Lidar Technician III - Topobathymetric Programs in Austin, Texas at Surveying And Mapping, LLC

Founded in 1994, Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions. With more than 50 offices and 1,600 professionals, we deliver the scale, technology, and expertise needed to support projects of any size. SAM streamlines project delivery through a single, coordinated team, offering in-house capabilities across land surveying, aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination (UC), GIS, BIM, and construction engineering inspection (CEI).

By combining advanced technology, digital workflows, and decades of experience, we provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients move critical infrastructure projects forward with confidence. At SAM, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the built environment.

SAM is seeking an experienced Topobathymetric Lidar editor to support on point cloud editing/processing and deliverable generation for topobathymetric lidar deliverables on hydrographic, coastal, riverine, and inland water mapping projects. In addition to hands-on production responsibilities, the ideal candidate will help develop and refine scalable processing workflows, establish best practices and quality standards, and support the continued growth of the organization's topobathymetric lidar program. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge geospatial technologies and contribute to critical programs while serving as a technical leader within the production team, providing mentorship and training to junior staff, leading project execution efforts, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, consistency, and data quality across a growing portfolio of projects.

Responsibilities:

• Process and classify topobathymetric lidar data; perform point cloud editing, quality control, and feature extraction for both terrestrial and submerged environments.
• Review and validate bathymetric returns, water surface classifications, and bottom detection outputs to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
• Generate and deliver lidar-derived products including classified point clouds, DEMs, contours, breaklines, and hydrographic surfaces.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks throughout the production lifecycle and document findings.
• Develop, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures for topobathymetric lidar processing and production.
• Evaluate new software, tools, and methodologies to improve efficiency, consistency, and data quality across projects.
• Identify opportunities for workflow automation and process optimization to increase throughput and reduce manual effort.
• Deliver internal training on lidar processing workflows, software tools, classification standards, and best practices.
• Coordinate with project management and team members to ensure project requirements and schedules are met.

• 5+ years of experience processing and analyzing topographic and/or topobathymetric lidar datasets.
• Understanding of topobathymetric lidar principles.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Geography, GIS, or a related field.
• Proficient in geospatial software such as ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, Geocue LP360, Blue Marble Geographics Global Mapper, Bentley Microstation, and Terrasolid suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications (Optional)

• Experience with United States Geological Survey (USGS) 3D Elevation Product (3DEP), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects.
• Familiarity with hydrographic surveying, sonar data integration, and topobathy workflows is preferred.
• Experience leading production teams or serving as a technical lead on lidar projects.
• Proven ability to train, mentor, and develop junior staff in lidar processing techniques and quality standards.
• Ability to interpret project specifications and implement processing workflows that satisfy technical and contractual requirements.