Survey Specialist

Johnson Outdoors•Little Falls, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Survey Specialist creates high-definition lake surveys by performing on-water data collection, which is used to create digital lake maps. This role communicates and coordinates tasks between independent contractors and the geographic information technology team to ensure raw lake data is converted into digital maps. The position involves analyzing lake areas for efficient data collection, researching and adapting data collection techniques for efficiency and accuracy, and assisting with the organization, planning, and execution of data collection efforts in a multi-state area. The Survey Specialist will also assist in organizing logistics for data collection crews, oversee the survey crew, and maintain watercraft to ensure compliance with regulations and safety requirements. Additionally, this role maintains usage logs for vehicles, boats, and hardware, regularly inspects equipment, and assists data collection efforts for independent contractors, providing training as needed. This includes assisting with hardware installation and inspection on contractor boats, reviewing and processing collected data for accuracy and coverage, and assisting with proprietary data collection techniques. The Survey Specialist will review collected data with management and the GIS team, and assist in researching and obtaining information sources for lake area features. The role also involves developing workflows and researching new data collection systems and ideas. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in geomatics, geographic information systems, geology or equivalent.
Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in geographic information systems, geospatial discipline and/or hydrographic data collection.
Advanced knowledge of hydrographic data collection systems and methods.
Demonstrated organizational skills to assist in coordinating crew activities and communications between the crew and GIS staff.
Nautical experience and ability to safely operate watercraft while engaged in survey activities.
Understanding of United States and state rules for watercraft operation and safety equipment.
Mechanically adept (specifically low voltage wiring).
Willingness and ability to travel for extended periods and able to travel internationally.
Able to lift and work with items that weight up to 50 lbs.
Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications and GIS software, hardware and data inputs.

Responsibilities

Creates high definition lake surveys by collecting data used to create digital lake maps in conjunction with data collection crew.
Analyzes lake areas to allow efficient use of data collection resources.
Researches, analyzes, reviews and adapts data collection techniques to increase data collection efficiency and accuracy.
Assists with organizing, planning and executing data collection efforts in a multistate area.
Assists in organizing logistics for data collection crews.
Assists in overseeing the survey crew and maintains the watercraft ensuring compliance with state or provincial watercraft regulations and safety requirements.
Maintains usage logs for vehicles, boats and hardware, regularly inspect all equipment for maintenance issues and maintains survey equipment.
Assists data collection efforts for independent contractors and provides overall training as needed.
Assists with the installation and inspection of hardware on contractor boats when needed.
Reviews and processes collected data for accuracy and coverage.
Assists in proprietary data collection techniques.
Reviews collected data with management as well as the GIS team for accuracy and coverage.
Assists in researching and obtaining information sources for lake area feature information including popular or common names for lake geographic features, accesses, points of interest and navigation aids.
Develops workflow and researches new data collection systems and ideas.
Performs other duties as assigned.