Director of Land Surveying

Cochran is a growing civil engineering firm with 7 Missouri offices, offering services in construction administration, materials testing, architectural and geotechnical engineering, and land surveying. Serving both public and private sectors, Cochran’s expertise spans municipal, commercial, residential, transportation, water/wastewater, site development, retail, planning, and interior design. With 120+ professionals, the firm delivers tailored solutions backed by deep expertise and is guided by core values of teamwork, excellence, quality, and trust—ensuring principal involvement and outstanding service throughout every project.

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

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• 100% company paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance for employees, plus company deductible assistance
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Generous PTO plan and 7 major holidays
• Continuing education and professional development support