Surveyor I

Surveyor I

Otter Tail Power Company is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Surveyor I to join our Asset Management team. In this role, you will assist with field surveys and provide survey data essential for utility mapping, easement and boundary determinations, volume calculations, hydroelectric dam monitoring, and engineering design projects. Working both independently and alongside experienced survey professionals, you will support projects that help deliver reliable energy infrastructure throughout our service territory.

This position offers a unique combination of field and office work, utilizing advanced surveying technologies such as GPS, total stations, laser scanners, drones, and related software applications. The ideal candidate is technically skilled, safety-conscious, enjoys outdoor work, and thrives in a collaborative environment.

This position reports to Supervisor Surveying.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with field surveys to establish and verify boundaries, easements, rights-of-way, and utility locations.
• Collect, process, and maintain survey data for utility mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications.
• Support the preliminary and final design of overhead and underground power line projects in accordance with company standards and engineering guidelines.
• Prepare basic drawings, maps, exhibits, and documentation for construction projects, easement acquisition, boundary determinations, volume calculations, and permit applications.
• Assist in the preparation and completion of plats, certificates of survey, legal descriptions, permits, and other land records in compliance with applicable state requirements.
• Review survey information, easements, and legal descriptions and assist with revisions as needed.
• Operate and maintain a variety of survey equipment, including Total Stations, GPS systems, levels, scanners, and unmanned aerial systems (drones).
• Research property records, deeds, easements, plats, and other legal documents to support survey projects.
• Establish and verify survey control points and maintain accurate field notes, records, sketches, and measurements.
• Coordinate survey activities and findings with engineering personnel, land rights professionals, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Support Surveyor II and Surveyor III staff with technical and field assignments.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Surveying, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field; or a minimum of two years of surveying or comparable experience.
• Knowledge of survey equipment and field survey methods.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
• Strong mathematical aptitude, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and applied physics.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work independently when required.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Medical Examiner Certificate.
• Willingness to obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within two years of employment.

Preferred

• Experience with Autodesk Civil 3D.
• Experience with Trimble Business Center.
• Knowledge of utility mapping and topographic mapping.
• Experience using GPS, scanning, and drone-based surveying technologies.

At Otter Tail Power Company, you'll be part of a team dedicated to delivering reliable energy while supporting the growth and development of our communities. We offer opportunities for professional development, exposure to advanced surveying technologies, and meaningful work that directly impacts critical utility infrastructure.

If you enjoy a balance of outdoor and technical work and want to build a rewarding career in surveying, we encourage you to apply for our Surveyor I position.

What We Offer

We believe employment is a partnership and we expect excellence from our talented employees. To support our employees and help drive their career experience and goals.

• Competitive wage & benefit package.
• The expected offer for base compensation for this role is $69,000 - $96,000 annually. The actual compensation within the compensation range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
• Incentive plans
• Employee Stock Ownership options
• Retirement Savings Fund with employer match
• Health, disability and life insurance plan options
• Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement. This includes safety – one of our values and key to our success – technical, compliance and developmental training.
• Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!
• Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they're working.

To apply, visit our careers page at Applications accepted through September 18, 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.