Director of land surveying or senior crew chief

The Newport Group - Executive Recruiters; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Newport Group - Executive Recruiters client seeks a Director of Land Surveying to lead the surveying division for large-scale master-planned communities and commercial developments in Phoenix, AZ.

The role blends high-level project management with hands-on field work as a Lead Crew Chief when needed. You will mentor a small crew, establish SOPs, ensure accuracy, and collaborate with civil engineers and authorities on boundary, ALTA/NSPS, and plat preparations.

Qualifications

• PLS license in Arizona preferred or obtainable via reciprocity.
• 10+ years of progressive land surveying experience.
• 2–3 years of supervisory/management experience.
• Experience with large master-planned developments.

Responsibilities

• Direct and mentor field Crew Chiefs and survey technicians.
• Lead boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and construction staking surveys.
• Collaborate with civil engineers, architects, and authorities.
• Oversee final plats, legal descriptions, easements, and boundary adjustments.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team management

Field operations

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

Survey software

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Professional Land Surveyor License

Tools

GPS/GNSS

Total Stations

3D Laser Scanners

Leica Captivate

Trimble Access

Job description

Our client is a long-established master-planned community builder. This role is part of the larger Engineering team.

Role Overview

We seek a dynamic, hands‑on Director of Land Surveying to lead our surveying division. In this dual‑capacity role, you will oversee the surveying strategy for large‑scale master‑planned residential communities and commercial developments while managing a small team of Crew Chiefs. You will split your time between high‑level project management, technical QA/QC, and hands‑on field work as a Crew Chief when needed to keep projects moving efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Direct and mentor a team of field Crew Chiefs and office survey technicians.
• Schedule and assign field crews to meet aggressive development and construction timelines.
• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field safety, data collection, and equipment maintenance.

Field Operations (Hands‑On)

• Act as a Lead Crew Chief in the field, performing boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and construction staking surveys.
• Operate and troubleshoot high‑end surveying equipment (GPS/GNSS, Total Stations, 3D Laser Scanners, and UAV/Drones).
• Ensure pinpoint accuracy in monumentation and data collection for complex infrastructure layouts.

Project Management & Development Support

• Collaborate with civil engineers, architects, grading contractors, and municipal authorities.
• Oversee the preparation and signing of final plats, legal descriptions, easements, and boundary adjustments.
• Manage the survey budget, equipment procurement, and external subcontractors as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• A Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) License in Arizona is highly preferred, or the ability to obtain it through reciprocity or other means.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive land surveying experience.
• Proven track record working on large‑scale master‑planned residential communities and commercial site layouts.
• At least 2-3 years of supervisory or management experience.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and standard survey data collection software (e.g., Trimble Access, Leica Captivate).
• Deep knowledge of state and local Public Land Survey System (PLSS) laws and subdivision regulations.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be willing to work in various weather conditions and traverse rugged terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs of survey equipment.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.