Survey Party Chief – UAS / Drone Technology

RETTEW • Uniontown, OH

3h • Hybrid

About The Position

RETTEW is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field survey operations with the opportunity to expand into UAS/drone technology and aerial data collection. The ideal candidate is a strong survey professional capable of independently leading a field crew, operating modern survey equipment, solving field problems, and delivering accurate data. While prior FAA Part 107 certification or UAS experience is a plus, RETTEW is interested in experienced Party Chiefs willing to develop these capabilities. This role is primarily field-based with regional travel, offering flexibility for project coordination and documentation. The position involves supporting various multidisciplinary projects and developing skills in drone technology and modern geospatial workflows.

Requirements

• Professional field-survey experience with demonstrated ability to independently perform survey assignments.
• Experience leading or providing direction to survey field crews.
• Hands-on experience with GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, and electronic data collectors.
• Professional experience performing field surveys such as boundary, topographic, construction, control, or similar survey work.
• Ability to review field data and identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information.
• Ability to read and interpret project plans and survey-related information.
• Strong field problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with project managers, office teams, and field personnel.
• Interest in learning or expanding professional UAS/drone surveying capabilities.
• Ability to perform outdoor field work in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to travel regionally based on project needs.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate company vehicles as required.

Nice To Haves

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Professional UAS/drone flight experience.
• Aerial mapping or photogrammetry experience.
• Drone-based survey data collection.
• Point-cloud or other geospatial-data experience.
• Experience with boundary, ALTA/NSPS, topographic, construction, and control surveys.
• Experience training or mentoring developing survey professionals.
• Survey Technician certification or progress toward professional survey licensure.
• Previous professional drone or aerial-mapping experience is not required. RETTEW is interested in experienced survey professionals who want to expand their skills into UAS technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead survey crews performing boundary, topographic, construction, control, and other field surveys.
• Plan and independently execute field survey assignments in accordance with project requirements.
• Operate GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, electronic data collectors, and related survey technology.
• Establish and verify survey control and collect accurate field data.
• Review field information for accuracy, completeness, and consistency before delivery to office teams.
• Maintain clear and accurate field notes, records, sketches, and electronic data.
• Interpret project plans, survey information, and field instructions to complete assignments.
• Identify and troubleshoot field conditions that may affect survey accuracy, efficiency, or project delivery.
• Coordinate with Survey Project Managers, Professional Land Surveyors, CAD professionals, engineers, and other project-team members.
• Direct, train, and mentor survey crew members.
• Maintain survey equipment and support proper equipment care and calibration.
• Perform field work safely in active construction, infrastructure, and other project environments.
• Support UAS/drone field operations based on project needs and individual experience.
• Develop additional capabilities in drone operations, aerial data collection, and related geospatial technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving employees a stake in RETTEW's long-term success.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities to expand traditional surveying expertise into UAS/drone and geospatial technologies.
• Access to modern survey equipment and technology.
• Professional development and technical training.
• Opportunities to mentor developing survey professionals and grow into broader technical or project leadership.
• Exposure to transportation, land development, energy, environmental, infrastructure, and multidisciplinary projects.
• A collaborative, employee-owned culture focused on technical quality, safety, and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed