Survey Project Manager

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

State retirement plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Overtime compensation

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation is seeking a Survey Project Manager to oversee survey operations and maintain statewide survey methods. A key responsibility is ensuring quality control and training for survey crews. This senior role requires a Montana PLS license and significant land surveying experience.

The position includes competitive benefits like health insurance and paid leave, and is committed to work/life balance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six years of experience, two in professional land surveying.
• Experience with full project oversight required.
• Ability to handle complex survey projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement statewide land survey methods.
• Coordinate survey reviews for quality control.
• Oversee training for field survey crews.

Skills

Advanced professional knowledge of land surveying

Knowledge of legal principles related to surveying

Skill in directing and coordinating multiple staff

Skill in using specialized surveying equipment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in land surveying or geomatics

Montana Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license

Tools

Electronic total stations

Theodolites

GPS survey equipment

Job description

Overview

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Survey Project Manager. The Survey Project Manager is a senior professional land surveyor (PLS) for the MDT’s Photogrammetry and Survey Section. This position is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining special statewide survey subprograms: developing, planning and implementing statewide land survey methods, procedures, technology and operations for the MDT; planning and performing professional survey work; coordinating survey review and approval for quality control purposes; developing and overseeing training for field survey crews; and directing and coordinating the operation and maintenance of survey equipment. The Survey Project Manager is in responsible charge of all survey work being performed under their PLS license. The position reports to the Land Survey Manager.

For a full job description, please contact Morgan Stibi at [e-mail].

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on a first day of employment

Required Application Materials

• A cover letter of no more than 2 pages addressing your experience and interest in the position.
• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
• Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as "Relevant."

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Required Education And Experience

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in land surveying or geomatics or related field
• This position requires a minimum of six years\' experience, two of which must be progressively responsible professional land survey experience including experience with full project oversight
• A Montana Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license is required
• Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Advanced professional knowledge of the concepts, principles, and developmental applications of land surveying and related mathematics
• Knowledge of legal principles, guidelines, and precedents related to surveying (e.g., Montana Subdivision and Platting Act, Sanitation in Subdivisions Act, Uniform Standards for Monumentation, etc.)
• Skill in directing, organizing, and coordinating multiple staff and complex projects
• Skill in the use of specialized surveying equipment such as electronic total stations, theodolites, engineering levels, digital levels, data collectors, CADD workstations, automated systems, GPS survey equipment, and other tools and technologies

Other Information

• The advertised salary includes the 2.5% increase passed by the 2025 MT State Legislature regarding the state pay plan effective July 1, 2026.
• This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.
• Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.
• The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division at 406.444.6054.
• The Montana Department of Transportation is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
• Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.