Survey Party Chief – UAS / Drone Technology

Rettew • Uniontown, OH

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

RETTEW is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field survey operations with an 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, the company is also interested in experienced Party Chiefs willing to develop these capabilities. This position is primarily field-based with regional travel and offers potential office or remote flexibility for coordination and documentation. The role involves leading survey crews, planning and executing field assignments, operating survey equipment, overseeing data collection, communicating with project teams, and mentoring crew members. There are also opportunities to develop expertise in UAS/drone technology, aerial data collection, and 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.

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