Hydrographic Surveyor Job Description

What is the job description of a Hydrographic Surveyor? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Hydrographic Surveyor? What does a Hydrographic Surveyor do?

Job description of a Hydrographic Surveyor

A hydrographic surveyor specialises in precise positioning, data acquisition and processing in marine environments. The role involves measuring and mapping the world’s underwater surfaces and studying the morphology (construction) of the seabed.

Hydrographic surveyors are expected to work in a wide range of differing situations and applications, from inland waters and rivers, to ports and oceans. The work may be onshore or offshore, depending on the specialist area. The role also demands an understanding of and consideration for environmental issues.

This Hydrographic Surveyor job description example includes the list of most important Hydrographic Surveyor duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Hydrographic Surveyor profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Hydrographic Surveyor Duties and Responsibilities

Hydrographic Surveyor job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Managing projects, both onshore and offshore, as vessel-based managers;
  • Sourcing information on seabed type, water movements and waves;
  • Using specialised technical software and geographical information systems (GIS) to manage the integration, processing and presentation of data to clients;
  • Dealing with clients, internally and externally, to provide tenders and results in appropriate formats;
  • Reviewing company procedures and software projects, and providing feedback on courses and in-house training;
  • Working as part of a team of technical specialists.
  • For those working onshore, responding to technical queries from onshore engineering teams and problem-solving for colleagues working offshore;
  • Producing reports;
  • Providing accurate and reliable information for other disciplines, such as, navigation, dredging, coastal works, seabed telephone cables, environmental monitoring, aquaculture, marine wind farm development, oceanographic research, bridge construction, and oil, gas and mineral resource exploration;
  • Working in a wide range of differing situations and applications including seabed mining, oil and gas exploration, the construction of ports, the provision of navigational charts, and the positioning of navigational aids;
  • Provision of data for oceanographic studies;
  • Using specialised technical software and equipment including satellite and terrestrial positioning systems, sonars, single and multibeam echo sounders, laser scanners and LiDAR equipped aircraft to provide data for the production of nautical charts and maps;
  • Using remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles to acquire data in deep oceans;

Hydrographic Surveyor Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Hydrographic Surveyor job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Graduate degree in surveying science, computer science, engineering, geology, geography or cartography, land surveying, hydrographic surveying, marine science/engineering or related discipline.
  • The ability to learn quickly - you will need a good knowledge of global positioning systems and navigation, geographic information systems, nautical studies and emergency procedures
  • Good teamworking skills and the ability to work closely and get on with others in pressurised situations
  • A practical approach to problem solving
  • Logical thinking
  • Resourcefulness and resilience
  • The capacity to adapt sensibly to changing circumstances
  • Patience and a sense of humour
  • Communication skills, cultural awareness and foreign language skills
  • The ability to maintain concentration - carelessness or a lapse in concentration may have drastic consequences in terms of the overall quality or efficiency of a survey

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Hydrographic Surveyor starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Hydrographic Surveyor job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Hydrographic Surveyor may also reference it in preparation for the interview.