Senior Geospatial Surveyor – Rail & Highways

Gsa UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Plowman Craven is seeking a Senior Geospatial Surveyor to lead infrastructure surveys from our Harpenden office. You will plan and deliver surveys, manage field teams and work with clients to ensure accurate outputs.

The role requires substantial experience, a surveying qualification, and strong GNSS/total station skills. You’ll travel nationwide, occasional night work, and receive training and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Typically 5+ years’ surveying experience, delivering surveys independently.
• A qualification in surveying, geomatics or civil engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong practical skills in control traverses, levelling, total station and GNSS.
• CSCS card required; PTS and LU-WSSI desirable, with company-supported training available.

Responsibilities

• Planning allocated surveys with the Lead Surveyor and Project Manager, reviewing scope and programme, and selecting appropriate methods and equipment.
• Leading complex field surveys across rail, highways and infrastructure projects, briefing and supervising site teams.
• Establishing and verifying survey control, levelling and GNSS networks, and confirming coordinates and datums.
• Ensuring technical quality: checking field data, processing and deliverables against specifications and tolerances.
• Coordinating fieldwork, processing and data handover so records are complete, traceable and securely stored.
• Contributing to method statements and risk assessments, escalating unsafe conditions.
• Coaching and mentoring surveyors and junior staff, reviewing their work and sharing knowledge.
• Working nationwide with night shifts and occasional travel; weekend shifts may be available.

Skills

Geospatial surveying

Team leadership

Survey planning

Client liaison

Education

Surveying/Geomatics/Civil engineering qualification

Tools

N4ce

Cyclone

AutoCAD

Laser scanning

Amberg

Job description

Job Description

Introduction

As one of the largest measurement survey companies in the UK, Plowman Craven provides a range of services to the property, rail and infrastructure markets. Our innovation, dynamic approach and commitment to delivering a flawless service is achieved by investing in and empowering our employees to push boundaries and reach new heights. Regardless of the size or complexity of a project, our clients trust us to provide a service that goes beyond their expectations.

Role Overview

We are seeking a talented and motivated Senior Geospatial Surveyor to join our Infrastructure Division, supporting rail, highways and wider infrastructure projects nationwide from our Harpenden office. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced surveyor who is ready to take technical ownership of surveys and lead teams on site.

You will be responsible for planning and leading allocated surveys, from control and data capture through to quality-checked deliverables, using total stations, GNSS, laser scanning, UAS (drones) and Amberg track trolleys. Working closely with the Lead Surveyor, Project Managers, processing teams and clients, you will play a key role in delivering accurate, safe and reliable survey outputs while continuing to develop your career within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Planning allocated surveys with the Lead Surveyor and Project Manager, reviewing scope, accuracy requirements, access constraints and programme, and selecting the right methods and equipment
• Leading complex field surveys across rail, highways and infrastructure projects, briefing and supervising site teams
• Establishing, observing and verifying survey control, levelling and GNSS networks, and confirming coordinate systems and datums
• Taking responsibility for technical quality: checking field data, processing and deliverables against specification and tolerances before issue
• Coordinating fieldwork, processing and data handover so records are complete, traceable and securely stored
• Contributing to method statements and risk assessments, and stopping or escalating work where conditions are unsafe
• Coaching and mentoring surveyors and junior staff, reviewing their work and sharing technical knowledge
• Working nationwide, with night work and/or working away from home for around 50% of the month; weekend shifts are generally available

What We’re Looking For

• Typically 5+ years’ surveying experience, delivering surveys independently and leading site teams on infrastructure or civil engineering projects (rail and highways experience advantageous)
• A qualification in surveying, geomatics or civil engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong practical skills in control traverses, precise levelling, total station and GNSS, with a sound grasp of accuracy, coordinate systems and datums
• Experience supervising and mentoring survey staff, with sound technical judgement
• Confident with survey processing and CAD software; n4ce, Cyclone, AutoCAD, laser scanning or Amberg experience advantageous
• Clear communicator who can brief teams and explain technical issues to clients
• Full UK manual driving licence (company vehicles available)
• CSCS card required; PTS and LU-WSSI desirable, with company-supported training available

Plowman Craven is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.