Survey Party Chief – UAS Drone Technology

The Opportunity

RETTEW is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field survey operations while having the opportunity to expand into UAS/drone technology and aerial data collection.

Were looking first for a strong survey professional: someone who can independently lead a field crew operate modern survey equipment solve problems in the field and consistently deliver accurate data to project teams.

Already have an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or professional UAS experience Great. If not were interested in experienced Party Chiefs who want to develop those capabilities and incorporate drone technology into their surveying career.

Work Environment

Workplace Designation: Field-Based / Hybrid

Locations: Williamsport Mechanicsburg or Pittsburgh PA; Akron-Canton OH; or Morgantown WV

This position is primarily field-based and includes regional travel to project sites throughout Pennsylvania Ohio West Virginia and surrounding areas. Office or remote flexibility may be available for applicable project coordination and documentation responsibilities.

What Youll Do

As a Survey Party Chief you will independently lead field survey operations supporting land development transportation infrastructure energy environmental and other multidisciplinary projects.

Youll plan and execute field assignments operate survey equipment oversee data collection and quality communicate with project managers and office teams and provide direction to survey crew members.

Youll also have opportunities to develop or expand your capabilities with UAS/drone technology aerial data collection and modern geospatial workflows.

As a Party Chief in this position you will:

• Lead survey crews performing boundary topographic construction control and other field surveys.
• Plan and independently execute field survey assignments in accordance with project requirements.
• Operate GPS/GNSS equipment total stations electronic data collectors and related survey technology.
• Establish and verify survey control and collect accurate field data.
• Review field information for accuracy completeness and consistency before delivery to office teams.
• Maintain clear and accurate field notes records sketches and electronic data.
• Interpret project plans survey information and field instructions to complete assignments.
• Identify and troubleshoot field conditions that may affect survey accuracy efficiency or project delivery.
• Coordinate with Survey Project Managers Professional Land Surveyors CAD professionals engineers and other project-team members.
• Direct train and mentor survey crew members.
• Maintain survey equipment and support proper equipment care and calibration.
• Perform field work safely in active construction infrastructure and other project environments.
• Support UAS/drone field operations based on project needs and individual experience.
• Develop additional capabilities in drone operations aerial data collection and related geospatial technologies.

Qualifications

• Professional field-survey experience with demonstrated ability to independently perform survey assignments.
• Experience leading or providing direction to survey field crews.
• Hands-on experience with GPS/GNSS equipment total stations and electronic data collectors.
• Professional experience performing field surveys such as boundary topographic construction control or similar survey work.
• Ability to review field data and identify potential errors inconsistencies or missing information.
• Ability to read and interpret project plans and survey-related information.
• Strong field problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with project managers office teams and field personnel.
• Interest in learning or expanding professional UAS/drone surveying capabilities.
• Ability to perform outdoor field work in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to travel regionally based on project needs.
• Valid drivers license and ability to operate company vehicles as required.

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Professional UAS/drone flight experience.
• Aerial mapping or photogrammetry experience.
• Drone-based survey data collection.
• Point-cloud or other geospatial-data experience.
• Experience with boundary ALTA/NSPS topographic construction and control surveys.
• Experience training or mentoring developing survey professionals.
• Survey Technician certification or progress toward professional survey licensure.

Previous professional drone or aerial-mapping experience is not required. RETTEW is interested in experienced survey professionals who want to expand their skills into UAS technology.

Safety & Compliance Requirements

This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires successful completion of applicable pre-employment screenings as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities include operating company-owned vehicles and performing field-based work in active construction infrastructure and other project environments. Continued compliance with RETTEWs safety policies client requirements and applicable regulatory standards is required throughout employment.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) giving employees a stake in RETTEWs long-term success.
• Comprehensive medical dental vision and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities to expand traditional surveying expertise into UAS/drone and geospatial technologies.
• Access to modern survey equipment and technology.
• Professional development and technical training.
• Opportunities to mentor developing survey professionals and grow into broader technical or project leadership.
• Exposure to transportation land development energy environmental infrastructure and multidisciplinary projects.
• A collaborative employee-owned culture focused on technical quality safety and professional growth.

About RETTEW

RETTEW is a 100% employee-owned engineering and consulting firm providing multidisciplinary services across transportation land development water and wastewater environmental and geotechnology energy surveying and facilities and construction.

Our culture is grounded in our core values Act Like an Owner Value Relationships and Exemplify Excellence. Our employee-owners collaborate across disciplines to solve complex challenges deliver meaningful results for clients and build rewarding careers.

RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including pregnancy sexual orientation or gender identity) national origin age disability veteran status genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

#LI-Hybrid

Requirements listed above