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