Lead Surveyor / Survey Department Head

Spotlock; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Paid holidays and PTO

Flexible and hybrid working

Professional development, licensing

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Spotlock in Atlanta, GA is seeking an experienced Licensed Professional Land Surveyor to lead our surveying operations as a department head. The role combines project leadership, client development, and team mentoring to shape the future of our surveying practice.

You will oversee field and office teams, manage budgets and schedules, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and collaborate with engineering colleagues on multidisciplinary projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, or a related discipline.
• Active Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in Georgia.
• 10+ years of professional land surveying experience with leadership/supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee surveying operations, including project management, personnel coordination, and resource allocation.
• Manage surveying projects from planning through delivery, ensuring quality, profitability, and schedules/budgets.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for surveyors and field personnel.
• Oversee field and office operations to ensure accurate data collection and survey deliverables.
• Review and certify survey plans, plats, and descriptions in line with state regulations.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, QC procedures, and best practices across surveying operations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients and industry partners.
• Participate in proposal development, project budgeting, and business development initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and expand services.
• Collaborate with leadership for multidisciplinary projects and organizational objectives.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Client relations

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Surveying/Geomatics

Tools

GIS platforms

Surveying software

Data collection technologies

Job description

Lead Surveyor / Survey Department Head

Location: Atlanta, GA

Salary Range: $120,000-$170,000 annually, depending on experience.

Lead a Team. Shape Surveying Operations. Build for the Future.

We are seeking an experienced Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) to lead our surveying operations in a key department leadership role. This is an opportunity for an established surveying professional who enjoys leading people, managing projects, developing client relationships, and helping shape the direction of a growing surveying practice.

The successful candidate will oversee surveying personnel and project operations while working collaboratively with professionals across multiple engineering disciplines. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of surveying initiatives, mentor and develop team members, and contribute to the continued growth of our surveying services.

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical surveying expertise with proven leadership and business management capabilities. The ideal candidate is comfortable balancing project oversight, personnel management, client engagement, and business development while maintaining high standards of quality and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee surveying operations, including project management, personnel coordination, and resource allocation.
• Manage surveying projects from initial planning through final delivery, ensuring quality, profitability, and adherence to project schedules and budgets.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for surveyors, technicians, and field personnel.
• Oversee field and office operations to ensure accurate data collection, processing, and preparation of survey deliverables.
• Review and certify survey plans, plats, legal descriptions, and related documentation in accordance with applicable state regulations.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, quality control procedures, and best practices across surveying operations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, engineering professionals, contractors, and other industry partners.
• Participate in proposal development, project budgeting, and business development initiatives to support continued growth.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, expand service capabilities, and strengthen the surveying department.
• Collaborate with leadership and other department heads to support multidisciplinary projects and organizational objectives.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, or a related discipline.
• Active Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in Georgia.
• 10+ years of professional land surveying experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Strong technical knowledge of land surveying principles, practices, and applicable regulations.
• Experience managing surveying projects, budgets, schedules, and personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop surveying professionals.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Business-minded approach with an understanding of project profitability, resource management, and business development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GIS platforms, surveying software, and modern data collection technologies.
• Experience leading a surveying department or managing multiple surveying teams.
• Background managing large-scale or multidisciplinary surveying projects.
• Familiarity with local zoning requirements, land development regulations, and permitting processes.
• Project management certification or equivalent project management experience.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package along with a comprehensive benefits program, including:

• $120,000-$170,000 annual base salary, depending on experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Voluntary life insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Paid holidays and competitive paid time off.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Professional development, continuing education, and licensing support.
• Opportunities for career advancement and expanded leadership responsibilities.

Why Join Our Team?

Leadership & Influence: Take on a meaningful leadership role with the opportunity to shape surveying operations, develop talented professionals, and influence the future direction of the department.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside experienced professionals across engineering, architecture, and consulting disciplines, contributing to a diverse range of projects and technical capabilities.

Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible, hybrid working environment designed to support productivity, professional growth, and work-life balance.

Professional Growth: Access opportunities for continued education, professional licensing, and career advancement within an established organization.

Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values transparency, creativity, accountability, and shared success.

We are committed to delivering high-quality professional services while creating an environment where our employees can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.