ROLE MANDATE Own the complete survey-data workflow from receipt of raw observations and design information through software analysis, documented quality control, preparation and controlled delivery. Accuracy, traceability and release readiness are core accountabilities of the position.
Position Overview
The CAD Technician is a software-intensive technical position supporting the full range of company surveying activities. The position works with field survey crews, survey leads, engineers, project managers and construction teams to convert raw field observations, imagery, point clouds and design information into reliable technical data and construction-ready deliverables.
The incumbent is accountable for understanding the intended use of each dataset, establishing the correct project reference, completing detailed analysis and processing, identifying errors or inconsistencies, preparing the required output and performing documented first-level QA/QC. Data that does not meet project tolerances, completeness, coordinate-reference or documentation requirements must be corrected or escalated before release. Secondary or authorized review must be obtained whenever required by the project, client or governing procedure.
Core Responsibilities
- Plan the data workflow. Review the work request, specifications, design sources, field records, required tolerances, delivery format and intended use before processing begins. Confirm priorities, assumptions and approval requirements with the appropriate project or survey lead.
- Receive and control source data. Collect, organize and assess raw GNSS/GPS, total station, digital level, UAV, LiDAR/point-cloud, field-note, CAD, GIS and engineering-design files. Confirm that files are complete, readable, correctly named, current and traceable to the correct project, date, crew, instrument and design revision.
- Establish the spatial reference. Verify units, coordinate system, datum, projection, geoid model, grid-versus-ground settings, scale factors, control points, benchmarks, localizations, site calibrations and transformations before combining or producing data. Investigate and report any mismatch rather than applying an undocumented fix.
- Analyze and process survey data. Use specialized software to compute, transform, filter, code, classify, merge, compare and interpret survey information. Perform calculations required for coordinates, elevations, grades, offsets, alignments, profiles, cross-sections, quantities, cut/fill volumes and design-versus-as-built results.
- Develop CAD and 3D survey models. Create and maintain accurate points, linework, feature coding, breaklines, TIN surfaces, contours, corridors, profiles, cross-sections and other 2D/3D technical content from approved field and design sources. Review triangles, boundaries, discontinuities and model extents so surfaces represent actual site conditions and design intent.
- Process remote-sensing data. Prepare UAV and LiDAR datasets through image alignment, control-point verification, point-cloud generation, classification, cleanup, filtering and surface extraction. Produce orthomosaics, digital terrain/surface models, contours, visualizations and quantity products while documenting processing settings and known limitations.
- Perform documented QA/QC. Check coordinates, elevations, residuals, closures, control ties, scale, units, point codes, layers, labels, surface behavior, coverage, duplicates, omissions, outliers and revision status. Compare processed results with raw observations, field notes, control information, approved design files and independent checks where available, and record the checks completed.
- Resolve discrepancies before release. Trace questionable results back to their source, determine whether the issue originates in field collection, control, design, processing, configuration or export, and coordinate corrections with the responsible party. Clearly identify unresolved limitations; do not issue data as final when required checks fail.
- Prepare complete deliverables. Produce survey point files, stakeout packages, control summaries, CAD drawings, as-built plans, TIN surfaces, machine-control models, orthomosaics, point clouds, DTM/DSM products, volume reports, comparison maps, technical calculations, visualizations and supporting documentation appropriate to the assignment.
- Validate exports and delivery packages. Convert data into the required native and exchange formats, then reopen or independently test exported files to confirm coordinates, units, geometry, attributes, layers and model extents are retained. Issue only the correct, current revision to the authorized field crew, machine-control system, project team, consultant or client.
- Maintain traceability and records. Apply project folder structures, file-naming conventions, revision control, backup and archival requirements. Maintain a clear audit trail of source files, processing steps, changes, QA/QC results, approvals, transmittals and superseded deliverables so the final result can be reproduced and defended.
- Coordinate and improve technical practice. Communicate data requirements and quality issues to field and office personnel, support troubleshooting across survey software and equipment ecosystems, and help develop standardized templates, checklists and repeatable workflows. Perform related technical functions in support of surveying and civil engineering activities.
Survey Data and Deliverable Scope
The data-accountability requirements above apply to every assigned survey discipline and project phase, including preliminary work, active construction, progress measurement, quality verification, as-built documentation and final project closeout.
Survey workflow
Typical data and outputs
Control and reference
Control networks, benchmarks, GNSS/total-station/level observations, coordinate transformations, grid/ground relationships, site calibrations and localizations.
Construction and design
Layout and stakeout data, grading and earthworks, roads and highways, drainage and utilities, buildings and structures, alignments, profiles, cross-sections, surfaces and machine-control models.
Existing conditions and verification
Topographic surveys, existing-condition mapping, as-builts, design comparisons, quantity calculations, progress measurement, tolerance checks and project records.
Remote sensing and reality capture
UAV photogrammetry, LiDAR and point clouds, orthomosaics, DTM/DSM products, contours, classifications, visualizations and volumetric outputs.
Other survey assignments
Hydrographic, bathymetric or other specialized datasets where applicable, plus new data types and delivery formats introduced by project requirements.
Software and Technical Environment
The position requires advanced practical use of survey, CAD, mapping, photogrammetry and data-management software. Experience with equivalent platforms is acceptable where the candidate can demonstrate the same technical capability and can learn company-standard applications.
Technical area
Software or comparable platform
CAD and civil modelling
AutoCAD and Civil 3D
Survey processing and modelling
Trimble Business Center, Topcon Office3D/MAGNET or comparable survey-office software
Mapping, terrain and point clouds
Global Mapper, GIS tools and point-cloud classification/cleanup utilities
UAV and photogrammetry
DJI Terra, Pix4Dmapper, Pix4Dmatic or comparable processing platforms
Data and documentation
Microsoft Excel, PDF/plan review, document control, secure file transfer and reporting tools
Qualifications and Technical Competencies
- Education and designation. Post-secondary education in civil engineering technology, geomatics, surveying, CAD technology or a related discipline, together with an OACETT designation as a Certified Technician (C.Tech.) or Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), as required for the position.
- Survey-data and software experience. Demonstrated experience converting raw survey observations, design files, imagery or point clouds into accurate, checked and delivery-ready technical outputs using CAD, survey-processing, mapping or photogrammetry software.
- Spatial-reference and interpretation skills. Applied understanding of coordinate systems, datums, projections, geoid models, units, grid/ground relationships, transformations, localizations, site calibrations and control networks, plus the ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, field notes, digital models and revisions.
- QA/QC capability. Ability to apply survey calculations, tolerances, residuals, closures, redundant checks and documented review procedures; recognize results that are incomplete, inconsistent or outside acceptable limits; and escalate appropriately.
- Data discipline and communication. Exceptional attention to detail, file organization, revision control, documentation and confidentiality, with the judgement to prevent unverified or superseded information from being issued. Able to explain technical findings, coordinate corrections and manage competing deadlines without reducing the required standard of accuracy.
- Industry experience. Experience supporting heavy civil construction, infrastructure, earthworks, machine control, UAV mapping or multidisciplinary surveying is considered an asset.
Data Release Standard
Before any deliverable is issued, the technician must confirm that it is complete, traceable, based on current approved sources, referenced to the correct coordinate system and units, checked against applicable field, control and design information, documented with the required QA/QC evidence, approved where required, and verified in the recipient's required file format.
Pay: $36.92-$40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
