GPS & Construction Technology Specialist

Central Specialties • Alexandria, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The GPS & Construction Technology Specialist is responsible for managing, maintaining, and supporting all GPS machine control, survey, and positioning technology used throughout the company's heavy highway construction operations. This position works closely with project managers, superintendents, foremen, survey crews, estimators, and equipment operators to ensure accurate digital models, machine guidance systems, and field layout that improve productivity, efficiency, and quality. The GPS & Construction Technology Specialist serves as the company's technical expert for machine control systems, digital modeling, and construction positioning technology while supporting emerging technologies, including drone-based mapping and stockpile quantity verification.

Requirements

• Equivalent combination of education and heavy civil construction experience will be considered.
• Three or more years of experience with GPS machine control systems, construction surveying, or heavy highway construction preferred.
• Experience supporting field construction operations.
• Strong understanding of highway construction methods and earthwork operations.
• Proficiency with GPS machine control systems such as Topcon, Trimble, Leica, or Carlson.
• Experience using CAD and modeling software including AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Topcon Office, AGTEK, or similar applications.
• Knowledge of construction staking, coordinate systems, projections, and site localization.
• Ability to read and interpret roadway plans, profiles, cross sections, and specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively train equipment operators and field personnel.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with drone (UAS) operations for construction surveying, mapping, or stockpile quantity verification is preferred but not required.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is preferred or the willingness to obtain certification after hire.
• Familiarity with drone mapping software such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Propeller, or similar photogrammetry platforms is a plus.
• Understanding of aerial imagery, point clouds, orthomosaic maps, and volumetric calculations is beneficial.
• Ability to interpret drone-generated data for material inventory management and construction planning.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, build, and maintain digital terrain models (DTMs), surface models, alignments, and machine control files from construction plans.
• Upload, calibrate, and maintain GPS machine control files for dozers, motor graders, excavators, rollers, and other GPS-equipped construction equipment.
• Verify the accuracy of GPS models and machine control data prior to project startup.
• Support field personnel with project setup, localization, calibration, and site troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with project managers and survey personnel to ensure project control and design information remain accurate and current.
• Perform site visits to verify machine control performance and resolve GPS-related issues.
• Train equipment operators and field personnel on the proper use of GPS machine control systems.
• Maintain base stations, rovers, total stations, radios, and related positioning equipment.
• Manage software updates, firmware updates, equipment inventory, and licensing.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers and vendors regarding technical support, repairs, and warranty issues.
• Review construction plans, specifications, and digital files for constructability and compatibility with GPS systems.
• Assist estimating and project management teams with earthwork modeling, quantity calculations, and project planning.
• Develop and maintain standards for GPS modeling, file naming, version control, and data management.
• Assist with the collection and management of aerial survey data using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) when needed.
• Support material inventory verification by utilizing drone-generated imagery and photogrammetry to calculate stockpile quantities.
• Coordinate drone data collection with project managers and operations personnel to improve quantity tracking and project planning.
• Ensure proper documentation and backup of project files.
• Stay current on emerging GPS, surveying, drone, and machine control technologies applicable to heavy highway construction.
• Travel to jobsites throughout the company's operating area as needed.

Benefits

• Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed