Senior Professional Land Surveyor, PLS

Overview

Location(s): Southern CaliforniaPractice/Department: Mapping and SurveyingWork Environment: HybridCompensation: $150,000-$200,000 annually*

 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 employee-owners 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. 

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape. 

Position Overview

Who You Are 

As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.  

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation. 

How You’ll Make an Impact 

The Senior Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) is a senior leader responsible for driving the strategy, performance, and growth of surveying operations across large-scale and complex projects. This role blends advanced technical expertise with strong leadership to deliver accurate, high-quality, and compliant surveying solutions.

This leader oversees project execution, develops high-performing teams, and partners closely with clients and internal stakeholders. The Senior Professional Land Surveyor also plays a key role in business development, operational excellence, and advancing technologies that strengthen capabilities and competitive advantage.

 

This role will be based out of one of our Southern California offices as a hybrid role.

 

Duties and Responsibilities  

 

Project Planning and Execution

• Lead complex surveying projects from planning through delivery.
• Ensure work is completed accurately, on time, within budget, and in compliance with requirements.
• Define scope, schedules, and performance expectations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support broader project goals.

 

Operational Leadership and Strategy

• Drive strategic planning, performance goals, and operational improvements.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Monitor team utilization and optimize workflows.
• Proactively manage project and operational risks.

 

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of survey professionals.
• Support hiring, onboarding, performance management, and career growth.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment.

 

Client Engagement and Business Development

• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and service expansion.
• Support proposals, cost estimates, and contract negotiations.
• Represent the team in client meetings and presentations.

 

Technical Leadership and Innovation

• Provide technical oversight across surveying activities and deliverables.
• Drive adoption of new tools, technologies, and best practices.
• Oversee use and maintenance of survey equipment (GPS, UAVs, lidar, etc.).
• Promote continuous improvement in workflows and data practices.

 

Quality Assurance, Compliance, and Safety

• Establish and uphold QA/QC standards.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and client requirements.
• Conduct reviews and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain and promote strong safety practices.

 

Data and Systems Management

• Oversee survey data quality, storage, and accessibility.
• Improve processes for data collection, processing, and integration.
• Support advancement of geospatial systems and automation.

 

Minimum Qualifications 

• 18+ years of experience in surveying, geomatics, GIS, or relat