Director of Land Surveying

Cochran is a growing civil engineering, construction services, architectural, geotechnical, and land surveying firm with 7 offices in Missouri. Cochran specializes in both public and private projects including municipal, commercial, residential, transportation, water/wastewater, site development, retail, planning, and interior design. With a team of 100+ professionals, Cochran brings unique knowledge, understanding, and a tailored approach to each client's project. The firm is guided by its core values of teamwork, excellence, quality, and trust, ensuring outstanding customer service and principal involvement in all project phases.

Cochran’s Fenton, Missouri location is looking for a Director of Land Surveying to join our team.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Director of Land Surveying is responsible for overseeing all land and geospatial survey operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting. This role involves leading a team of surveyors, managing projects, implementing best practices, and collaborating with other departments to support the organization's objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management:
• Supervise, mentor, and train survey staff, ensuring high performance and professional growth
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and quality control measures
• Allocate resources effectively to meet project deadlines and objectives

Survey Operations & Project Management:

• Oversee and coordinate all survey activities, including land, topographic, hydrographic, and geospatial surveys.
• Ensure the use of modern survey techniques and technology (e.g., GPS, GIS, drones, LiDAR)
• Review and validate survey data, maps, and reports for accuracy and compliance
• Manage multiple survey projects, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery

Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all survey work complies with industry regulations, legal standards, and safety protocols
• Maintain quality assurance and control across all survey activities
• Stay updated on relevant laws, codes, and emerging trends in surveying

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:

• Work closely with engineers, architects, construction managers, and other stakeholders to support project needs
• Represent the survey department in meetings, providing expert guidance on survey-related matters
• Prepare and present reports, maps, and recommendations to clients and internal teams

Technology & Innovation:

• Evaluate and implement new surveying tools, software, and methodologies
• Optimize workflow through the integration of digital solutions and automation where applicable

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a related field
• Professional certification (e.g., RICS, NSPS, GISP) is a plus
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in surveying, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role
• Strong knowledge of surveying instruments (GPS, Total Stations, Drones, LiDAR, GIS)
• Proficiency in survey-related software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, Trimble, etc.)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Work Environment & Conditions:

• Office and fieldwork environment; travel may be required for site inspections
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and rugged terrains

Excellent benefits:

• Competitive Salary, commensurate with experience
• 100% company paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability Insurance for employee, plus company deductible assistance
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, and 7 major holidays
• 401k with 4% company match