Survey Chief

Lead Field Surveyor / Project Manager (Survey Chief)

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota; Superior, Wisconsin; Pensacola, Florida

Department: Field Services

Status: Full-time, 40 hours/week

Job Description: Lead Field Surveyor / Project Manager

Position Overview

Kingfisher Recruiting has been hired to find a Lead Field Surveyor/Project Manager to oversee field surveying operations and manages multiple projects from planning through completion. This role combines senior-level technical expertise with project leadership, ensuring survey deliverables meet the highest standards of accuracy, safety, and efficiency. The Lead Surveyor guides field crews, mentors junior staff, coordinates with clients and contractors, and ensures that all projects are delivered on time and within scope.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and supervise field survey crews, providing direction, training, and mentorship.
• Manage team scheduling, staffing, and workload distribution across multiple projects.
• Ensure all field staff adhere to safety standards, quality expectations, and project procedures.
• Conduct performance reviews and support the development of junior surveyors.

Field Surveying & Technical Expertise

• Perform and oversee advanced surveying tasks including topographic, bathymetric, and as-built surveys.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced survey equipment such as GNSS/GPS, robotic total stations, UAVs, LiDAR, and hydrographic survey equipment such as echosounders, side scans, magnetometers, and ROVs.
• Establish survey control networks and verify field measurements for quality assurance.
• Review field notes, data sets, and field procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Project Management

• Manage the full survey project lifecycle: scope development, scheduling, budgeting, coordination, and final deliverables.
• Prepare project proposals, cost estimates, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with engineers, designers, contractors, and clients to communicate project status, requirements, and changes.
• Track project performance metrics and ensure adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Review and approve survey calculations, drawings, and final deliverables.
• Maintain detailed project documentation, progress reports, and field records.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Engineering Technology, Physics, Civil Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
• 5 to 10 years of land surveying experience, including leadership or supervisory roles.
• THSOA certification or Professional Land Surveyor license, or ability to obtain, is highly preferred.
• Proficiency with surveying equipment and software (Trimble, Hypack, AutoCAD Civil 3D, GIS tools, etc.).
• Strong understanding of survey principles, mapping standards, and construction methods.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; ability to travel to field sites as needed.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, team coordination, and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
• High-level problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced environments.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• Combination of outdoor fieldwork and office-based project work.
• Exposure to varying climates, terrains, and active construction environments.
• Ability to lift and carry survey equipment and work extended hours when necessary.

Compensation

The wage and benefits package are dependent on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. This position is eligible for the full company benefits package, including:

• Group Health Insurance
• 401K
• Term Life Insurance
• Short-and-Long Term Disability Insurance
• AD&D Insurance
• Profit Sharing Bonus
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Paid Personal Leave

Pay: From $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $120,000