Survey Project Manager / Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)

Gilder Search Group; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is representing a well‑established engineering and surveying firm seeking a Survey Project Manager / Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) to lead Newark, DE projects. You will manage survey projects from proposal through delivery, coordinate field crews, ensure technical quality, and nurture client relationships with a focus on growth.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of surveying experience, a Delaware PLS license or near‑licensure, and proficiency with boundary, topographic,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Surveying or related field preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in land surveying.
• Delaware Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license OR actively on track to obtain Delaware licensure within 12 months.
• Strong background in boundary, topographic, and construction surveying.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to perform occasional field work.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee survey and survey‑mapping projects with responsibility for quality, safety, schedules, and profitability.
• Prepare cost estimates, scopes of work, and project plans for survey assignments.
• Coordinate and schedule field crews to meet project deadlines.
• Perform or oversee boundary, ALTA/NSPS land title, topographic, and construction layout surveys.
• Review survey data, plans, plats, and deliverables for technical accuracy.
• Support engineering teams with survey services as part of integrated projects.
• Maintain and grow client relationships; participate in business development efforts.
• Assist with strategic initiatives to expand the surveying practice in the local market.
• Perform field work on an as‑needed basis.
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Project management

Client interaction

Leadership

Mentoring

Team coordination

Education

Degree in Surveying

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

GPS/GNSS

Leica equipment

MicroStation

Bentley OpenRoads

GIS

Job description

Survey Project Manager / Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) – Newark, DE

About the Opportunity

We are representing a well-established, multidisciplinary engineering and surveying firm with more than 50 years of experience supporting land development, infrastructure, and public-sector projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The firm is known for combining strong technical fundamentals with modern surveying technology and a forward-thinking approach to project delivery.

They are seeking an experienced Survey Project Manager / Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) to play a key leadership role within their Newark, DE office. This position is ideal for a licensed (or near-licensed) survey professional who enjoys a mix of project management, client interaction, and occasional hands-on field involvement.

Role Overview

The Survey Project Manager / Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) will work closely with the Survey Division Manager and be responsible for managing survey projects from proposal through delivery. This individual will help coordinate field crews, oversee technical quality, manage schedules and budgets, and contribute to the growth of the surveying practice in the local market.

This is a true project leadership role, not a purely field or production position.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee survey and survey‑mapping projects with responsibility for quality, safety, schedules, and profitability
• Prepare cost estimates, scopes of work, and project plans for survey assignments
• Coordinate and schedule field crews to meet project deadlines
• Perform or oversee boundary, ALTA/NSPS land title, topographic, and construction layout surveys
• Review survey data, plans, plats, and deliverables for technical accuracy
• Support engineering teams with survey services as part of integrated projects
• Maintain and grow client relationships; participate in business development efforts
• Assist with strategic initiatives to expand the surveying practice in the local market
• Perform field work on an as‑needed basis
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Surveying or related field preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive experience in land surveying
• Delaware Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license OR actively on track to obtain Delaware licensure within 12 months
• Strong background in boundary, topographic, and construction surveying
• Valid driver’s license and ability to perform occasional field work

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior project management or supervisory experience
• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in additional states
• Experience with modern survey technologies and workflows
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and survey data processing
• Hands‑on experience with robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS, and Leica equipment
• Exposure to MicroStation, Bentley OpenRoads, GIS, or high‑definition laser scanning is a plus
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time‑management skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams

Why This Role Stands Out

• Long‑term stability with a respected, established firm
• Leadership role with real influence over projects and operations
• Opportunity to help shape and grow the local surveying practice
• Diverse project types across public and private sectors
• Supportive environment with access to modern technology and resources
• Clear path for continued professional growth and advancement