Senior Professional Land Surveyor (Illinois License)

Job Description

Job Description

Summary/Objective: Chicago-area licensed surveyor (PLS) responsible for planning and producing project deliverables for assigned projects in accordance with company standards, municipal/jurisdictional requirements, survey standards, and client requirements. Demonstrates advanced proficiency using computer assisted engineering and design software to translate data into functional designs for projects varying in size and complexity. Implements and executes Quality Control/Quality Assurance practices. Effectively manages assigned projects and provides technical support to office and field crews, clients, and project teams. Leads coordination of multidisciplinary teams, clients, and agencies to meet project requirements.

Essential Functions

• Actively contribute to the proposal development and interviews for a range of project sizes and types 
• Supervise schedules and workloads of assigned survey technicians and field crews, mediate conflicts, and make independent decisions in the best interest of the company and client
• Provide technical direction to office and field crews, clients, and project teams members
• Contribute to business development and other strategic growth efforts; actively participate in industry, networking, and professional organizations events and activities 
• Review and execute project agreements with guidance from department management 
• Effectively collaborate and coordinate with various team members, disciplines, agencies, and clients to meet project requirements; ensure all project tasks are completed on time and within budget
• Utilize computer-assisted design software and equipment for a variety of projects ranging in size, scope, and complexity in accordance with company standards and project specifications
• Conduct research of recorded documents and deeds
• In partnership with department management, establish, maintain, and monitor Quality Control/Quality Assurance processes for the department 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new and alternate technologies to improve the department and services offered to clients
• Monitor budget hours and schedule for assigned projects/tasks and proactively address issues 
• Prepare calculations and drafting estimates for proposed projects
• Train and resolve complex operating tasks or drawing project production issues
• Engage with clients to clarify project requirements and ensure high-quality deliverables 
• Promote TERRA through professional associations, committees, and business associations
• Represent the company and its clients at various public meetings as assigned 
• Provide technical direction to less experienced survey technicians and field crews
• Maintain trusted relationships with clients, multidisciplinary team members, vendors, and authorities having jurisdiction
• Ensure compliance with all TERRA standards and guidelines 
• Perform other duties as required

Education/Experience  

• B.S. in surveying or related field
• 12+ years of applicable experience
• Illinois Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) License required
• May require a valid driver's license for periodic field work or site visits

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong level of engagement and relationship building with internal and external clients and stakeholders
• Effectively networks and promotes the firm through various client and industry events 
• Highly proficient with topographic and boundary surveys, ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, subdivisions, easement, and vacation plats
• Advanced knowledge of computer-aided design software and other PC software packages typically associated with engineering 
• Strong proficiency in general documentation software such as Microsoft Suite, Bluebeam, PowerPoint, etc.
• Advanced understanding of land surveying principles and instruments
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills 
• Experience managing large and complex projects, effectively leveraging experience and skills to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget
• Highly effective presentation and leadership skills 
• Effectively conveys information through verbal and written communication and can influence decisions and people without direct authority
• Effectively maintains office and field health & safety requirements and protocols
• Maintains a work schedule conducive to team collaboration and project-specific requirements

Physical Requirements

• Involves sitting a considerable amount of the time
• May exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force to move objects
• Occasionally lifts and carries up to 25 pounds
• Considerable time is spent at a work station using a computer and using various forms of communication (telephone, email, messaging, etc.)
• Any field work assignments will require exposure to outside weather conditions and various environmental conditions depending on the site
• Physical activities include walking and occasional stooping and crouching

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties and/or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.

Please note that sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this position.

About TERRA Engineering

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. was founded by Karen Steingraber and Jamil Bou-Saab in 1992, beginning their journey building strong relationships with clients. In 2000, Senior Vice President George Ghareeb joined the team and began overseeing operations in a then-newly opened office in Peoria, Illinois. Since then, TERRA has continued expanding our reach to broaden our markets and serve additional communities, adding offices in St. Louis (2011), Milwaukee (2013), and Bolingbrook, Illinois (2025).

We are proud of our 115+ employees who contribute their talent and skills to TERRA’s success. As we continue to grow, we maintain a strong focus on the development of our team members through mentorship, collaboration, and the continual refining of our collective body of knowledge. At TERRA Engineering, our mission of enhancing communities starts from within.

TERRA Provides:

• Competitive compensation packages including sign-on bonus, annual bonus program, paid holidays and paid time off
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Retirement plan options with safe harbor match and profit sharing
• Hybrid/Flexible work arrangements for most positions
• A warm culture that is conducive to growth and professional development
• And more!

In accordance with local law, the estimated salary range is applicable to the position and location associated with this posting. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

The employment policy of TERRA Engineering, Ltd.  is to provide equal opportunity to all persons. Our company, therefore, has made a commitment to equal employment opportunity through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes.

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. will recruit, hire, train and promote qualified individuals in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. TERRA Engineering, Ltd.  does not discriminate on the basis of national origin or citizenship status as provided under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Notice to Third Party Agencies

TERRA does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to TERRA in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where TERRA has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of TERRA and TERRA will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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