Surveyor

Surveyor

Date Posted: Oct 2, 2026

Requisition ID: 484851

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. The Division of Forestry promotes and practices goodstewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations. Some key initiatives of the forestry program include: Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education.

The Indiana Division of Forestry's Community Urban Forestry Program provides guidance and grants to communities for the development and caretaking of urban forests. An urban tree canopy is part of a community's infrastructure and creates valuable environmental, economic, and social benefits. Well-managed urban forests pay back nearly three times the cost to plant and maintain them.

Role Overview:

The surveyor position provides expert advice and technical assistance to state forest staff who manage 13 state forests with over 1,200 miles of boundary line. The surveyor position for the Division of Forestry serves as a lead surveyor, someone who has already obtained their license following apprenticeship and on the job training which has provided them with several years of experience. The position is to have considerable knowledge of laws, policy and procedure pertaining to surveying and real estate. The position must prepare well-written reports, letters, and memos on findings to be recorded or used in court cases. The position must have a working knowledge of survey equipment and software to perform field and office work.

The position requires a license since there are no other licensed surveyors with the division to work under. Standard duties include but are not limited to the ability to perform in-depth courthouse research; retracement surveys to establish boundaries, understand and interpret deeds; establish state forest corners and boundaries; review easement requests the division receives to protect the state if approved by leadership; write descriptions and complete surveys for any easement the division pursues; serve as an expert on boundary line disputes (e.g., trespasses, timber theft, etc.) between the state forest and adjacent landowners; and perform elevation surveys for various division construction projects; and assist engineering with other survey related needs. In the past this position has assisted engineering by performing survey work, deed and description reviews, or providing free technical assistance for other divisions (e.g., Parks, F&W, Water, etc.) projects.

The position works south of Indianapolis, Indiana. Position include a state vehcile for state business only.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator ( to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Direct a technical staff in the creation, collection, documentation, archiving, and presentation of scientific and engineering data related to flood hazards, topography, and water resources in Indiana.

• Coordinate with technical professional support staff (hydraulic engineers, engineering geologists, technicians, project managers, environmental reviewers) and non-technical professional staff (attorneys and administrative) to address and prioritize the surveying and data needs of their projects.

• Establish goals and schedules consistent with best practices, procedures, and policies of the profession.

• Plan, estimate, and direct surveys for map modernization flood insurance study revisions.

• Retain proficiency in all section staff as the technology of the profession evolves.

• Review the surveying aspects of construction plans, specifications, design reports, and technical data.

• Generate, and review maps, plats, plans, specifications, design reports, and technical data for appropriate creation, collection, and presentation of scientific and engineering data related to flood hazards, topography, and water resources.

• Advise and direct during flood emergencies the setting of high-water marks and/or other work to preserve the historic data about the flood event.

• Develop, establish, and/or update multi-disciplinary procedures and policies enhancing the day-to-day operation of the section.

• Understand and interpret relevant federal and state laws, rules, and programs.

• Participate in field and office meetings related to surveying and mapping.

• Provide wise counsel to individuals or groups seeking understanding of surveying related issues.

• Prepare well-written reports, letters, and memos on findings.

• Present surveying and mapping information in public forums and seminars.

• Train staff and reviewing staff work.

• Develop and document technical evidence for enforcement activities, as violation activities are found, pursued, and evolve.

• Provide expert testimony for legal and legislative initiatives.

• Identify program-related needs.

• Formulate new methodologies and developing long-term strategies.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, and surveying.

• Considerable knowledge of engineering principles and practices.

• Considerable knowledge of right-of-way Engineering techniques.

• Considerable knowledge of laws, policy and procedure pertaining to surveying, right-of-way engineering and real estate

• Basic knowledge of the various methods that are utilized in the acquisition of land and associated properties.

• Skill in the operation of all types of surveying instruments

• Ability to apply principles to solve practical, everyday problems.

• Ability to read, copy and record figures.

• Ability to gather, collate and classify data.

• Ability to handle routine and sensitive inquiries from, and contacts with government officials, property owners and contractors.

• Ability to act as a lead worker and instruct lower-level surveyors and technicians in methods and procedures used to develop right-of-way plans.

• An Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Land Surveying Engineering, Geomatics, or Geodesy with at least 4 + years of technical work experiences and must be licensed as a Professional Surveyor in Indiana.

Work experience must include all aspects of field survey data collection, office analysis and computations based on the field data, and final presentation of the finished product in a format usable to the customer. Experience with both total stations, GPS and differential leveling, and both 2nd and 3rd order levels, is required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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