Geodesist

Westwood-Professional-Services; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwood Professional Services is seeking a Geodesist to develop and maintain survey control standards for aerial mapping projects. You will work within the Remote Sensing and Survey teams to plan control that ensures survey-grade accuracy across projects, applying advanced GNSS theory and geodetic methods.

The role emphasizes processing GNSS networks, validating datums and projections, and coordinating with field crews to ensure precise control data and thorough documentation for clients.

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of GNSS theory, processing, reporting and planning.
• Thorough understanding of remote sensing acquisition and processing.
• Strong geodesy and geospatial science foundation; apply high-level knowledge.
• Detailed knowledge of coordinate systems, datums, projections, and underlying theory.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain survey control standards and best practices for aerial mapping projects.
• Create control plans and layouts for large and small aerial mapping projects.
• Develop scope and fee for applicable work and oversee its execution.
• Process GNSS control networks in Trimble Business Center.
• Establish and validate datums, coordinate systems, and projections for project control.
• Perform GNSS network adjustments and quality control checks.

Skills

GNSS theory

Coordinate systems

Statistical analysis

Trimble Business Center

Geodesy fundamentals

Communication

Project planning

Data accuracy

Education

BSc in geomatics/surveying/geodesy

Tools

Trimble Business Center

GNSS processing tools

Job description

Description

The Geodesist is responsible for developing and maintaining survey control standards, control plans, and layouts for

aerial mapping projects of all sizes, and for developing scope and fee for applicable work and overseeing its execution.

This role processes GNSS control networks in Trimble Business Center, applying extremely detailed knowledge of

coordinate systems, datums, and projections along with Static, RTK, and VRS collection methods to ensure geodetic

accuracy and consistency across project deliverables. This is a technical role that requires strong theoretical knowledge

in addition to practical experience. Based within the Remote Sensing department, the Geodesist works closely with

Westwood's Survey department, Project Leads, and field crews to establish, plan, and report project control that

supports survey-grade accuracy for aerial mapping projects.

Requirements

Job Duties:

• Develop and maintain survey control standards and best practices for aerial mapping projects across all markets.
• Create control plans and layouts for large and small aerial mapping projects.
• Develop scope and fee for applicable work and oversee its execution through project completion.
• Process GNSS control networks in Trimble Business Center for project deliverables.
• Establish and validate horizontal and vertical datums, coordinate systems, and projections for project control.
• Perform GNSS network adjustments and quality control checks, using statistical analysis to verify positional accuracy.
• Prepare control reports summarizing methodology, adjustments, and accuracy results for project records and clients.
• Coordinate with Project Leads and field crews to plan and support project control requirements.
• Work closely with Westwood's Survey department to align control standards and methodologies across survey and remote sensing deliverables.
• Review and validate control data collected by field crews and UAS pilots for accuracy and completeness.
• Stay current on GNSS technology, geodetic standards, and industry best practices.
• Troubleshoot GNSS and control processing issues and provide technical guidance to project teams.
• Assist in the development and implementation of SOPs for control planning and GNSS processing.
• Maintain accurate records of control networks, datums, and project documentation.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Advanced understanding of GNSS theory, concepts, processing, reporting, and planning.
• Thorough understanding of remote sensing acquisition and processing.
• Strong theoretical foundation in geodesy and geospatial science, with the ability to apply higher-level technical knowledge beyond practical field procedures.
• Extremely detailed knowledge of coordinate systems, datums, and projections, including the underlying theory.
• Strong understanding of statistics and probability as applied to GNSS network adjustment, error analysis, and accuracy assessment.
• Proficiency in Trimble Business Center for GNSS control network processing.
• Experience developing control plans and layouts for aerial mapping projects.
• Experience with Static, RTK, and VRS GNSS collection methods.
• 3+ years of experience in geodesy, surveying, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in geomatics, surveying, geodesy, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license or progress toward licensure.
• ASPRS Certification or other industry-recognized credential.
• Experience with LiDAR and aerial mapping project control.
• Familiarity with multiple market verticals served by Westwood, including power delivery, renewables, DOT, and civil.

Note: This job description is a general outline of the key responsibilities and qualifications of a Geodesist. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change based on the specific needs of the organization and projects.

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.

Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision.

We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

Join us in creating a better world.

In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR’s Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.

Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.