Staff Surveyor/Registered Professional Land Surveyor

Job Title: Staff Surveyor/Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS)
Department: Operations
Reports To: Senior Project Manager or Operations Manager
Location: Texas

The Staff Surveyor/Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) is a vital role within the Operations Department, responsible for overseeing boundary resolution, data quality, accuracy, and completeness of land surveying projects.  The Staff Surveyor is also responsible for ensuring compliance with legal requirements and providing expert guidance on complex surveying matters. This position is instrumental in delivering accurate land surveying services and maintaining the highest industry standards.

The Staff Surveyor is responsible for reviewing all necessary deed, title, and easement information that has been obtained for the specific project and making sure sufficient information has been received in order to resolve any project-related boundary lines.  They are also responsible for coordinating and reviewing all field efforts to ensure field crews search for all field evidence needed to complete the project, and verifying the data after it has been collected and processed.

The Staff Surveyor will oversee and/or resolve the final boundary locations (new or proposed) of a project, handle the adjustments or finalization of boundary lines, points, and monuments, and will create and/or review the accompanying legal descriptions of any tracts or parcels.
 
In jurisdictions in which aerial imagery, topographic data, survey reports, or any other deliverables need to be reviewed and signed by a PLS, the Staff Surveyor will also oversee and review these items to ensure the data quality, accuracy, and completeness.

When the Staff Surveyor has reviewed and verified the land survey products, he/she may be requested to sign and seal these items as final deliverables to the client.

Key Responsibilities

Land Surveying and Geospatial Data Collection

• Coordinate and oversee land surveys, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and other specialized surveys.
• Oversee the utilization of advanced surveying instruments and technology to collect data with precision.
• Evaluate and interpret survey data that will be used to create accurate maps, plats, and reports.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure that land surveying activities adhere to local, state, and federal regulations and surveying standards.
• Verify property boundaries, legal descriptions, and easements to maintain legal compliance.
• Provide expert testimony in legal matters related to land boundaries and land disputes.

Project Leadership

• Coordinate with surveying teams and field crews in conducting surveys and data collection.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to plan, execute, and complete surveying projects.
• Review project specifications, scope, and schedules to meet client expectations.

Quality Control

• Enforce quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of survey data.
• Review survey results, data, and reports to verify compliance with industry standards and legal requirements.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies in survey data and reports.

Mentoring and Training

• Provide mentorship and training to junior surveying staff, including surveyors-in-training (SIT's).
• Foster a culture of professional development and continuous learning within the surveying department.

Qualifications

• Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) and licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Minimum of two years of experience in land surveying and boundary determination.
• Proficiency in using advanced surveying instruments, GIS, and CAD software.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal surveying laws and regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented, analytical, and a strong commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

The Staff Surveyor may work in both field and office settings, overseeing surveying projects and collaborating with project teams. This role may involve outdoor work in various weather conditions and occasional travel to project sites.

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Staff Surveyor position. It is not an exhaustive list, and responsibilities may evolve to meet the changing needs of the organization.