Horizon Engineering Associates is seeking a Survey Draftsman to support the preparation of accurate, complete, and timely survey deliverables.
This is a hands-on production role based in our Pennsburg, Pennsylvania office. The primary responsibility is transforming field data, property records, and project information into clear and technically sound survey drawings using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
The ideal candidate has a working knowledge of land surveying and survey drafting, takes pride in producing accurate work, and has the judgment and initiative to grow into greater production responsibility over time.
What This Role Is About
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Preparing boundary, topographic, existing conditions, ALTA/NSPS, as-built, construction, and other survey-related drawings
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Importing, reviewing, and organizing survey field data
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Reviewing deeds, recorded plans, easements, rights-of-way, and other property information
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Drafting property boundaries, existing improvements, contours, utilities, and other surveyed features
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Creating surfaces, profiles, alignments, and related Civil 3D elements when required
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Applying Horizon's CAD standards, templates, layer conventions, and drafting procedures
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Identifying missing, conflicting, or unclear information and bringing it to the attention of the project manager or supervising surveyor
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Coordinating with field crews, survey technicians, project managers, and licensed surveyors to resolve production questions
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Performing careful self-review before submitting work for quality-control review
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Completing assigned work within established project schedules
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Incorporating review comments accurately and efficiently
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Maintaining organized drawing files, project data, and supporting documentation
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Helping reduce drafting errors, rework, and delays through consistent and disciplined production practices
Who This Role Is For
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A survey draftsman or technician who understands how field information becomes a finished survey deliverable
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Someone who is comfortable working independently while asking questions when information is incomplete or unclear
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A detail-oriented professional who values accuracy, consistency, and clear communication
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Someone who can manage multiple assignments and communicate early when a deadline may be at risk
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A candidate who is receptive to standards, feedback, and continued professional development
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Someone interested in growing beyond individual drafting assignments and eventually taking on broader production responsibility
Qualifications
Required
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Experience with AutoCAD or similar CAD software
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Ability to read and interpret survey field data, deeds, plans, and related project information
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Understanding of basic land-surveying terminology and drafting conventions
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Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work
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Ability to organize assignments, manage priorities, and meet established deadlines
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Clear written and verbal communication skills
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Ability to work in person at Horizon's Pennsburg office
Preferred
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Experience using AutoCAD Civil 3D
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Previous experience preparing land-surveying or civil-engineering drawings
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Familiarity with boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, as-built, and construction survey deliverables
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Experience working with survey points, figures, surfaces, contours, and digital terrain models
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Familiarity with Pennsylvania surveying practices and recording requirements
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Associate degree, certificate, or coursework in surveying, civil engineering technology, drafting, geomatics, or a related field
Professional licensure is not required for this position.
Growth Potential
This position is intended to provide a path for professional growth. As the successful candidate develops technical proficiency, judgment, and knowledge of Horizon's production processes, the role may expand to include:
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Reviewing the work of less-experienced drafting staff
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Assisting with CAD standards, templates, and drafting procedures
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Improving field-to-office workflows
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Helping coordinate drafting assignments and production priorities
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Supporting the development of realistic project timelines
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Training and mentoring survey technicians and drafting staff
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Taking increased responsibility for the consistency and reliability of survey production
Advancement will be based on demonstrated technical ability, reliability, communication, judgment, and leadership potential.
How We Measure Success
Accuracy and Quality
Drawings are technically sound, complete, clearly presented, and prepared in accordance with Horizon's standards.
Production Reliability
Assigned work is completed within established timelines, and potential delays or missing information are communicated early.
Consistency
CAD standards, templates, file structures, and production procedures are followed consistently.
Coordination
Field information, project records, and drafting requirements are coordinated effectively with field crews, project managers, and supervising surveyors.
Responsiveness to Review
Quality-control comments are understood, incorporated accurately, and used to improve future work.
Professional Growth
Technical knowledge, efficiency, independence, and production judgment improve steadily over time.
Why Horizon
Horizon values excellence, reliability, collaboration, agility, and balanced living. These values guide how we serve our clients, work together, and build systems that support people in producing high-quality work.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute immediately as a survey production professional while developing the experience and leadership skills needed for greater responsibility within Horizon's surveying group.
