Lead Surveyor

Purpose: The Survey Field Lead will utilize advanced surveying technology, including machine control systems, remote sensing equipment, drones, and 3D modeling, to support a variety of construction projects. These projects may include highways, bridge construction, large commercial buildings, and water and wastewater infrastructure, among others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with Survey Department staff and site management, including Project Directors, Project Managers, and Superintendents.
• Lead field operations across various sites in the St. Louis region with minimal supervision.
• Conduct topographic, utility, boundary, and construction layout surveys for municipal, private, and roadway projects.
• Operate Trimble Robotic, GNSS, and conventional survey equipment, along with data collector software, to gather precise measurements and relevant data.
• Maintain accurate, detailed field notes and record as-built documentation professionally.
• Foster and promote a strong culture of safety among survey team members.
• Support the training and development of staff by providing patient guidance to team members at all skill levels.

Qualifications/Experience:

• 6 years of progressive surveying experience or an Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree in surveying or an engineering-related field preferred (LSI/LSIT, PLS, or experience as a Party Chief).
• 4 - 8 years of hands-on surveying experience, including control setting, leveling, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and construction staking.
• Physically capable of working outdoors on construction sites, including at heights and below ground.
• General understanding of land surveying principles and practices with a strong interest in growth and professional development.
• Familiarity with CAD software, such as MicroStation, Trimble Business Center, and AutoCAD Civil 3D, is a plus.
• Basic computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Trimble, and other relevant software.
• Background in modern surveying methods, including remote sensing technology, Trimble Business Center, Access, and Siteworks software for robotic total stations/UTS, GPS, and machine control grading—or a strong desire to learn.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans and stake-out data accurately.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently, troubleshoot, and solve problems with minimal oversight.
• Excellent team collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment, strong interpersonal skills, and a willingness to mentor others.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Managed By:

Survey Manager

Physical Demands:

• Work is divided between office and field operations, with substantial time spent on project sites, engaging directly with teams across all levels and disciplines, and providing support to construction teams as needed.
• Specific vision requirements for this role include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Limited exposure to physical risk on the job.
• Noise levels vary from quiet in the office to louder in the field environment.
• While performing duties, the employee will be required to sit, talk, and hear, as well as stand, walk, use hands for handling or feeling objects, reach with arms, and stoop or kneel.
• Vision abilities, such as close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment, are essential for this role.

KCI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer regardless of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, material status, genetic information, national origin, disability or protection veteran status.