Senior Survey Project Manager - Transportation

SAM, LLC • Murray, UT

25d

About The Position

As a Senior Survey Project Manager, you will lead large-scale, high-visibility transportation projects across the North Central region.
This role blends technical expertise, operational leadership, and strategic business growth. You will oversee complex transportation survey projects, mentor Project Managers and technical teams, and partner with Market Leaders to expand SAM’s footprint in the transportation sector.
If you are a licensed survey leader who thrives in fast-paced DOT environments and enjoys building both teams and client relationships, this is a high-impact opportunity to drive meaningful infrastructure projects forward.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive experience in transportation-related land surveying, including leadership or management responsibility.
• Bachelor’s degree in surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Professional Surveyor license required.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale DOT or public infrastructure survey projects.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor multiple Project Managers, licensed surveyors, technicians, and field crews.
• Strong understanding of transportation corridor surveying, right-of-way mapping, and public agency standards.
• Established professional reputation within the Utah transportation and public agency market.
• Demonstrated success building or scaling a transportation practice, department, or regional service line.
• Experience managing contracts, budgets, fee estimates, and financial performance metrics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to confidently engage executive-level clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the founding transportation survey leader for the Salt Lake City office, establishing standards, team structure, and long-term growth strategy for the region.
• Oversee multiple large-scale transportation survey projects, including highway, roadway, bridge, and corridor mapping initiatives.
• Establish work plans, staffing strategies, and resource allocation for complex, multi-phase DOT and public infrastructure projects.
• Provide oversight of scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and QA/QC processes to ensure compliance with client and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor financial performance, productivity metrics, budgets, and forecasting to ensure project and departmental success.
• Identify talent needs and lead recruitment efforts to build a high-performing transportation-focused team.
• Act as subject matter expert for transportation-related survey services, ensuring best practices and DOT standards are consistently applied.
• Collaborate with regional leadership to align operational growth with long-term strategy.
• Implement procedures and systems to improve operational efficiency, quality control, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Provide leadership and technical guidance to Project Managers, Staff Surveyors, technicians, and field crews.
• Build a culture of accountability, mentorship, and professional development within the transportation team.
• Support multi-disciplinary coordination with engineering, geospatial, utility, and construction teams to meet milestone delivery dates.
• Working knowledge and application of ASCE 38-22, Standard Guideline for Investigating and Documenting Existing Utilities.
• Partner with Market Leads and senior leadership to develop strategies that grow market share within the transportation sector.
• Lead development of RFQs, proposals, and fee estimates for transportation pursuits.
• Participate in contract negotiations, budget development, and risk management strategies.
• Represent the company at client meetings, industry events, and transportation-focused trade shows.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with DOT agencies, municipalities, and key transportation stakeholders.
• Contribute to long-term market positioning strategy for Utah with the potential to advance to a market lead position across a larger territory.
• Serve as a visible and respected leader within the Utah transportation community through active industry involvement and association engagement.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, Free Vision + Dental plans for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Access to Ramsey Smart Dollar to support financial goals and retire with confidence, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2023 Top Workplace USA for Second Consecutive Year; 2023 SAM Ranks No. 88 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms

What This Job Offers

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