Assistant Survey Department Head

CBBEL Career • Rosemont, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you an experienced licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) with proven experience in all survey related projects? Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. (CBBEL) is seeking a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) to join our Survey Department as an Assistant Department Head at our company headquarters in Rosemont, IL. This is a growth-oriented role with the potential to advance to Department Head in five years. Our Rosemont office is centrally located within the Chicago metropolitan area and serves as the hub for our engineering services operations. Our Survey staff provides a full range of land surveying services, including boundary and topographic surveys, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, and the preparation of plats and legal descriptions. This role is more than technical expertise, it’s about leadership, collaboration, and driving impact. As Assistant Department Head, you’ll guide a talented team, tackle complex challenges, and shape the future of our Survey Department. If you thrive on problem-solving, mentoring others, and making a meaningful difference through innovative surveying solutions, this could be the next big step in your career. At CBBEL, our values guide everything we do: Integrity – We follow through on our promises. Excellence – We’re always learning, growing, and raising the bar. Fellowship – We support each other like a true team. Resilience – We stay steady even when challenges arise. Collaboration – We bring our best when we work together. Sound like your kind of environment? Let’s dive into the details.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) License in Illinois
• 10+ years of progressive experience in land surveying, including leadership
• Proven expertise in boundary and topographic surveys, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, and preparation of plats of highways for IDOT, Tollway, etc.
• Strong understanding of surveying principles, legal descriptions, plats, and legal requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and develop training programs aligned with department goals
• Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning for departmental operations
• Excellent client relationship management and ability to resolve issues effectively
• Proficiency in surveying technology, CAD platforms, and data management systems; familiarity with emerging tools and best practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset

Nice To Haves

• Active involvement in professional organizations and industry networking preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the department, translate company vision into actionable strategies for the Survey department, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Drive operational excellence by overseeing production standards, resource planning, and quality control for all survey deliverables, updating processes as needed.
• Manage complex survey projects.
• Provide oversight for topographic and boundary surveys, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, and IDOT and Tollway plats of highway.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client and subconsultant issues, approve project proposals and budgets, and foster long-term client relationships.
• Contribute to department budgets, forecasts, and performance reviews; support business development initiatives and identify new opportunities.
• Partner with HR to create training plans, mentor staff on advanced surveying practices and emerging technologies, and recommend hiring decisions.
• Explore new technologies including LiDAR drones, SUE, mapping, etc.
• Manage and schedule field staff daily.
• Build relationships with external experts and agencies through seminars, conferences, and professional networking.
• Promote continuous improvement and adoption of best practices to maintain accuracy and efficiency across all survey operations.

Benefits

• Clear growth opportunities in civil design technical development, project management, or specialized areas like Construction, Environmental, or Water Resources
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and discretionary bonuses
• A team that values your input, supports your goals, and celebrates shared success

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level