International Hydrospatial Project Manager

Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services, blending design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. As a certified Great Place to Work®, we embrace progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

About the role

Woolpert is hiring an International Hydrospatial Project Manager to join our dynamic National Security Market in the Geospatial Sector Project Management Office. This position reports to the Discipline Leader of the Geospatial Project Management Office and is directly responsible for international aerial bathymetry survey projects. This can be a remote position or based out of a Woolpert office. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position; applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

Responsibilities

• Directly responsible for project delivery ahead of or within schedule, scope, and budget.
• Manage international aerial bathymetry survey projects primarily.
• Lead project execution teams in the development of scope, technical approach, and execution strategy for aerial bathymetry surveys.
• Develop detailed work plans, survey specifications, and flight plans aligned with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and applicable standards (e.g., IHO S-44, USACE, project-specific criteria).
• Select appropriate sensors and acquisition methodologies based on site conditions, water depths, and project constraints.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, subcontractors, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Lead project kickoff meetings, progress updates, and technical review sessions to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Oversee mobilization, operations, and demobilization activities to ensure efficient and safe execution of survey programs.
• Coordinate field teams and subcontractors to maintain productivity and adherence to survey specifications.
• Monitor real-time acquisition progress and adjust survey plans as required to optimize data coverage and quality.
• Implement rigorous QA/QC procedures for data acquisition and processing.
• Work directly with internal discipline and team leaders and external subcontractors for project planning and execution.
• Define and communicate client needs and expectations to internal team leaders, phase managers, and technical staff.
• Maintain project information and tracking in an ERP system, updating status and resource planning monthly in coordination with team leaders and phase managers.
• Manage project invoicing and forecasting.
• Ensure continuous stakeholder communications to anticipate and mitigate project issues.
• Coordinate with team leaders and phase managers to identify, address, and resolve project issues impacting quality, client goals, objectives, and/or client satisfaction.
• Build and enhance existing client relationships to identify and initiate additional project opportunities (5% of role).
• Identify and grow new client relationships that match the client and project type focus and overall business strategy of the practice area and sector.
• Promote Woolpert as an industry leader for specified market/practice and service(s) with new and existing clients.
• Represent Woolpert at conferences and other events.
• Assist in proposal writing and estimating.
• Make formal presentations and/or publish articles for professional/trade/civic organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• BA/BS degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of related Project Management experience or ten (10) years of related experience.
• Ten (10) or more years of professional geospatial experience with aerial bathymetry surveys.
• Top Secret or Secret Clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Demonstrated experience managing aerial bathymetry sensor survey programs, including:
  • Predeployment site surveys
  • Feasibility, climatology, and regulatory planning
  • Multiple subcontractor management and orchestration
• Proven track record delivering projects for:
  • Federal/state agencies (NGA, USACE, NOAA, NAVOCEANO etc.)
  • Multiple services or agencies throughout US Combatant Commands
  • Partner nation ministries of defense
• Experience with Project Management and Geospatial software such as:
  • Microsoft Project
  • Global Mapper
  • ESRI ARCGIS Pro
  • CARIS
  • TerraSolid TerraScan and/or LASTools (familiarity a plus)
• Familiarity with all aspects of aerial bathymetric lidar data acquisition and processing, including:
  • Aerial survey planning
  • Field operations including sensor installation, sensor calibration, ground control point collection, and aerial surveying
  • Field data processing using Leica’s Lidar Survey Studio (LSS) and trajectory processing
  • Bathymetric data validation and uncertainty analysis
  • Topo-bathymetric data production including lidar classification, product creation, and analysis
  • File structuring and metadata standards
• Proven ability to:
  • Develop and execute survey work plans, schedules, and mobilization strategies
  • Manage aerial bathymetry survey operations
  • Manage hydrographic survey enabling activities such as ground and tide control, acoustic and non-traditional bathymetry collection
  • Control budgets, track progress, and implement corrective actions
  • Lead technical staff to develop fee estimates for aerial bathymetry projects
  • Contribute to and review proposals (processes, bids, workflow)
• Expert in Microsoft Office suite.
• Solid background in managing large projects and budgets, including writing technical proposals.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and in a team.
• Proven ability to take the initiative in finding solutions to complex challenges.
• Ability to develop and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Previous experience in managing multiple clients and projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%, domestic and internationally (typical travel load is 25%).

Physical Qualifications

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate and manipulate standard office equipment.
• Must be able to occasionally reach, bend, climb, and/or balance.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to travel internationally up to 50% of a calendar year.

Preferred Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Master Hydrographer (CMH) or Certified Hydrographer (CH)
• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) or Registered Land Surveyor (RLS)
• Certified Coastal Practitioner (CCP)
• ASPRS Certified Photogrammetrist (CP)
• ASPRS Certified Mapping Scientist (CMS) Remote Sensing, Lidar

Benefits

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more.

Pay

Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Pay Range: $118,200 - $147,800 USD.