Survey Party Chief – UAS / Drone Technology

RETTEW; Akron, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

Training programs

Job summary

RETTEW is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field survey operations and expand into UAS/drone technology. You will independently guide field crews, operate modern survey equipment, and deliver accurate data to project teams across multiple sites.

This role emphasizes growth into drone surveying capabilities, with opportunities to develop aerial data collection workflows and advanced geospatial processes within a Field-Based / Hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Professional field-survey experience with independently performing assignments.
• Experience leading or directing field crews.
• Hands-on experience with GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, and data collectors.
• Ability to review field data for errors and read project plans.
• Interest in learning UAS/drone surveying capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead field survey operations for boundary, topographic, construction, and control surveys.
• Plan and execute field assignments; ensure data quality and accuracy.
• Operate GPS/GNSS, total stations, and data collectors; maintain field notes.
• Coordinate with project managers, CAD engineers, and survey staff.
• Mentor survey crew members and support equipment calibration.
• Develop drone and geospatial workflows as needed.

Skills

Field-survey leadership

Crew supervision

GPS/GNSS operation

Total stations handling

Electronic data collectors

Field problem solving

Team communication

UAS/drone interest

Travel to regional sites

Tools

GPS/GNSS equipment

Total stations

Electronic data collectors

Job description

Description

The Opportunity

RETTEW is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field survey operations while having the opportunity to expand into UAS/drone technology and aerial data collection.

We're looking first for a strong survey professional: someone who can independently lead a field crew, operate modern survey equipment, solve problems in the field, and consistently deliver accurate data to project teams.

Already have an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or professional UAS experience? Great. If not, we're interested in experienced Party Chiefs who want to develop those capabilities and incorporate drone technology into their surveying career.

Work Environment

Workplace Designation: Field-Based / Hybrid

Locations: Williamsport, Mechanicsburg, or Pittsburgh, PA; Akron-Canton, OH; or Morgantown, WV

This position is primarily field-based and includes regional travel to project sites throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and surrounding areas. Office or remote flexibility may be available for applicable project coordination and documentation responsibilities.

What You'll Do

As a Survey Party Chief, you will independently lead field survey operations supporting land development, transportation, infrastructure, energy, environmental, and other multidisciplinary projects.

You'll plan and execute field assignments, operate survey equipment, oversee data collection and quality, communicate with project managers and office teams, and provide direction to survey crew members.

You'll also have opportunities to develop or expand your capabilities with UAS/drone technology, aerial data collection, and modern geospatial workflows.

As a Party Chief in this position, you will:

• Lead survey crews performing boundary, topographic, construction, control, and other field surveys.
• Plan and independently execute field survey assignments in accordance with project requirements.
• Operate GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, electronic data collectors, and related survey technology.
• Establish and verify survey control and collect accurate field data.
• Review field information for accuracy, completeness, and consistency before delivery to office teams.
• Maintain clear and accurate field notes, records, sketches, and electronic data.
• Interpret project plans, survey information, and field instructions to complete assignments.
• Identify and troubleshoot field conditions that may affect survey accuracy, efficiency, or project delivery.
• Coordinate with Survey Project Managers, Professional Land Surveyors, CAD professionals, engineers, and other project-team members.
• Direct, train, and mentor survey crew members.
• Maintain survey equipment and support proper equipment care and calibration.
• Perform field work safely in active construction, infrastructure, and other project environments.
• Support UAS/drone field operations based on project needs and individual experience.
• Develop additional capabilities in drone operations, aerial data collection, and related geospatial technologies.

Qualifications

Required

• Professional field-survey experience with demonstrated ability to independently perform survey assignments.
• Experience leading or providing direction to survey field crews.
• Hands‑on experience with GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, and electronic data collectors.
• Professional experience performing field surveys such as boundary, topographic, construction, control, or similar survey work.
• Ability to review field data and identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information.
• Ability to read and interpret project plans and survey-related information.
• Strong field problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with project managers, office teams, and field personnel.
• Interest in learning or expanding professional UAS/drone surveying capabilities.
• Ability to perform outdoor field work in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to travel regionally based on project needs.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate company vehicles as required.

Additional Experience We Value

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Professional UAS/drone flight experience.
• Aerial mapping or photogrammetry experience.
• Drone-based survey data collection.
• Point-cloud or other geospatial-data experience.
• Experience with boundary, ALTA/NSPS, topographic, construction, and control surveys.
• Experience training or mentoring developing survey professionals.
• Survey Technician certification or progress toward professional survey licensure.

Previous professional drone or aerial-mapping experience is not required. RETTEW is interested in experienced survey professionals who want to expand their skills into UAS technology.

Safety & Compliance Requirements

This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires successful completion of applicable pre-employment screenings as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities include operating company-owned vehicles and performing field-based work in active construction, infrastructure, and other project environments. Continued compliance with RETTEW's safety policies, client requirements, and applicable regulatory standards is required throughout employment.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving employees a stake in RETTEW's long-term success.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities to expand traditional surveying expertise into UAS/drone and geospatial technologies.
• Access to modern survey equipment and technology.
• Professional development and technical training.
• Opportunities to mentor developing survey professionals and grow into broader technical or project leadership.
• Exposure to transportation, land development, energy, environmental, infrastructure, and multidisciplinary projects.
• A collaborative, employee-owned culture focused on technical quality, safety, and professional growth.

About RETTEW

RETTEW is a 100% employee-owned engineering and consulting firm providing multidisciplinary services across transportation, land development, water and wastewater, environmental and geotechnology, energy, surveying, and facilities and construction.

Our culture is grounded in our core values — Act Like an Owner, Value Relationships, and Exemplify Excellence. Our employee-owners collaborate across disciplines to solve complex challenges, deliver meaningful results for clients, and build rewarding careers.

RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

#LI-Hybrid

Requirements

Requirements listed above