What are the responsibilities and job description for the Professional Land Surveyor position at The Widroe Group?
We’re Hiring: Director of Land Surveying
Location: Arroyo Grande, California (Central Coast)
Schedule: Full-time, On-site (with hybrid flexibility after onboarding)
Salary Range: 125,000–140,000
Benefits: Full medical/dental/vision, SIMPLE IRA with match, paid vacation, bonus/profit-sharing
The Widroe Group is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a well-established, privately held civil engineering and surveying firm on California’s Central Coast. This firm has built a strong reputation over decades for technical excellence, long-term client relationships, and community-focused work. As regional development continues to accelerate, the organization is investing in the next phase of growth within its surveying practice.
The Opportunity
This role offers a rare opportunity to lead, build, and shape a growing Land Surveying department. The incoming Director will serve as both a technical authority and strategic leader—guiding operations, mentoring staff, strengthening client relationships, and expanding market presence across the Central Coast.
What You’ll Do
First 6 Months – Integration, Leadership, Assessment
- Integrate into existing field and office workflows alongside the current survey team
- Co-manage field scheduling, boundary analysis workflows, and client proposals
- Evaluate current tools, software platforms, and equipment capabilities
- Begin developing a strategic plan for departmental growth
- Partner with executive leadership on operational planning and budgeting
Months 7–12 – Department Ownership & Growth
- Lead day-to-day operations, quality control, and project delivery for the survey department
- Recruit, develop, and mentor staff in alignment with growth objectives
- Maintain a billable utilization rate of approximately 75–90%, with flexibility as the team expands
- Drive business development efforts with architects, engineers, developers, and public agencies
- Establish annual plans for staffing, capital investment, and revenue growth
What You Bring
- Licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in California, or ability to obtain within 3–6 months
- 10 years of progressive surveying experience, including leadership and project management
- Expertise in boundary surveys, topographic surveys, ALTA surveys, construction staking, and mapping
- Proficiency with modern survey technologies, including Trimble systems, Civil 3D, and UAV/drone workflows
- A balanced leadership style combining confidence, humility, and an entrepreneurial mindset
- Strong communication skills with a client-focused approach
- Demonstrated ability to mentor teams and elevate performance while meeting business goals
What’s Offered
- Leadership Autonomy — Authority to shape strategy, implement systems, and build a high-performing team
- Competitive Compensation — Base salary of 125K–125K–140K, plus bonus and profit-sharing potential
- Comprehensive Benefits — Medical, dental, and vision coverage; SIMPLE IRA with 3% match; paid vacation; professional development support
- Modern Tools & Resources — Access to current technology and equipment needed to lead effectively
- Collaborative Culture — Direct access to executive leadership in a flat, team-oriented environment
- Established Market Presence — Long-standing reputation in a stable and growing regional market
How to Apply
This search is being managed confidentially by The Widroe Group. To express interest, please submit your resume and a brief introduction. All inquiries will be handled with discretion, and qualified candidates will be contacted promptly.
We understand that every hiring decision and career move carries meaningful impact. That’s why we approach every search with the highest level of confidentiality, care, and professionalism—whether you’re building your team or advancing your career.
Let’s move forward—together.
Salary : $125,000 - $140,000