PLS - Mapping Lead
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) - Department Lead
Director of Surveying & Mapping (PLS)
A well-established engineering and surveying consultancy is seeking a California-licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) to lead and grow its Surveying & Mapping Department. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced survey professional who combines technical expertise, operational leadership, client relationship management, and business development capabilities.
The role offers the chance to oversee a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from infill developments and infrastructure improvements to large-scale master-planned communities throughout Southern California.
What You'll Be Doing:
Department Leadership & Management
Provide responsible charge over surveying and mapping operations.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of survey professionals and field crews.
Manage departmental resources, staffing, budgets, and project performance.
Establish and maintain quality control standards and best practices.
Technical Surveying & Project Delivery
Oversee boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and construction surveys.
Review and approve maps, legal descriptions, plats, and survey deliverables.
Direct complex boundary analysis, retracement, and land development projects.
Ensure compliance with California surveying laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Leverage modern surveying technologies and workflows to improve project efficiency.
Client Management & Business Development
Serve as a trusted advisor to public and private sector clients.
Develop new business opportunities and help expand the firm's surveying practice.
Prepare proposals, scope documents, and project budgets.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and land development teams to support project pursuits and long-term client relationships.
Qualifications:
Required
Active California Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license.
Minimum 10 years of professional land surveying experience.
Strong background in boundary, topographic, and construction surveying throughout Southern California.
At least 5 years of leadership, supervisory, or management experience.
Bachelor's Degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
Preferred
Expert knowledge of the California Subdivision Map Act.
Extensive experience with land development, tract mapping, and master-planned communities.
Proficiency with modern survey equipment, software, and geospatial technologies.
Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly related to complex boundary determinations and retracement.
Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary project teams.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Lead and shape a growing Surveying & Mapping practice.
Work on high-profile land development and infrastructure projects across Southern California.
Influence strategic growth initiatives and business development efforts.
Join a collaborative environment where technical excellence and leadership are highly valued.
Opportunity for long-term career growth and increased organizational impact.
If you're a California PLS looking for a leadership position where you can drive both technical excellence and business growth, we'd like to hear from you.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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