Survey Crew Chief

Dudek•San Diego, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. Our employees are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. The Survey Crew Chief is a senior field leader who drives the successful delivery of complex surveying projects with precision and efficiency. This role combines advanced expertise in surveying techniques, UAV operations, and geospatial data analysis to produce high-quality, reliable results. As a trusted leader in the field, the Survey Crew Chief oversees crew operations, ensures data integrity, and seamlessly coordinates with office teams to keep projects moving forward. Through technical excellence, strong leadership, and a solutions-oriented mindset, this role helps deliver the innovative, high-impact work that defines Dudek.

Requirements

7+ years’ experience in land surveying, mapping, or geospatial data collection; surveying; geographic information systems (GIS); or related fieldwork (internships or coursework may be considered).
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Geography, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and rough terrain.
Ability to travel to project sites and work extended hours as needed.
Valid driver’s license required.
FAA Part 107 UAV Operator License required.
Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.
U.S. work authorization required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced proficiency in total stations, GPS receivers, UAVs, lidar sensors, and other survey instruments.
Strong ability to work with CAD software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, Trimble Business Center, or similar).
Extensive knowledge of survey methodologies, remote sensing, and geospatial data analysis.
Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) certification preferred.
Experience leading medium to large surveying projects with minimal oversight.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and team coordination.

Responsibilities

Independently performs highly complex field surveys, including boundary, topographic, construction staking, and specialized surveys.
Operates advanced surveying equipment, including total stations, GPS receivers, UAVs (drones), lidar sensors, and magnetometers.
Plans and executes aerial imagery and remote sensing data collection using UAVs, ensuring compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and Dudek safety protocols.
Conducts lidar and magnetometer surveys, integrating results with other geospatial data.
Analyzes survey data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with industry standards.
Analyzes and processes survey data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
Implements quality control procedures for survey practices and geospatial data management.
Identifies and corrects errors or inconsistencies in field and digital survey data.
Assists in planning and coordinating survey projects, ensuring efficient resource allocation, scheduling, and workflow management.
Works closely with surveyors, engineers, and project managers to ensure survey deliverables meet project requirements.
Communicates survey findings and technical insights with clients, regulatory agencies, and internal teams.
Uses CAD software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, or similar) to create detailed maps, plans, and technical drawings based on survey data.
Develops and refines geospatial datasets, reports, and project documentation to meet client and regulatory needs.
Ensures all deliverables are technically sound, accurate, and compliant with industry standards.
Provides guidance, training, and mentorship to junior survey technicians on survey techniques, data collection, and equipment operation.
Promotes a culture of continuous learning by sharing best practices and emerging technologies.
Supports team development through knowledge-sharing, technical training, and leadership.