Staff Civil Engineer - - Natural Gas Utility Infrastructure

Who We Are Founded in 1994, Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions. With more than 50 offices and 1,600 professionals, we deliver the scale, technology, and expertise needed to support projects of any size. SAM streamlines project delivery through a single, coordinated team, offering in-house capabilities across land surveying, aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination (UC), GIS, BIM, and construction engineering inspection (CEI). By combining advanced technology, digital workflows, and decades of experience, we provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients move critical infrastructure projects forward with confidence. At SAM, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the built environment. Your Impact at SAM This position will provide hands‑on experience in the design and rehabilitation of natural gas distribution systems, including pipeline replacements, system extensions, pressure regulation facilities, utility relocations, and infrastructure improvements. The individual will also assist with engineering evaluations, preparation of construction plans and specifications, cost estimates, permitting, regulatory compliance, and construction oversight. The position offers an opportunity to develop technical engineering skills while gaining practical experience in utility infrastructure design, construction, and project management under the direction of licensed Professional Engineers. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Natural Gas Distribution System Engineering and Design Assist with the planning, engineering, and design of natural gas distribution and high-pressure pipeline systems. Prepare engineering drawings, construction plans, details, and specifications for new pipeline installations, replacements, relocations, and system improvements. Assist with the design of polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA12), and steel natural gas pipeline systems. Perform engineering calculations involving gas flow, pipeline capacity, operating pressures, pressure losses, pipe sizing, and system hydraulics. Assist with the evaluation of existing natural gas infrastructure to identify capacity limitations, aging facilities, and opportunities for system improvements. Support the planning and design of pressure regulating stations, district regulator facilities, and related utility infrastructure. Assist with the development of construction drawings for roadway crossings, utility conflicts, horizontal directional drilling, and other pipeline installation methods. Coordinate with survey, GIS, and subsurface utility engineering (SUE) personnel to incorporate existing conditions and utility information into project designs. Engineering Plans, Specifications, and Cost Estimates Prepare and revise engineering plans, technical specifications, construction details, and bid documents. Develop preliminary and detailed construction cost estimates, including material quantities, labor, equipment, and construction costs. Assist in preparing bid packages, reviewing contractor proposals, and evaluating construction bids. Review construction submittals, material specifications, shop drawings, and proposed substitutions for conformance with project requirements. Assist with preparing engineering reports, feasibility studies, technical memorandums, and infrastructure improvement recommendations. Support the preparation of construction schedules, project budgets, and engineering design deliverables. Construction Administration and Field Engineering Assist with construction administration and engineering support during natural gas utility construction projects. Conduct periodic site visits to observe construction activities and verify general conformance with approved engineering plans and specifications. Coordinate with construction inspectors, contractors, utility owners, and project managers regarding construction progress and field conditions. Assist with reviewing contractor payment applications, change orders, quantity measurements, and construction documentation. Review pressure testing documentation, material certifications, inspection reports, and other construction quality‑control records. Assist with resolving field conflicts, evaluating proposed design modifications, and preparing construction revisions. Participate in preconstruction meetings, progress meetings, and final project inspections. Assist with preparing construction closeout documentation, record drawings, and project completion reports. Natural Gas Regulatory Compliance and Pipeline Safety Develop a working knowledge of federal and state natural gas pipeline safety regulations, including 49 CFR Part 192 and applicable Louisiana pipeline safety requirements. Assist with engineering evaluations related to pipeline materials, pressure ratings, minimum cover, testing requirements, and installation standards. Support the preparation and maintenance of natural gas utility system documentation, engineering records, and compliance‑related reports. Assist with the review of pipeline pressure testing records, material traceability documentation, and construction records. Gain exposure to natural gas operator compliance programs, including Distribution Integrity Management Programs (DIMP), Operations and Maintenance (O&M) procedures, and Operator Qualification (OQ) requirements. Assist in evaluating aging infrastructure and identifying pipeline replacement and system improvement priorities. GIS Mapping and Utility Infrastructure Records Assist with the development and maintenance of GIS‑based natural gas distribution system maps and infrastructure records. Coordinate with field survey and mapping personnel to collect, review, and incorporate pipeline location data. Review and update pipeline attributes, including pipe size, material, operating pressure, installation information, and associated facilities. Assist with the preparation and verification of record drawings and as‑built construction documentation. Support the integration of GIS information into engineering design, system planning, and infrastructure management activities. Grant‑Funded Infrastructure Projects Assist with engineering and construction administration activities associated with federal and state utility infrastructure funding programs, including the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) Grant Program. Support the preparation of engineering cost estimates, project descriptions, schedules, and technical documentation for grant applications. Assist with tracking construction progress, project expenditures, and grant‑related deliverables. Develop familiarity with federal funding requirements, including Build America, Buy America (BABA) provisions, material documentation, and applicable procurement requirements. Assist with organizing construction records and supporting documentation for grant compliance, reimbursement requests, and project audits. Project Coordination and Professional Development Work directly with Professional Engineers, project managers, construction inspectors, surveyors, and utility owners throughout the planning, design, and construction phases of projects. Assist with coordinating project schedules, engineering deliverables, and communication between project stakeholders. Participate in meetings with municipal utility representatives, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other project participants. Develop an understanding of utility infrastructure project budgeting, engineering proposals, contract administration, and client management. Perform additional engineering and technical assignments as directed by the Utility Infrastructure Department Manager. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. What You Bring to SAM Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program, or equivalent qualifications meeting Louisiana engineering licensure requirements. Engineer Intern (EI) certification or successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination preferred. Candidates actively pursuing EI certification will be considered. Zero to three years of civil engineering or utility infrastructure experience. General understanding of civil engineering design principles, engineering calculations, construction methods, and technical drawings. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar engineering design software. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook. Strong analytical, technical writing, organizational, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, construction personnel, contractors, and clients. Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while receiving technical direction and supervision. Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as required. achelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field required; Preferred Qualifiations: Experience or coursework involving utility infrastructure, natural gas distribution systems, water distribution, hydraulic analysis, or pipeline engineering. Familiarity with natural gas pipeline design standards, including ASME B31.8 and 49 CFR Part 192 Experience using AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS or similar GIS mapping software. Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software used to analyze natural gas distribution systems. Experience developing engineering drawings, construction specifications, material quantity estimates, and project cost estimates. Previous internship or work experience with a civil engineering consulting firm, municipal utility, natural gas operator, or utility construction contractor. Interest in obtaining Professional Engineer (PE) licensure and pursuing a long-term career in natural gas utility infrastructure engineering. Our Perks Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage 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 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms #J-18808-Ljbffr Gdbgeospatial