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Survey Crew Chief

Dudek


Job Location:

San Diego, CA - USA

Hourly Salary: $ 43 - 56
Posted: 21 August 2026 (10 days ago)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Overview

Location(s): San Diego
Practice/Department: Mapping and Surveying
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $43.30-$56.00 hourly*

Dudeks journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern Californias 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 beenrecognized by leading industry organizations andwevebeen honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.

Our employees 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 ouraward-winning culture thebenefits and perksof being aDudekian and theprojectsyou will have the opportunity to shape.

Position Overview

Who You Are

As anemployeeyou embrace accountability working safely andcollaborationwhile thinking resourcefully and independently.

Like allDudekians you are curious andsolution-oriented with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit ofinnovation.

HowYoullMake an Impact

The Survey Crew Chief is a senior field leader who drives the successful delivery of complex surveying projects with precision and efficiency. This role combines advanced expertise in surveying techniques UAV operations and geospatial data analysis to produce high-quality reliable results.

As a trusted leader in the field the Survey Crew Chief oversees crew operations ensures data integrity and seamlessly coordinates with office teams to keep projects moving forward. Through technical excellence strong leadership and a solutions-oriented mindset this role helps deliver the innovative high-impact work that defines Dudek.

Duties and Responsibilities

Field Surveys and UAV Operations

  • Independently performs highly complex field surveys including boundary topographic construction staking and specialized surveys.
  • Operates advanced surveying equipment including total stations GPS receivers UAVs (drones) lidar sensors and magnetometers.
  • Plans and executes aerial imagery and remote sensing data collection using UAVs ensuring compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and Dudek safety protocols.
  • Conducts lidar and magnetometer surveys integrating results with other geospatial data.

Data Analysis and Quality Control

  • Analyzes survey data for accuracy completeness and compliance with industry standards.
  • Analyzes and processes survey data for accuracy completeness and compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
  • Implements quality control procedures for survey practices and geospatial data management.
  • Identifies and corrects errors or inconsistencies in field and digital survey data.

Project Coordination and Client Interaction

  • Assists in planning and coordinating survey projects ensuring efficient resource allocation scheduling and workflow management.
  • Works closely with surveyors engineers and project managers to ensure survey deliverables meet projectrequirements.
  • Communicates survey findings and technical insights with clients regulatory agencies and internal teams.

Advanced Drafting and Geospatial Deliverables

  • Uses CAD software (AutoCAD Civil 3D ArcGIS or similar) to create detailed maps plans and technical drawings based on survey data.
  • Develops and refines geospatial datasets reports and project documentation to meet client and regulatoryneeds.
  • Ensures all deliverables are technically sound accurate and compliant with industry standards.

Mentorship and Team Development

  • Provides guidance training and mentorship to junior survey technicians on survey techniques data collection and equipment operation.
  • Promotes a culture of continuous learning by sharing best practices and emerging technologies.
  • Supports team development through knowledge-sharing technical training and leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Experience: 7 years experience in land surveying mapping or geospatial data collection; surveying; geographic information systems (GIS); or related fieldwork (internships or coursework may be considered).
  • Education: Associates or bachelors degree in Surveying Geomatics Geography Civil Engineering or a related field.
  • Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and rough terrain.
  • Ability to travel to project sites and work extended hours as needed.
  • Valid drivers license required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced proficiency in total stations GPS receivers UAVs lidar sensors and other survey instruments.
  • Strong ability to work with CAD software (AutoCAD Civil 3D ArcGIS Trimble Business Center or similar).
  • Extensive knowledge of survey methodologies remote sensing and geospatial data analysis.
  • FAA Part 107 UAV Operator License required.
  • Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) certification preferred.
  • Experience leading medium to large surveying projects with minimal oversight.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage project budgets schedules and deliverables.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and team coordination.

Compensation: $43.30-$56.00 hourly*

*Finalagreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to an individuals related experience education certifications skills and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.

Working Conditions

  • This joboperatesin an outdoor or office-basedenvironmentand this role routinelyusesstandard office equipment such as computers phones printers etc.
  • Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.
  • This job requires project site visits basedoutdoorswhich can include excessive noise uneven walking surfaces extreme weather and moving vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:

  • Working on a computer sitting or standing forlong periodsof time in an office or remote office setting.
  • Employees must be capable of bending squatting climbing ladders andlifting upto 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees).
  • Attending meetings both in person and virtually and speaking on the phone with peers clients etc.
  • Specific vision abilities including close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Connect with us!

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Dudek Talent Community

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees regardless of their background feel valued respected and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair andequitableprocesses based on merit free from any discrimination.

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable lawsprovidingequal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to allpersonsinvolved in Dudeks operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment hiring training promotion transfer compensation benefits discipline layoff recall and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudeks commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.


Required Experience:

Chief


About Company

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Environmental, planning, and engineering firm with 800+ staff passionate about improving communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.

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