Lead Field Surveyor / Project Manager
Location: Superior, Wisconsin, St. Paul, Minnesota, Pensacola, Florida
Reports to: Structural Engineering Department Manager
Department: Waterfronts Status: Full-time 40+ hours/week
Job Description: Waterfronts & Marinas Designer
AMI is seeking a Lead Field Surveyor/Project Manager to oversee AMI’s field surveying operations and manages multiple projects from planning through completion. This role combines senior-level technical expertise with project leadership, ensuring survey deliverables meet the highest standards of accuracy, safety, and efficiency. The Lead Surveyor guides field crews, mentors junior staff, coordinates with clients and contractors, and ensures that all projects are delivered on time and within scope.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership & Supervision
Lead and supervise field survey crews, providing direction, training, and mentorship.
Manage team scheduling, staffing, and workload distribution across multiple projects.
Ensure all field staff adhere to safety standards, quality expectations, and project procedures.
Conduct performance reviews and support the development of junior surveyors.
Field Surveying & Technical Expertise
Perform and oversee advanced surveying tasks, including topographic, bathymetric, and as-built surveys.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced survey equipment, including GNSS/GPS, robotic total stations, UAVs, LiDAR, and hydrographic survey equipment such as echosounders, side-scan sonars, magnetometers, and ROVs.
Establish survey control networks and verify field measurements for quality assurance.
Review field notes, data sets, and field procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Project Management
Manage the full survey project lifecycle: scope development, scheduling, budgeting, coordination, and final deliverables.
Prepare project proposals, cost estimates, and resource plans.
Coordinate with engineers, designers, contractors, and clients to communicate project status, requirements, and changes.
Track project performance metrics and ensure adherence to timelines and budgets.
Review and approve survey calculations, drawings, and final deliverables.
Maintain detailed project documentation, progress reports, and field records.
Qualifications
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Engineering Technology, Physics, Civil Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
5 to 10+ years of land surveying experience, including leadership or supervisory roles.
THSOA certification or Professional Land Surveyor license, or ability to obtain, is highly preferred.
Proficiency with surveying equipment and software (Trimble, Hypack, AutoCAD Civil 3D, GIS tools, etc.).
Strong understanding of survey principles, mapping standards, and construction methods.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; ability to travel to field sites as needed.
Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership, team coordination, and mentoring abilities.
Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
High-level problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced environments.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Working Conditions
A combination of outdoor fieldwork and office-based project work.
Exposure to varying climates, terrains, and active construction environments.
Ability to lift and carry survey equipment and work extended hours when necessary.
About AMI Consulting Engineers, P.A.
AMI is a leading waterfront and infrastructure engineering firm that was established in 2006. AMI provides large company capabilities in a small company atmosphere with high standards of professionalism, quality control, and representation upheld throughout all projects. AMI has offices located in: Superior, WI (Duluth, MN); Vadnais Heights, MN (St. Paul, MN); and Pensacola, FL. AMI has a strong culture and promotes a flexible work environment.