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Principal Surveyor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Surveyor

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$45 - $63/hr

Work closely with the Principal Land Surveyor responsible for the work. * Work produced by L.A. Stevens & Associates, Inc. includes simple & complex boundaries, land title surveys (ALTA), topographic ...

When needed, coordinate with Principal-in-Charge, Department Manager, Team Leaders, and Project ... Function as lead member of the Surveying Department for A2H, including field practices and office ...

When needed, coordinate with Principal-in-Charge, Department Manager, Team Leaders, and Project ... Function as lead member of the Surveying Department for A2H, including field practices and office ...

... Surveyor Registration, or demonstrate the ability to obtain within 90 days of accepting the position. Candidate must demonstrate prior survey department management experience. The Candidate must be ...

Surveyor

Charlotte, NC ยท On-site

Conduct surveying activities on roadways, airfields, airports, and military bases, ensuring ... on principal contracts with federal, state, and other governmental agencies as well as private ...

Schedule survey projects and monitor completion. * Instruct survey crews for field work needed ... principals, and be proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D. * Demonstrate ability to manage multiple ...

... land surveying. Serving both public and private sectors, Cochran's expertise spans municipal ... principal involvement and outstanding service throughout every project. Cochran's 7 Missouri ...

... land surveying. Serving both public and private sectors, Cochran's expertise spans municipal ... principal involvement and outstanding service throughout every project. Cochran's Osage Beach ...

Project Surveyor

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$46.75 - $55/hr

Schedule survey projects and monitor completion. * Instruct survey crews for field work needed ... principals, and be proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D. * Demonstrate ability to manage multiple ...

... land surveying. Serving both public and private sectors, Cochran's expertise spans municipal ... principal involvement and outstanding service throughout every project. Cochran's Osage Beach ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Surveyor information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal surveyor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal surveyor in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal surveyor?

Principal Surveyors are highly experienced professionals responsible for overseeing and managing surveying projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining high standards of accuracy and safety. They often lead teams of surveyors, provide technical guidance, and coordinate with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies. Their role is critical in sectors such as construction, maritime, and land development, where their expertise ensures project integrity and quality. Principal Surveyors also play a key role in training junior staff and implementing best practices within their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal surveyor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Surveyor, you need deep expertise in land or building surveying, strong analytical skills, and relevant qualifications such as a degree in surveying or membership in a professional body like RICS. Proficiency with surveying software (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS), measurement tools, and project management systems is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help manage teams and liaise effectively with clients and stakeholders. These competencies ensure accurate project delivery, regulatory compliance, and the successful management of complex surveying projects.

What is the difference between Principal Surveyor vs Chartered Surveyor?

AspectPrincipal SurveyorChartered Surveyor
CredentialsTypically holds a Chartered status (e.g., MRICS, FRICS)Holds a Chartered status (e.g., MRICS, FRICS)
Work EnvironmentLeads surveying projects, manages teams, oversees large-scale assessmentsPerforms surveying tasks, provides expert advice, and conducts inspections
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in consulting firms, large property companies, and construction firmsCommon across real estate, construction, and infrastructure sectors

The main difference is that a Principal Surveyor often holds a Chartered status and leads projects and teams, while a Chartered Surveyor is a professional with recognized credentials performing surveying tasks. Both roles are integral in the industry, but the Principal Surveyor typically has more managerial responsibilities and oversees larger projects.

How does a principal surveyor typically interact with project stakeholders, and what communication challenges might arise?

As a Principal Surveyor, you will regularly liaise with clients, contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure project specifications and standards are met. One common challenge is balancing the diverse expectations and technical requirements of each stakeholder while maintaining clear and consistent communication. Effective negotiation and problem-solving skills are essential, as you may need to resolve disputes or clarify complex technical information. Building strong professional relationships and adapting your communication style to different audiences are key to success in this role.
More about Principal Surveyor jobs
What states have the most Principal Surveyor jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Surveyor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Surveyor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal Survey Analyst

RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$44 - $51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Whether your path is leadership, technical excellence, or becoming a trusted industry professional, RICK provides opportunities to grow, contribute, and succeed.

As an Principal Survey Analyst in our Tucson office’s Land Survey department, you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in the Tucson region. As a RICK team member, you will help clients and communities turn their dreams into reality. You will learn from and work alongside industry-leading experts and together shape the future of tomorrow. At RICK you will find an abundance of opportunities for mentorship, growth, and (of course) fun! Learn more by visiting www.rickengineering.com

Qualifications, Position Summary and Duties:

Qualifications:

Candidate will have BA/BS in a Geographic Information Systems or BS in Land Surveying plus a minimum of six (6) years of experience or equivalent work experience of ten (10) years. Is a registered land surveyor (RLS) in the state of Arizona or ability to obtain Arizona RLS within one year of hire.

Position Summary:

As a Land Survey Analyst, your focus will be the land surveying profession in the architectural, engineering & construction industry. You will be a part of mapping out the physical environment through data collection tasks from equipment & technology such as: GPS, robotic total stations, UAV/UAS, 3D laser scanners, LiDAR, photogrammetry and 360˚ cameras; creating data sets such as aerial photography, orthophotography, contours, topography, and surfaces.

The role includes analyzing the information primarily using CAD (AutoCAD and Civil 3D). Tasks include surface creation and editing, exhibit creation, volume calculations, and editing the results of work for our clients, our planners, our designers, and our engineers who collectively design the communities and infrastructure we live in every day.

The role deep dives into the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), determining existing property boundaries, rights-of-way, survey control, monument perpetuation and easements through records research and analysis, ultimately plotting the results in CAD preparing exhibits & maps.

Must have experience processing and recording survey documents, final plats, through agency processes. Proficient to independently to perform survey and right of way related research.

Tasks will also include establishing new parcels, new lots, new roads, new subdivisions, new easements, writing legal descriptions and preparing final plats and exhibits for each. You will interact with survey field crews on data collection and construction projects by preparing calculations and field packages to aid in their work. Lastly you will frequently engage with design, civil engineering and water resources teams throughout the lifecycle of each project.

Experience and duties include:

  • A willingness to work in a team atmosphere and multi-task in support of several simultaneous projects
  • Analysis of boundaries and field data, including an understanding of Arizona Minimum Standards
  • Preparation and processing of legal descriptions, ALTAs, final plats, and records of survey using AutoCAD and Civil 3D; including the experience with ALTA/NSPS standards.
  • An expert level understanding of units, coordinate systems, map projections, datums, and coordinate transformations.
  • An understanding of cartographic principles; preparing maps and exhibits together to help tell the story of the survey for others to follow in your footsteps
  • Experience working with with municipal agencies for research and map processing purposes in Arizona counties including interaction with public records, GIS teams, GIS datasets and GIS web applications
  • Construction staking calculations (pre and post layout)
  • Ability to read and understand construction drawings
  • The ability to think logically, concentrate and pay close attention to detail
  • Strong computer skills, passion for technology and proficiency with AutoCAD / Civil 3D.
  • Additional tasks include:
  • Processing data collection from the field
  • Working with aerial imagery and lidar data sets
  • Coordinating with design teams and field personnel
  • Preparation of GIS data sets for agency use (Shapefiles, esri file geodatabase)

Candidate must demonstrate and advanced understanding of boundary principles, land management as well as geometry and trigonometry.

What We Offer:

  • Additional compensation incentive pay potential.
  • Generous Benefits Package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Profit Sharing, 401K, and Life and Disability Insurance and Personal Leave
  • Workplace culture training & experiences.
  • Team building recreational and social events.
  • The opportunity to work for a company that has been in business for 70 years, focused on our culture while we work through our “RICK 75” strategic plan.

The flexibility and the resources to manage, lead and expand an already successful survey department serving both internal and external clients.

RICK is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

RICK employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. RICK employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.