Professional Land Surveyor

Recruiting Solutions LLC; Spearfish (SD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A confidential engineering and surveying organization seeks a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) to lead survey operations for civil engineering and land development projects. This role requires technical expertise and experience managing complex surveys while ensuring compliance with regulations. The candidate will supervise survey teams, plan projects, and utilize advanced survey technologies. The ideal applicant has 4–6 years of experience with a strong understanding of survey software and instruments. Competitive compensation and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in land surveying, preferably in civil or land development.
• Strong proficiency with modern survey instruments.
• Solid understanding of ALTA/NSPS standards and boundary law.

Responsibilities

• Lead survey operations for civil engineering and land development projects.
• Plan and manage land surveying projects from scoping to deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and professional standards.

Skills

Technical judgment

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Surveying or related discipline

Active Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Trimble Business Center

Robotic total stations

GPS/GNSS systems

Drones

Job description

Position Overview

A confidential engineering and surveying organization is seeking a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) to lead survey operations supporting civil engineering and land development projects. This role combines technical expertise, project oversight, and leadership, overseeing both field and office survey functions while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and professional standards.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical judgment, experience managing complex surveys, and the ability to mentor and guide survey teams.

Leadership & Oversight

• Provide supervision, direction, and technical guidance to Survey Party Chiefs and Survey Technicians

• Support team development through coaching, training, and performance feedback

Core Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute land surveying projects from initial scoping through final deliverables

• Direct advanced survey work including boundary resolution, topographic surveys, and ALTA/NSPS surveys

• Process and analyze survey data using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Trimble Business Center

• Prepare, review, and certify plats, maps, exhibits, and legal descriptions for accuracy and compliance

• Ensure all work adheres to applicable state statutes, local regulations, and professional surveying standards

• Coordinate closely with engineers, designers, and project managers to integrate survey data into project designs

• Prepare, sign, and seal legal survey documents as a licensed professional

• Stay current with evolving survey technologies (e.g., GPS advancements, LiDAR, UAV/drone surveying) and recommend process improvements

• Provide technical input during project meetings, client discussions, and regulatory coordination

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Surveying, Geomatics, or a related discipline (Bachelor’s degree preferred)

• Active Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license

• 4–6 years of progressive experience in land surveying, preferably supporting civil or land development projects

• Strong proficiency with modern survey instruments (robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS systems, drones)

• Advanced knowledge of survey software including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Trimble Business Center

• Solid understanding of ALTA/NSPS standards, boundary law, and legal survey documentation

• Proven ability to manage projects, prioritize workloads, and lead technical teams

• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to perform fieldwork involving walking, climbing, and navigating uneven terrain

• Capable of lifting and carrying equipment up to 50 pounds

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions

• Adequate vision and hearing to safely operate equipment and interpret measurements

• Ability to work with standard office technology and surveying software

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites as required

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.