Director of Survey

Director of Survey

Location: Lisle, IL
EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About CAGE Engineering

CAGE is a highly respected leader in civil engineering, land surveying, and construction management services, known for delivering innovative and high-quality land development solutions. We are a team of problem-solvers who take pride in shaping communities through collaboration, technical excellence, and client-focused delivery.

We foster a culture where leaders are empowered to build teams, drive growth, and make a lasting impact on both projects and people. If you are a strategic survey leader ready to elevate a growing discipline, CAGE is the place to do it.

Position Overview

The Director of Surveying is a senior leadership role responsible for building, leading, and scaling CAGE's surveying operations in the Lisle office and supporting broader organizational growth.

This role blends technical oversight, operational leadership, financial responsibility, and business development. You will guide survey strategy, lead high-performing teams, manage client relationships, and ensure delivery excellence across all surveying projects supporting land development initiatives.

You will also work closely with engineering, construction management, and business development teams to ensure integrated project delivery and continued expansion of CAGE's surveying capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and grow surveying staff including field crews, technicians, and project surveyors
• Build a high-performance culture centered on accountability, precision, and professional growth
• Develop staffing plans, hiring strategies, and training programs to support department expansion
• Establish clear performance expectations and career development pathways

Survey Operations & Technical Oversight

• Oversee all surveying operations including boundary, topographic, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS, and land development surveys
• Ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance of all survey deliverables
• Set technical standards and workflows for field and office operations
• Provide senior-level review of plats, legal descriptions, maps, and survey documents
• Support implementation and optimization of surveying technology and equipment (GPS, total stations, UAV, Civil 3D, etc.)

Project & Financial Management

• Oversee survey project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation
• Manage invoicing, project financial performance, and alignment with contract terms
• Ensure efficient utilization of staff and equipment to maintain profitability
• Partner with project managers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery

Client Relationship & Business Development

• Serve as a senior point of contact for clients, municipalities, and development partners
• Support contract negotiation, scope definition, and project kickoff alignment
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to grow the surveying practice
• Collaborate with leadership on proposals, pursuits, and strategic growth initiatives
• Strengthen long-term client relationships through consistent communication and service excellence

Collaboration & Strategic Leadership

• Partner closely with engineering and construction management teams to support integrated project delivery
• Contribute to overall office and company strategy as part of the leadership team
• Provide insight on market trends, industry standards, and emerging technologies
• Help define long-term growth strategy for the surveying discipline within CAGE

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all surveying work complies with local, state, and federal regulations
• Maintain adherence to professional standards and licensing requirements
• Promote a strong culture of safety, ethics, and quality assurance across all field operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred
• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license required
• 15+ years of land surveying experience, including leadership or management responsibility
• Strong knowledge of boundary law, legal descriptions, and land development processes
• Proficiency with surveying and design software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, and client relationships
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment

Why Lead With Us

Strategic Growth & Impact

• Leadership development programs & mentorship opportunities
• Clear paths for advancement and influence
• Tuition reimbursement & access to executive-level training

Empowered Culture

• Inclusive, collaborative environment where leaders shape the future
• Annual all-team meeting to align, celebrate, and energize
• Team-led book clubs, social events, and cause-driven…