Survey Manager

Job Title: Survey Manager
Job Description
This Survey Manager role sits within a multidisciplinary land development firm and focuses on leading field survey operations, coordinating closely with clients, contractors, and internal project managers. You will manage all field survey personnel, oversee field crew schedules, and ensure that survey work meets project goals, quality standards, and safety requirements. The position offers the opportunity to drive efficiency through training and adoption of modern survey technologies while contributing to a wide range of public and private sector land development projects.
Responsibilities

• Communicate daily with clients, contractors, and internal project managers to understand project needs, clarify survey requirements, and provide status updates.
• Manage all field survey personnel, including assigning work, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development.
• Provide direct oversight of field crews to ensure survey work meets project goals, technical requirements, and schedule commitments.
• Maintain and adjust field crew schedules, adapting quickly to project changes and field conditions while optimizing resource allocation.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality control and quality assurance protocols for all survey deliverables.
• Oversee and support the use of modern robotic survey equipment, laser scanners, and GPS tools, ensuring teams apply appropriate methods and best practices.
• Lead efforts to improve efficiency through training, process improvements, and adoption of newer technology and tools.
• Perform project management duties for selected field survey projects and construction stakeout projects, including planning, coordination, and tracking progress.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Field Coordinator to ensure field surveying supplies are adequately stocked and available.
• Work with the Assistant Field Coordinator to ensure the vehicle fleet and field surveying equipment remain in good working condition and are properly maintained.
• Conduct or coordinate weekly safety meetings for all field personnel and reinforce a strong safety culture in all field operations.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and presentations, including scope definition, estimating, and technical input related to survey services.
• Coordinate closely with office survey staff and other project managers to align field work with office production and project schedules.
• Work with project engineers and project managers to respond to field work requests, clarify survey needs, and support engineering and construction activities.
• Support the preparation and review of survey-related documentation, drawings, and reports to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Essential Skills

• 7-10+ years of land surveying experience, with a strong focus on office-based work and a plus for having a mix of office and field experience.
• Proven experience providing oversight and direction to field survey crews.
• Working knowledge of field survey data collection for topographical mapping, horizontal and vertical control surveys, right-of-way surveys, topographic surveys, and utility locations.
• Experience performing traverse and boundary/retracement surveys, ALTA surveys, as-builts, and construction staking/layout.
• Hands-on experience with boundary and topographic surveys, transportation surveys, construction stakeouts, and utility as-builts.
• Proficiency with survey CAD workflows and software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and Carlson.
• Familiarity with modern robotic survey equipment, laser scanners, and GPS tools used in land surveying.
• Ability to maintain and adjust field crew schedules and respond quickly to changing project priorities.
• Strong understanding of quality control and quality assurance practices in surveying and mapping.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with clients, contractors, survey staff, engineers, and project managers.
• LSIT and/or Licensed Surveyor (LS) credential, or the ability and intent to obtain a surveying license.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in civil land development projects, including commercial and stormwater-related work.
• Familiarity with land development processes for mixed-use campuses, data centers, residential subdivisions, multi-family developments, retail, and industrial projects.
• Experience supporting or working on projects for municipal, state, federal, and private sector clients.
• Ability to contribute to proposal development and client presentations.
• Interest in mentoring and training field staff on new technologies and best practices.
• Commitment to continuous learning, including participation in continuing education and training opportunities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing documentation, schedules, and project records.

Work Environment
The role is based in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that includes civil engineers, landscape architects, planners, security consultants, and surveyors working together on a wide variety of projects. The office houses approximately 80 professionals and emphasizes a fun, supportive workplace where individual career goals are valued as highly as corporate objectives. The organization is not structured as a high-pressure or "sweat shop" environment and takes work-life balance very seriously. Survey teams regularly use modern technologies such as robotic survey equipment, laser scanners, GPS tools, and software including AutoCAD Civil 3D and Carlson. The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; a 401(k) plan; continuing education incentives; training opportunities; and numerous paths for career advancement. Dress and conduct are professional and aligned with a consulting environment, with field staff using appropriate safety and protective gear when on-site.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Chantilly, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $200000.00/yr.
Tuition Reimbursement Yearly Performance bonuses (based on company and individual performance) Health, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Competitive vacation and holiday schedule
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chantilly,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


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