Survey Vessel Operator

Job Summary
AKS Engineering & Forestry (AKS) has an immediate opening for a full-time/part-time survey vessel operator (all levels) to support our marine surveying services. This role requires an experienced vessel operator capable of safely navigating in and around Pacific Northwest waterways and reservoirs. Much of the work is local to the Portland metropolitan area; however, a growing project load may require travel to other areas within the Pacific Northwest (typically one days’ drive) and less frequently to more distant locations. The vessel operator will support hydrographic, marine geophysical, oceanographic, and vessel-based topographic data acquisition and fieldwork.
AKS conducts surveying and field investigations for underwater mapping and engineering evaluations, including detailed underwater infrastructure assessments for submarine cables and pipelines, dredging, habitat investigations, remedial investigations, and hydroelectric dam assessments. AKS also conducts comprehensive topographic surveying to support these projects (e.g. aerial, mobile, conventional land surveying). You will work closely with project surveyors, AKS survey crews, project engineers, and project managers on a mixture of private and public works projects. This is an opportunity to work with a respected and talented team of professionals in a dynamic organization with the opportunity to grow a career in an exciting field.
Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Experience operating small vessels (up to 30 feet) on Pacific Northwest waterways (or similar environments).
• Capability to safely drive a truck with a trailer and competently launch and recover a survey vessel.
• Interest and motivation in learning/enhancing knowledge regarding on-water survey data collection.
• Current Oregon or Washington Boater Education Card (or ability to obtain immediately upon employment).
• Strong analytical and communication skills and strong desire to learn and do new things.
• Ability to work efficiently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

Optional Preferred Candidate Qualifications

• US Coast Guard (USCG) Captain License (or state-recognized boater’s card).
• Topographic, hydrographic, and/or marine geophysical surveying experience (or related, e.g. oceanographic data collection).
• A degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Geodesy, Engineering, Hydrography, Oceanography, Marine Geology, or related field.
• Understanding of geodesy, survey and tidal datum, and establishing and recovering survey control.
• Experience with cartography, CAD/GIS, photogrammetry, and chart production.
• Experience with survey and engineering related software (e.g. HYPACK, QPS, CARIS, Trimble Access and Trimble Business Center, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley).
• Experience working in a consulting, multiclient, fast-paced environment with changes in daily activities is highly desirable.

Typical Job Functions & Responsibilities
Working under the direction of the project surveyor/manager:

• Support the AKS hydrographic surveying department primarily as a vessel operator.
• Assist project planning and ensure vessel and equipment readiness.

Additional Potential Functions & Responsibilities 

• Perform hydrographic and geophysical surveys from planning to delivering data products
• Collect and process multibeam and/or single-beam echosounder data, topographic (UAV, mobile, conventional) and geophysical (side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, marine magnetometer) data.
• Process field measurements into X, Y, Z positions with point descriptions when necessary, utilizing HYPACK/QPS/CARIS, Trimble Business Center, and AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Process/classify 3D laser scan/lidar surveys.
• Troubleshoot GNSS, sonars, equipment, and software as needed.
• Adhere to company workflows, standards, and procedures.
• Do what needs to be done.

Company Overview
AKS Engineering & Forestry is a locally owned multidiscipline engineering consulting firm focused on developing infrastructure for private and public clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. Remaining true to our values and diligently maintaining our focus on quality enables our staff to thrive and grow. With seven offices and 28 years in business, AKS is a well-respected and trusted resource to a broad portfolio of clients, providing a unique and diverse combination of services.
- Civil Engineering - Land, Aerial, and Hydrographic Surveying
- Land Use Planning - Landscape Architecture
- Forestry/Forest Engineering - Arboriculture
- Natural Resources - Water Resources
- Construction Support Services - GIS
 
Culture
AKS is recognized annually as one of the Top Workplaces in Oregon and Southwest Washington. With a reputation built on personal responsibility, straight answers, practical solutions, and client and employee service, AKS has become a highly sought-after place to work. We care deeply about building long-term relationships at all levels of our organization and look for opportunities to share meals together every week, go on team-building adventures, make team site visits, and host events that bring our people and clients together.
 
We are organized around multidisciplinary teams that follow projects from conception through construction. We function as one team, one company, one community, and empower our employees to deliver their best work to evolve, grow, and succeed.
 
Benefits
AKS proudly offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, immediately vested 401(k) matching, and additional benefits and special perks, including:

• Opportunities for personal and professional development, mentorship, advancement, and training.
• Collaborative team environment, fun atmosphere, and all-staff and team events.
• Security working for an established, reputable, stable, and successful company.
• Weekly lunches with dining area set up to encourage staff to spend unstructured time together.
• Flexible work schedule, vacations, and time off.

Visit our website for more information on the work we do and all that AKS offers.
AKS Engineering and Forestry does not work with third-party recruiters or agencies. Candidates should be warned that third-party recruiters may misrepresent themselves as working on behalf of AKS. Candidates should only communicate directly with AKS employees.
 
Third-party recruiters and agencies should not contact AKS Engineering and Forestry employees directly. Any resumes sent from third-party recruiters or agencies to an AKS employee or submitted through the AKS website are considered unsolicited and the property of AKS. AKS will not pay a placement fee unless the recruiter or agency has a signed contract with AKS before submitting a candidate for consideration.