What are the responsibilities and job description for the Survey Manager / Survey Department Lead position at MSA?
MSA is a multi-disciplinary, vertically integrated design consultancy. We combine expertise in architectural design, site engineering, and real estate development to bring enhanced value to our work. We leverage a thoughtful design approach, careful collaboration, and a focus on communication to deliver uncommon results for our clients.
MSA is seeking a Survey Manager to establish and lead our new Survey Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven and experienced surveyor to take ownership of this critical function and build the department from the ground up. If you have a strong background in land surveying, the ability to work independently, and an interest in growing a team, we want to hear from you!
Opportunities:
- Lead and shape the direction of the Survey Department within a growing consultancy
- Develop survey strategies and processes for a variety of project types
- Build your own survey team as the department expands
- Flexible work schedule options
- Paid vacation
- Participate in in-house real estate development deals
- Healthcare benefits (medical, vision, and dental)
- 401(k) match
Responsibilities:
- Start, build, and manage the Survey Department, handling both field and office responsibilities
- Ensure survey compliance with Virginia laws governing land recordation, boundary determination, easements, and property conveyance
- Perform and oversee field data collection, survey monumentation, and the use of survey instrumentation
- Prepare and file plats for boundary line adjustments, easements, subdivisions, and other land transactions
- Create, compile, and verify boundary lines from record drawings, ensuring accuracy and consistency with legal descriptions
- Work with AutoCAD, including Civil 3D, to draft, revise, and finalize survey drawings for submission and recordation
- Maintain thorough knowledge of ALTA survey standards and ensure compliance with banking requirements for financing
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all survey-related inquiries and project deliverables
- Develop and implement survey procedures, field methodologies, and documentation protocols to support project goals
- Work with other MSA teams to integrate survey data into broader project development and design processes
- Establish and verify control loops on new construction projects
- Calibrate and manage machine control systems, ensuring control points are accurately set and verified
- Provide BMP as-builts for volume analysis, ensuring timely and accurate documentation to prevent costly rework
- Assist with robotic total stations and 3D modeling, supporting the transition to stringless curb machines and ensuring seamless integration with existing structures and roadways
- Review and validate third-party 3D models, making necessary adjustments to optimize project accuracy and execution
Requirements:
- Significant survey experience with a strong understanding of Virginia land recordation laws, survey methods, and project documentation
- Proficient in survey field techniques, including data collection, monumentation, and the use of survey instrumentation
- Proven experience with plat recordation, including easements, subdivisions, boundary line adjustments, and vacations
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, with Civil 3D skills preferred
- Solid understanding of ALTA survey standards, land conveyance, and banking requirements for financing
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
- Excellent communication skills, able to interact confidently with clients and project teams
- Independent, proactive work ethic with a desire to develop and grow a department from the ground up
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain high standards of quality and accuracy