Lidar Technician III (Federal Programs)

SAM, LLC • Atlanta, GA

4d

About The Position

SAM is seeking an experienced Lidar Technician to support and oversee product development for federal team deliverables, primarily serving U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects. This role is responsible for managing production workflows, ensuring deliverables meet federal specifications, and maintaining high standards of quality. Experience in dataset production, GIS, and remote sensing deliverables aligned with USGS and USACE standards is required, along with strong familiarity with USGS Lidar Base Specification (LBS), ASPRS standards, and USACE Engineering and Design Manual (EDM) guidelines.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, capable of independently managing tasks and meeting deadlines, and demonstrates strong communication skills. This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced geospatial technologies while contributing to critical federal programs and mission-driven applications.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in GIS/remote sensing, with a focus on lidar data collection and processing.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Geography, GIS, or a related field.
• Proficient in geospatial software such as ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, Geocue LP360, Blue Marble Geographics Global Mapper, Bentley Microstation, and Terrasolid suite.
• Understanding of collection specifications and current 3DEP Lidar Base Specification (LBS) deliverables.
• Experience with United States Geological Survey (USGS) 3D Elevation Product (3DEP) and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects.
• Strong communication, time and task management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead a team effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Topobathymetric lidar production/processing experience a plus.
• Experience with United States Geological Survey (USGS) 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP), Elevation-Derived Hydrography (EDH), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead product generation and finalization for the full suite of USGS and USACE standard deliverables, including point cloud, rasters, hydro breaklines, metadata, and reporting.
• Assign product development tasks and track team progress, ensuring that deadlines and quality expectations are met.
• Review 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) and 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) deliverables for correctness and accuracy, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Assist in bare earth point cloud editing, hydro feature extraction, and DEM reviews as needed.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, Free Vision + Dental plans for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2023 Top Workplace USA for Second Consecutive Year; 2023 SAM Ranks No. 88 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level