Survey Project Manager, Marine Services - Santa Clarita, CA

About the role

DEA’s Marine team leads in hydrographic and marine geophysical surveying, delivering precise, comprehensive data using advanced technologies such as high-resolution multibeam bathymetry, vessel-based LiDAR, and underwater imaging. The Survey Project Manager will serve as a client lead and technical authority for hydrographic and marine geospatial projects, responsible for leading projects from pursuit through delivery, including client engagement, scope development, team coordination, and financial performance. As a licensed Professional Land Surveyor, this individual will provide oversight, review, and stamping of survey deliverables, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Project Management & Delivery
  • Lead marine survey projects from proposal through execution and closeout
  • Develop scopes, schedules, and budgets; monitor project performance and profitability
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including hydrographers, geophysicists, and GIS professionals
  • Identify and manage project risks, ensuring successful delivery
• Client Management & Business Development
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, building and maintaining strong relationships
  • Lead and contribute to proposals, interviews, and pursuit strategies
  • Identify new opportunities and support the growth of the Marine Services practice
  • Collaborate with internal teams to expand services across existing clients
• Technical Oversight & Survey Authority
  • Serve as Project Surveyor of record, including review, stamping, and signing of deliverables
  • Provide high-level oversight of survey methodologies, geodetic control, and data quality
  • Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards (e.g., USACE, NOAA)
• Team Leadership
  • Provide direction and mentorship to field and office staff
  • Coordinate resources and support staff development across projects
  • Review work products and maintain quality standards

Requirements

• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in Washington and/or Oregon (or ability to obtain)
• 10+ years of progressive experience, including project management and client-facing responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams
• Experience contributing to or leading proposals and client development efforts
• Strong communication skills and ability to build client trust
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS Pro, Trimble Business Center, and related tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hydrographic and/or marine geophysical surveying
• Knowledge of geodesy, vertical datums, and datum transformations
• Familiarity with USACE hydrographic survey standards

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities
• Work-life balance: Vacation, Sick time, and Holiday Pay
• Retirement: 401k plan
• Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement

Pay

The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Potential salary range: $65.00/hour – $101.00/hour.

Schedule

Potential office locations include: Apple Valley, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Ontario, CA; San Diego, CA; Santa Clarita, CA; Temecula, CA; Tustin, CA.