What are the responsibilities and job description for the Survey Project Manager, PLS - Hydrography position at GeoSearch?
Our client is seeking a Survey Project Manager for their Marine Services team on the West Coast. Our client is a leader in hydrographic and marine geophysical surveying using advanced technologies like high-resolution multibeam bathymetry, vessel-based LiDAR, and underwater imaging. The successful candidate will serve as a client lead and technical authority for hydrographic and marine geospatial projects.
This role is primarily responsible for leading projects from pursuit through delivery, including client engagement, scope development, team coordination, and financial performance. As a licensed Professional Land Surveyor, this individual will also provide oversight, review, and stamping of survey deliverables, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities:
Project Management & Delivery
- Lead marine survey projects from proposal through execution and closeout
- Develop scopes, schedules, and budgets; monitor project performance and profitability
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including hydrographers, geophysicists, and GIS professionals
- Identify and manage project risks, ensuring successful delivery
Client Management & Business Development
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, building and maintaining strong relationships
- Lead and contribute to proposals, interviews, and pursuit strategies
- Identify new opportunities and support the growth of the Marine Services practice
- Collaborate with internal teams to expand services across existing clients
Technical Oversight & Survey Authority
- Serve as Project Surveyor of record, including review, stamping, and signing of deliverables
- Provide high-level oversight of survey methodologies, geodetic control, and data quality
- Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards (e.g., USACE, NOAA)
Team Leadership
- Provide direction and mentorship to field and office staff
- Coordinate resources and support staff development across projects
- Review work products and maintain quality standards
Required Qualifications:
- Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in Washington, Oregon, or California (or ability to obtain)
- 10 years of progressive experience, including project management and client-facing responsibilities
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams
- Experience contributing to or leading proposals and client development efforts
- Strong communication skills, and ability to build client trust.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS Pro, Trimble Business Center, and related tools
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with hydrographic and/or marine geophysical surveying
- Knowledge of geodesy, vertical datums, and datum transformations
- Familiarity with USACE hydrographic survey standards