Are you looking to make the world a better place? At Haley & Aldrich, you’ll tackle clients’ most meaningful challenges in the built and natural environments – and, in turn, build stronger communities. You’ll work with teams of passionate colleagues, driven by a commitment to technical excellence and continuous learning.
As a company, we aim to build a world where communities go beyond resilience, embracing change as an opportunity to enhance safety, well-being, and quality of life. Join us to accelerate this vision and your professional development.
We are looking to add new talent to our growing team! We are currently seeking a skilled Project Land Surveyor with expertise in drone technology, LiDAR systems, and photogrammetry to join our team. As a Land Surveyor specializing in drone-based surveying, you will oversee and perform all phases of data collection, processing, and mapping using unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Your expertise will be instrumental in producing high-quality topographic surveys, orthophotos, and other geospatial products to support civil design, habitat restoration, and infrastructure projects. You will work closely with internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies to ensure deliverables meet the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing group and company and get involved in a variety of projects for a diverse range of clients. This is a full-time, hybrid position located in Walnut Creek, CA office.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will:
Field Operations:
- Be expected to travel for fieldwork across project locations across the United States and its territories.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute drone flights for LiDAR and photogrammetric data collection, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and local requirements.
- Place and survey ground control points (GCPs) using GNSS/RTK technology tied to state plane coordinates and local monuments.
- Calibrate drones and associated sensors (LiDAR and cameras) for optimal performance during fieldwork.
- Conduct safety assessments and document flight operations.
Data Processing and Analysis:
- Process raw LiDAR data to produce accurate point clouds, digital elevation models (DEMs), and digital terrain models (DTMs).
- Develop orthorectified imagery for use as CAD or GIS backgrounds during design development.
- Integrate geospatial datasets into engineering and design workflows.
- Perform quality control to validate data accuracy against ground control and project specifications.
- Develop tools and workflows using programming languages such as Python to improve efficiency and innovation in LiDAR and drone surveying processes.
Collaboration and Reporting:
- Work closely with project managers, engineers, and design teams to provide survey data that supports project needs.
- Prepare clear and comprehensive maps, models, and technical reports for internal and client use.
- Assist with project scoping and budgeting for survey-related activities.
- Stay informed about advancements in drone and surveying technologies, recommending upgrades and improvements.
- Work within quality/budget/schedule expectations and scope-specific assignments.
- Be willing to assist in ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
- Communicate with subcontractors, regulatory agents, tenants, and clients during field activities.
- Perform all work in accordance with company and client Health & Safety protocols.
- Demonstrate our foundational safety behaviors.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
- B.S. degree in Geology, Geography, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Data Science or related field; M.S. degree strongly preferred.
- At least 5 years of professional experience in surveying, with a focus on LiDAR and drone applications.
- Must have a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in the state of California.
- Proven experience in drone-based surveying, including FAA Part 107 certification for commercial UAS operation.
- Proficiency with LiDAR systems, photogrammetry, and multispectral/thermal imaging.
- Expertise in GNSS/RTK technology for ground control setup and calibration.
- Knowledge of CAD (AutoCAD Civil 3D) and GIS software (ArcGIS, Global Mapper, or similar).
- Experience with data processing software such as Pix4D, or similar platforms.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and other relevant tools to improve survey workflows and data processing.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, flexibility, and willingness to see projects through to completion is a must.
- Ability to review, compile and interpret data to prepare accurate site-models.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Proficient technical writing and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work on a team and independently in a fast-paced consulting environment.
- Candidates will be required to examples of previous work demonstrating drone-based survey expertise.
About Haley & Aldrich
Haley & Aldrich is committed to solving our clients’ most meaningful challenges in the built and natural environments. Our team of 1,000+ engineers and scientists across the United States draws inspiration from one mission: to work closely with clients as they navigate change to create safer, more robust places to live and work. Since our founding in 1957, organizations across the public and private sectors have relied on us for technical excellence and empathetic leadership that achieve results and secure a thriving tomorrow. Find us at haleyaldrich.com and LinkedIn.
Haley & Aldrich is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, age, disability, veteran, or any other legally protected status. We offer excellent career growth, a highly competitive total compensation plan, and a solid benefits package. Interested candidates should apply on our Careers page.
The salary range for this position in Walnut Creek, CA is $80,000 - $95,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based upon a variety of factors such as education, related work experience, certificates, skills, and current market conditions. Haley & Aldrich reviews salary ranges each quarter to assess competitiveness with the market.
Note to external search firms:Haley & Aldrich does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Please do not send resumes to Haley & Aldrich employees. Please work through a Talent Acquisition Manager.
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