Survey Group Leader - California

RPMGlobal; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in California is seeking a Survey Manager to lead their Survey and Geomatics group. This role includes team leadership, project oversight, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of land surveying experience and is a licensed Professional Land Surveyor. The position offers a salary range of $130,000 – $160,000 and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid Time Off (PTO) and 8 Paid Holidays

Support for continuing education and training

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in the land surveying field.
• Proven track record in staff supervision, project delivery, and client relationship building.
• Familiarity with CALTRANS standards and processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing survey team and manage performance reviews.
• Guide technical project execution and ensure client expectations are met.
• Align staff resources with business goals and project demand.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Technical Proficiency

Client Relationship Building

Education

Licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)

Job description

Survey Manager – California Region

Location Options: Los Angeles, CA; Santa Clarita, CA.
Salary Range:$130,000 – $160,000 (commensurate with experience and location)
Schedule:Full-time

David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA) is searching for a Survey Manager to lead our Survey and Geomatics group in California. This is more than a management role. It's a leadership opportunity to build culture, champion technical excellence, and ensure that the next generation of surveyors carries our profession forward with integrity, innovation, and collaboration at the core.

About the Role

As Survey Manager (internal title: Group Leader), you’ll lead a team of talented professionals who support projects ranging from infrastructure and transportation to land development and environmental services. Your work will balance strategic oversight, team leadership, and hands-on project support.

You’ll work closely with DEA’s California Delivery Leader and regional practice leaders, ensuring smooth operations while nurturing a culture of learning, accountability, and excellence. This is a hybrid technical and leadership position with real influence and real impact.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, retain, mentor, and manage a high-performing survey team.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines and promote professional development.
• Manage performance reviews, workload balancing, and team utilization.

Project Oversight

• Guide technical project execution and ensure client expectations are met or exceeded.
• Review project scopes, schedules, and cost proposals.
• Step in as project manager or task lead when needed.

Operational Excellence

• Align staff resources with business goals and project demand.
• Implement DEA and Geomatics internal processes, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Support integration of new technologies and continuous improvement.

Client & Business Development

• Understand and implement client standards, especially public sector clients like CALTRANS.
• Help identify and pursue new business opportunities and expand DEA’s footprint in the region.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in any U.S. state (California strongly preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive experience in the land surveying field
• Proven track record in staff supervision, project delivery, and client relationship building
• Familiarity with CALTRANS standards and processes is a plus
• Ability to lead with clarity, empathy, and strategic thinking

Why DEA?

We are more than a consulting firm, we are a community of engineers, surveyors, planners, and scientists who believe in improving the quality of life through thoughtful design and lasting partnerships. Our Survey and Geomatics team is known for combining time-tested principles with cutting-edge tools to provide high-impact services across the western U.S.

From traditional boundary work to mobile 3D laser scanning and hydrographic surveys, DEA surveyors are trusted to chart what others can’t see, and we’re looking for someone to lead that charge in California.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and 8 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Support for continuing education and training
• Holistic Wellbeing Program with a focus on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Opportunity for growth, with structured mentoring and development support
• Anticipated Salary Range: $130,000 – $160,000
  • The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Ready to Lead the Way?

If you’re passionate about advancing the survey profession and excited to make your mark in California, we want to hear from you.

DEA is proud to be an EEO employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, such as race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Potential Office Locations Include: Los Angeles, CA or Santa Clarita, CA.