing, pulling, and handling.
Ability to work in outdoor settings, construction sites, traffic work zones, uneven terrain, confined spaces, and extreme weather conditions.
Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and pneumatic, hand, and power tools.
May involve driving large pickup trucks with attached trailers and potentially operating watercraft.

Responsibilities

Perform assigned field tasks under supervision and follow established procedures.
Develop foundational technical and field skills and safely operate required equipment.
Travel locally and out of state, including overnight stays.
Operate vehicles as needed, potentially including large vehicles with attached trailers, and perform routine maintenance to support safe and efficient use.
Cross-train to perform other field services, such as telecommunications, survey, and SUE.
Learn and comply with safety procedures, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Emergency Action Plans (EAP), Project Safety Plans (PSP), and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) procedures.
Observe and follow QA/QC processes under supervision.
Identify and evaluate potential workplace hazards and select and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) properly.
Develop a general understanding of Traffic Control Plans (TCP) and applicable federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and standards.
Assist the Geospatial Party Chief with survey data collection and construction staking based on job-site elevations.
Perform construction staking tasks, including hammering iron rods, wood lathes, and hubs.
Perform boundary and topographical surveying duties under a Party Chief’s supervision, including clearing brush and digging holes.
Position prism poles over desired points and set up backsights.
Inventory supplies daily and restock as needed for projects.
Open manholes in accordance with safety procedures and work around utilities, hand holes, hole boxes, and vaults.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package
401(k) matching and profit-sharing contributions
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Health insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Employer-funded and voluntary life insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Continuing education programs
Paid parental leave for FMLA-eligible employees: eight weeks for maternity cases and two weeks for paternity or adoption cases
Extended office closure from December 25 through January 1