What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Land Surveyor position at The Widroe Group?
Director of Land Surveying
Location: Arroyo Grande, California (Central Coast)
Schedule: Full-time, On-site (with hybrid flexibility after onboarding)
Salary Range: 125,000–125,000–140,000
Benefits: Full medical/dental/vision, SIMPLE IRA with match, paid vacation, bonus/profit-sharing
About the Opportunity
The Widroe Group, a retained talent acquisition agency, is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a top-tier, well-established civil engineering firm with a long-standing presence on California’s Central Coast.
This privately held, team-oriented firm is known for its technical excellence, strong leadership, and deep community ties. As regional development accelerates, the organization is entering a new phase of growth and is seeking a seasoned, forward-thinking Director of Land Surveying to lead and expand its survey operations.
This is more than a management role — it’s a rare opportunity to build and shape the future of a growing Survey Department, expand market presence, and lead a capable team through its next phase of evolution.
As Director of Land Surveying, you will serve as both a technical and strategic leader, guiding survey operations, mentoring staff, engaging with clients, and contributing to business development across the Central Coast.
What You’ll Do
First 6 Months – Integration, Leadership, Assessment
- Become fully immersed in field and office workflows alongside the existing survey team
- Co-manage field scheduling, boundary workflows, and client proposals
- Evaluate current tools, software, and equipment needs
- Begin shaping a strategic growth plan for the department
- Collaborate closely with executive leadership on planning and budgeting
Months 7–12 – Department Ownership & Growth
- Lead day-to-day operations and quality control across the survey department
- Recruit and develop staff to support department and project growth
- Maintain a billable rate of 75–90%, transitioning over time as the team matures
- Drive outreach to architects, engineers, and public agencies to expand market presence
- Develop annual plans for staffing, equipment investment, and revenue growth
What You Bring
- Licensed PLS in California (or ability to obtain within 3–6 months)
- 5–10 years of progressive survey experience, including leadership and project management
- Expertise in boundary, topographic, ALTA, construction staking, and mapping
- Proficiency with Trimble, Civil 3D, UAV/drone workflows, and modern survey technology
- A confident, humble, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to lead and grow a team
- Strong interpersonal and client-facing communication skills
- Proven ability to mentor, coach, and elevate team performance
What’s Offered
- Leadership Autonomy — Shape strategy, implement ideas, and build your team
- Strong Compensation — 125K–125K–140K base salary plus bonus and profit-sharing
- Comprehensive Benefits — Health, dental, vision; SIMPLE IRA with 3% match; paid vacation; professional development support
- Modern Tools — Access to advanced equipment and software
- Collaborative Culture — Direct access to executive leadership in a flat, low-ego environment
- Long-Term Stability — Join a firm with decades of success in a high-demand, growing market
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief note of interest here on ZipRecruiter. All inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality.
This is a unique opportunity to take full ownership of a growing survey function and play a key role in shaping its future within a highly desirable coastal region.
We understand that every career move and hiring decision carries real impact. That’s why we handle every search with the highest level of confidentiality and care—whether you’re building your team or advancing your career.
Let’s move forward—together.
Salary : $125,000 - $140,000