Survey Drafter

Survey Drafter / Survey Cad Technician

This role combines field surveying in the Philadelphia area with office-based drafting work. The Survey Drafter / Survey Cad Technician collects precise measurements and survey data in the field using Trimble or similar equipment, then returns to the office to produce accurate survey drawings and documentation in AutoCAD. The position supports a variety of civil engineering, land development, and topographic survey projects and requires strong technical drafting skills and field surveying experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform field surveying in the Philadelphia area, collecting accurate measurements and survey data using Trimble or similar survey equipment.
• Document survey findings in the field, including measurements, site conditions, and relevant topographic and boundary information.
• Return to the office and convert field survey data into detailed CAD drawings using AutoCAD and Civil 3D or similar civil design tools.
• Prepare topographic surveys, land surveys, and related drawings to support civil engineering and land development projects.
• Interpret and apply civil engineering and land surveying principles to produce clear, precise, and compliant survey drawings.
• Collaborate with civil engineers, survey technicians, and other team members to ensure survey and design information is accurate and complete.
• Review, verify, and update survey CAD files to reflect as-built conditions and design changes as needed.
• Maintain organized digital and paper records of survey data, drawings, and project documentation.
• Operate survey instruments and CAD software safely and efficiently, following established procedures and industry standards.
• Travel to various project sites as required and drive between field locations and the office using a valid driver's license.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of survey drafting experience.
• Hands-on experience conducting survey work in the Philadelphia area.
• Proficiency with Trimble or similar survey equipment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to field sites.
• Strong drafting experience using AutoCAD.
• Experience with Civil 3D or similar civil engineering CAD tools.
• Working knowledge of civil engineering and land surveying concepts.
• Ability to perform topographic surveys and prepare topographic survey drawings.
• Experience with land surveying and land development projects.
• Proficiency in creating and editing survey CAD drawings with high accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in civil engineering, civil design, or a related technical field.
• Experience working as a survey technician or survey CAD technician.
• Familiarity with topography, land survey practices, and survey design standards.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans, survey notes, and design specifications.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple survey and drafting tasks simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers, surveyors, and project team members.

Work Environment

The position is based in an office of approximately 20 people, offering a collaborative and professional environment. Work is split between field assignments in the Philadelphia area and office-based drafting tasks. In the field, you will use Trimble or similar survey equipment to collect data; in the office, you will primarily work with AutoCAD and civil engineering CAD tools to produce survey drawings. The role requires regular driving between the office and project sites using a valid driver's license. The environment supports a mix of fieldwork and desk-based CAD work, providing exposure to a variety of civil engineering, land development, and topographic survey projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Darby, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.44 - $33.65/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Darby, PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.