Hydrographic Party Chief

Prudent Engineering; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company match

PTO and holidays

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Prudent Engineering is seeking a Hydrographic Party Chief to lead survey teams across Buffalo, Syracuse, or Staten Island offices in New York. You will oversee data QA/QC, equipment setup, data processing, and final deliverables while ensuring safety and efficiency in hydrographic mapping projects.

The role requires 3+ years in Survey/Geophysical fields, familiarity with HYPACK/HYSWEEP, R2Sonic multibeam, and side-scan systems, plus a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Experience in hydrographic surveying and data collection workflows.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead a survey team and coordinate with project personnel.

Responsibilities

• Lead a survey team to collect hydrographic data with QA/QC checks.
• Assist with project proposals and reporting tasks as needed.
• Coordinate survey plans and troubleshoot issues to keep schedules on track.

Skills

Hydrographic surveying

Team leadership

Communication skills

Tools

HYPACK/HYSWEEP

R2Sonic multibeam

Edgetech sub-bottom

MicroStation CAD

Job description

About the Firm:

Our mission: Transforming infrastructure for the next generation with passion and kindness.

We provide quality, cost-effective engineering services to state and local governments and private-sector clients across New York State and Pennsylvania. Our project portfolio features experience in bridge, highway, and structural design; condition and safety inspection; civil and site engineering support; construction inspection and administration; survey and mapping; and hydrographic services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Prudent Engineering is seeking a highly motivated Hydrographic Party Chief to work out of our Buffalo, Syracuse, or Staten Island, New York office s. In this role, you will lead a team of surveyors, ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality collection of hydrographic data.

As a Hydrographer, your duties will include data QA/QC, equipment setup/calibration, trouble shooting, data acquisition, data processing, equipment maintenance, and production of final deliverables/reports.

What you'll be able to do:

• Participate in the bathymetric survey project from assignment to completion
• Assist with project proposal and reporting tasks as needed
• Communicate with applicable personnel regarding the status of the survey, update survey plans, troubleshoot and resolve issues, to ensure schedules are maintained

The minimum requirements we seek:

• 3 or more years of experience preferred in the Survey or Geophysical industry
• 3 or more years of experience preferred with HYPACK/HYSWEEP
• Knowledge of basic geodesy and understanding of datums
• Familiarity with R2Sonic multibeam systems and Edgetech sub-bottom profiling and side-scan sonar systems
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Work well in a team environment
• Experience with trailering and operating a survey vessel
• Interest and passion for new technology applications for hydrographic mapping
• Maintain a valid driver's license

Our preferred qualifications:

• NSPS-THSOA Certified Hydrographer or interest in pursuing certification
• Experience using uncrewed surface vehicles or other autonomous systems for survey operations
• Experience with MicroStation and/or other CAD software

What you'll receive in return:

• A base salary of $60,000 to $85,000. *
• Medical, dental, vision.
• 401K with company match.
• PTO plus paid holidays.
• Unlimited opportunities to advance your career.

Prudent Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

*Actual compensation may vary based on work experience, location, market conditions, education/training, certifications, and other credentials, as well as applicable knowledge and skills.