Assistant Surveyor - Rail Services

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

As an Assistant Surveyor, you will work alongside experienced Survey Crew Chiefs and survey professionals on active railroad and transportation infrastructure projects. This position provides hands‑on training, exposure to advanced surveying technology, and a clear pathway for long‑term career growth within the surveying profession.

If you enjoy working outdoors, traveling, learning new skills, and being part of a team that helps deliver critical infrastructure projects, we'd like to hear from you. Candidates may be based near any Olsson office location, as this role primarily supports rail projects throughout the United States and requires extensive travel.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist survey crews with daily field operations on railroad and transportation projects.
• Load, unload, transport, and maintain survey equipment and supplies.
• Set survey stakes, hubs, targets, prisms, and other field markers.
• Assist with GPS, total station, laser scanning, and other survey data collection activities.
• Follow established railroad safety requirements and company safety procedures.
• Work in a variety of outdoor environments and weather conditions.
• Travel frequently to project locations throughout the United States.
• Support project setup, site logistics, and daily field activities.
• Communicate effectively with crew members and project teams.
• Learn surveying procedures, equipment operation, and field techniques from experienced survey professionals.

This role requires extensive travel 80% or more throughout the United States, working in varying weather conditions and terrain.

You are passionate about:

• Working collaboratively with others.
• Having ownership in the work you do.
• Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 80% or more of the time, including overnight travel, extended project assignments, and occasional weekend work.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, terrain, and environments, including active construction sites and railroad corridors.
• Ability to safely lift and carry survey equipment, tools, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Strong work ethic with a demonstrated commitment to safety, reliability, and accountability.
• Ability to follow instructions, work effectively as part of a team, and maintain a positive attitude in changing field conditions.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with coworkers, clients, contractors, and railroad personnel.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn survey data collection technology and software.
• Willingness to obtain railroad safety certifications and comply with railroad operating requirements.
• Desire to learn the surveying profession and develop a long‑term career in the surveying, transportation, or geospatial industry.

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our…