Site Development Survey CAD Technician

What You Will Do:

GFT is seeking a Site Development Survey CAD Technician to join our Building and Places team in Palmetto, FL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Palmetto, FL office.

At GFT, the structural team is dedicated to creating efficient, innovative solutions for structural systems, ensuring comfort and sustainability in every project. Our team contributes to a resilient and sustainable built environment, pushing the boundaries of building system design and optimizing performance while addressing the unique needs of each facility. Explore some of our signature projects.

What you’ll be challenged to do:
We are seeking a Senior Site Development Survey CAD Technician with over 20 years of progressive experience in land surveying, site development, and civil infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced technical proficiency in survey computations, CAD production, legal documentation, and multidisciplinary coordination. This role is instrumental in producing accurate, high-quality survey deliverables to support engineering design and construction efforts. The successful candidate will also play a leadership role in mentoring junior staff, coordinating with field crews, and ensuring project quality and compliance with industry standards.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Survey Computations & Analysis:

  • Perform complex boundary, ALTA/NSPS land title, topographic, and construction staking computations.

  • Analyze field data, coordinate geometry (COGO), and reconcile discrepancies between field measurements and record documents.

  • Implement and oversee control surveys including GPS and conventional traverses tied to geodetic datums (e.g., NAD83, NAVD88).

• CAD Drafting & Production:

  • Produce and edit detailed survey drawings using AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or MicroStation .

  • Create base maps, subdivision plats, easement exhibits, right-of-way documents, construction as-builts, and grading plans.

  • Ensure CAD files conform to project-specific and client-required drafting standards, including layering, symbology, and annotation.

• Legal & Record Research:

  • Conduct thorough title and deed research using county databases, assessor/GIS resources, and online archives.

  • Draft, review, and interpret legal descriptions for land transfers, easements, dedications, parcel consolidations, and ROW acquisitions.

• Project & Client Coordination:

  • Collaborate directly with project managers, civil engineers, planners, and clients to define survey scope, resolve technical issues, and ensure project deadlines are met.

  • Provide timely updates and respond to RFI's, scope clarifications, and CAD redlines throughout the project lifecycle.

• Field Crew Oversight & Data Integration:

  • Review and validate field crew data including control setups, field notes, and point files.

  • Develop and communicate field staking instructions, control plans, and data collection workflows for both GPS and robotic total station systems.

  • Facilitate seamless field-to-finish processes, ensuring deliverables accurately reflect on-site conditions.

• Quality Assurance & Documentation:

  • Perform thorough QA/QC checks on all drawings, computations, and final deliverables prior to submission.

  • Maintain organized documentation and digital project records in accordance with company standards.

• Mentorship & Staff Development:

  • Provide guidance, training, and quality oversight to junior CAD technicians, interns, and field staff.

  • Participate in team knowledge-sharing initiatives, skill development workshops, and process improvement strategies.

• Proposal Support:

  • Assist in the preparation of fee estimates, proposals, and technical scopes for survey-related tasks on public and private sector projects.

Education | Experience: What you will bring to our firm:

• Minimum 20 years of professional land surveying experience with a strong emphasis on site development, utility infrastructure, and construction layout.

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D; familiarity with MicroStation, Bentley InRoads, or similar CAD platforms is highly desirable.

• In-depth knowledge of boundary law, easement creation, platting standards, and municipal recording practices.

• Expertise in geodetic control systems, coordinate transformations, and integrating GNSS field data.

• Familiarity with field equipment including Trimble, Leica, or Topcon systems and their data workflows.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for client coordination, technical documentation, and team leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to lead field teams, delegate tasks, and oversee technical accuracy at the project level.

• LSIT, RPLS, or PLS license (active or retired) preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

What we prefer you bring:

• Working knowledge of FDOT or other DOT and municipal CAD standards and file formats.

• Experience with UAV/drone-based photogrammetry, aerial LiDAR, and integration of point cloud data into CAD workflows.

• Proficient in managing multiple complex projects under tight deadlines while maintaining quality standards.

• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams.

Compensation: The hourly range for this role is $28-$32 . Hourly rate is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits: • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment. • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. • Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. • Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. • Tuition reimbursement for continued education. • Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations • Incentive compensation for eligible positions. Company Overview:

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

Location: Palmetto, FL
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $28-$32
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.