Party Chief with UAS (Drone) License

RETTEW•Uniontown, OH

26d•Hybrid

About The Position

RETTEW is seeking a Survey Party Chief with a current FAA Part 107 drone license to support our Surveying Team. This role leads field survey crews and supports aerial data collection using unmanned aircraft systems. The ideal candidate is an experienced land survey professional who can combine traditional survey techniques with modern geospatial technology to deliver accurate, reliable data to project teams and clients. RETTEW is a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting firm providing multidisciplinary services across transportation, land development, environmental, energy, water/wastewater, and facilities markets. Our teams combine technical expertise with practical problem solving to deliver high-quality results for public and private clients. At RETTEW, ownership matters; our employee-owners take pride in their work, support one another, and focus on long-term relationships with our clients and communities.

Requirements

Minimum five years of experience working in land surveying, including experience leading field crews.
Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for commercial drone operations.
Hands-on experience performing boundary, topographic, and construction surveys.
Proficiency using GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, and electronic data collectors.
Ability to travel to project sites across the region and perform outdoor field work in varying conditions.
Valid driver’s license and ability to operate company vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing drone-based photogrammetry or aerial mapping for survey projects.
Familiarity with survey data processing or coordination with CAD staff.
Experience supporting land development, infrastructure, or energy-related survey projects.
Survey Technician certification or progress toward professional land surveyor licensure.

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise survey crews performing boundary, topographic, construction, and control surveys for engineering and infrastructure projects.
Operate survey instruments including total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, and data collectors to gather precise field measurements.
Plan and execute drone flights using FAA Part 107 certification to collect aerial imagery and mapping data for survey and engineering projects.
Process and verify field data to ensure accuracy and completeness before delivering to the office for mapping and design support.
Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and CAD technicians to ensure field work aligns with project scope and schedule.
Maintain survey equipment and ensure all field activities follow company safety policies and regulatory requirements.
Train and mentor junior crew members while maintaining productivity and quality in the field.