Survey Manager

Wade Trim

Grand Rapids, MI

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Budgeting, Building Surveying, Business Development, Business Strategy, Civil Engineering, Cloud Computing, Coaching, Communication Skills, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Data Management, Data Processing, Financial Liability, Geomatics, Leadership, Leading Edge Technology, Legal, Licensing Compliance, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)\Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR), Maintain Compliance, Market Development, Mentoring, Performance Analysis, Performance Reviews, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Capability, Product Positioning, Profit & Loss, Project Estimates, Project Schedule, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Proposal Development, Quality Control, Quality Management, Quality Metrics, Resource Management, Resource Utilization, Safety Compliance, Spatial Data, State Laws and Regulations, Strategic Planning, Surveying, Talent Management, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Operations, Technical Presentation, Technical Strategy, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Work From Home, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Grand Rapids, MI
POSTED
Today
Survey Manager

Wade Trim is seeking an experienced Survey Manager to lead our Advanced Mapping & Geospatial operations across multiple states. This role manages a team of 10+ survey professionals delivering LiDAR, UAV, 3D scanning, and traditional survey services with a strong emphasis on energy sector clients and cutting-edge geospatial technology applications. The ideal candidate combines strong technical survey expertise with proven leadership capabilities and a passion for advancing digital twin technology, drone operations, and point cloud data extraction methodologies.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage and mentor a team of 10+ professionals across multi-state operations
  • Build and develop team capabilities around advanced geospatial technologies
  • Foster collaborative culture and cross-office coordination
  • Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching
  • Recruit and develop talent to support geographic and technical growth
  • Advanced Technology Leadership
  • Drive adoption and advancement of digital twin methodologies
  • Expand UAV/drone operations and applications across project types
  • Lead point cloud data extraction, processing, and deliverable development
  • Integrate LiDAR and 3D scanning workflows with client deliverables
  • Position Wade Trim as a technology leader in geospatial services

Technical Oversight & Quality Control

  • Verify survey methods, calculations, and deliverables meet professional standards
  • Review complex boundary analyses, ALTA/NSPS surveys, and construction staking
  • Establish and maintain quality standards across multi-state operations
  • Protect professional accuracy and compliance with state-specific requirements
  • Project Management & Operations
  • Oversee project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation
  • Coordinate multi-state survey operations and field crew deployment
  • Manage resource allocation and utilization across multi-office operations
  • Verify compliance with state-specific regulations and standards (including PHMSA pipeline requirements)
  • Monitor project profitability and operational efficiency

Business Development & Strategic Growth

  • Support proposal development, project estimating, and technical presentations
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and project managers
  • Identify market opportunities in energy, geospatial, and infrastructure sectors
  • Contribute to strategic planning for technology advancement and service expansion
  • Advance competitive positioning through innovative geospatial solutions

Safety & Compliance

  • Verify adherence to safety protocols for field operations and UAV operations
  • Maintain compliance with state licensing requirements across jurisdictions
  • Support professional development and continuing education
  • Protect professional liability through quality management systems

Education & Licensure:

  • Bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related field
  • Professional Land Surveyor (PLS/PS) license in any state (Pennsylvania, Ohio and/or Michigan strongly preferred)
  • Ability to obtain licensure in multiple states

Skills/Experience:

  • Minimum 8-10 years professional surveying experience
  • Minimum 3-5 years in leadership or management role
  • Multi-state project experience
  • Experience managing teams of 5+ professionals
  • Demonstrated experience with advanced geospatial technologies (LiDAR, UAV)

Leadership & Communication

  • Proven ability to lead, develop, and retain technical teams
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Client relationship management experience
  • Collaborative approach to cross-functional project teams
  • Knowledge of boundary law, ALTA/NSPS standards, and construction surveying
  • Proficiency with survey equipment and software (Trimble, AutoCAD Civil 3D, etc.)
  • Strong understanding of LiDAR, UAV, and 3D scanning applications
  • Point cloud data processing and extraction capabilities
  • GIS and geospatial data management experience
  • Digital twin methodology knowledge or demonstrated ability to learn

About Wade Trim:

Wade Trim is committed to maximizing the value of infrastructure investments. We've been solving complex engineering challenges for a century. We customize our work approach to fit each project using a collaborative, friendly style to deliver solutions our clients can stand behind.

Our supportive culture recognizes and strives to fulfill collective client, company, and individual needs. Mentoring and building skills of Wade Trim staff is a priority. Frequent interaction among staff is encouraged, company leadership is easily accessible, and opportunities are provided for staff to help shape the firm's future through strategic planning. Work/life balance is supported through a flexible, hybrid work schedule that brings team members together in the office at least three days a week and connects them virtually when working from home.

To solve our clients' toughest challenges, we've devoted ourselves to delivering innovative solutions. Our Office of Applied Technology (OAT) is dedicated to seeking new technologies or ways to apply existing technologies to enhance value to our clients and positively impact communities. All staff are encouraged to share ideas and suggestions for innovative technologies or processes to adopt. This open-minded approach enables us to advance technology, foster innovation, and stay ahead of our clients' needs.

Wade Trim's success is shared by the employees that make it happen. Since our beginning, our firm has been 100% employee owned. This cultivates an ownership mindset that benefits our work approach, collaborative culture, and ability to deliver client solutions. We believe employee ownership drives the sustainability and growth of our firm and provides all our employees with opportunities for financial success.

About the Company

W

Wade Trim

Description:

At Wade Trim, we are committed to maximizing the value of infrastructure investment. For nearly a century, we’ve been solving complex engineering challenges to create stronger communities. Our work approach is customized to fit each client and project. We use a collaborative, friendly style – built on excellent communication before, during and after a project – to deliver solutions our clients can stand behind.

Mission Statement:

Trusted partners that deliver innovative solutions built on a foundation of excellence

Vision Statement:

Sustainable infrastructure delivered nationally, for the best, by the best.

Core Values:

Our core values have stood the test of time – holding fast through Wade Trim’s leadership and changes in market conditions. We have nurtured a supportive culture that recognizes and strives to fulfill collective client, company, and individual needs. Six core values define what we believe and how we act.

Safety Starts with Me – Everyone goes home at the end of the day in the condition they arrived.

Value of Our People – We are committed to a diverse team that helps one another to be successful in all our endeavors.

Client Focused – We deliver technically innovative solutions our clients can stand behind, on time and within budgets.

Professional Ethics – We conduct ourselves with the highest degree of integrity, respect and truthfulness. “We do the right thing.”

Accountability – We accept responsibility for our actions and always promote open communication.

Stewardship – We are dedicated stewards of the environment and actively contribute to our professions and our communities.

 

Services:

Engineering

Planning

Surveying

Landscape Architecture

 

Locations:

Wade Trim is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. We have 20 offices located in 9 states around the nation.

COMPANY SIZE
100 to 499 employees
INDUSTRY
Engineering Services
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Parking, Performance Bonus, Professional Development, 401K, Stock Options, Employee Referral Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Events, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance
FOUNDED
1926
WEBSITE
http://www.wadetrim.com/