DIRECTOR - SURVEY

Job Description:

DIRECTOR - SURVEY

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A DIRECTOR OF SURVEY

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $192,025.495 - $268,836.528

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the entire country.

THE TEAM

The Survey Division, one of the six unique divisions of the Engineering Bureau, provides support for terminal development, redevelopment, operations, as well as ship navigation, by documenting the use and configuration of the Port’s above water and submerged lands and existing features.

THE ROLE

Under the direction of the Senior Director of the Engineering Bureau, the Director of the Survey Division directs and oversees all surveying operations for the Harbor Department. This role directs preliminary, property, topographic, geodetic, and hydrographic surveys in accordance with the State Land Surveyors Act, ensuring the accurate data and professional expertise needed to guide major projects and strategic decision-making across the Harbor.

CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)

To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual information session on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, @ 5:00 pm PDT via MS Teams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087, Phone Conference ID: 474 022 329 # Click here to join the meeting .

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Provide leadership and direction for the Survey Division, which provides survey services to Port divisions, tenants, governmental agencies, contractors, and utility companies in a wide variety of large survey projects, including preliminary, property, topographic, geodetic, and hydrographical survey.

• Provide strategic direction for the Survey Division in order to align its services and mission with the overall mission of the Port; consults with Bureau and Division Directors to determine short and long-term needs; and develops goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards.
• Manage and evaluate Survey Division work activities, projects and programs; oversee the planning and allocation of Division resources; and determine staffing levels required for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP's) and on-going operational services.
• Oversee the preparation, research and checking of lease maps, tract maps, parcel maps, deeds, legal descriptions, records of survey and engineering improvement plans; ensure compliance with California Industrial Safety Orders and the CA Land Surveyors Act; and approves revised or new techniques, procedures and equipment.
• Prepare and review Board Memoranda and Bureau Notes; attends Board of Harbor Commissioners meetings; prepare and present briefings and presentations; and represents the Port and Survey Division at engineering professional functions.
• Oversee the preparation of Requests for Statement of Qualifications (RSOQ's); participate in consultant selection; negotiates fees; and oversee the scope, schedule, cost and quality of consultants' work.
• Respond to inquiries from Port management, consultants, public agencies, tenants and Port pilots; coordinates survey activities with other Port divisions and outside agencies; and maintains positive relationships with internal and external customers.
• Direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, vehicles, materials and supplies; prepare the Division's annual personnel and non-personnel budget; monitor expenditures; make prudent budget and staffing decisions to control costs; interact with Executive Management, the Board, managers, supervisors and employees at all levels.
• Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Must be registered as a licensed Land Surveyor in the State of California or must be registered as a Civil Engineer authorized to practice land surveying in the State of California in accordance with Section 8731 of the Professional Land Surveyors Act. Advanced coursework in a discipline related to surveying and professional certifications are desirable.
• A minimum of ten years of professional experience in office and/or field survey functions working for a large public agency or firm, including at least five years of supervising staff involved in survey activities, is required. Strong leadership background, with experience as a number one or number two management professional in a complex, similarly situated organization with comparable challenges and structure.
• Experience interviewing, training and mentoring staff; managing and successfully working with people from diverse backgrounds and areas of technical expertise; creating effective working relationships across functional lines; and implementing new programs or practices designed to enhance service and value is required. Prior work experience in the goods movement industry and other port environments is preferred.
• Expert knowledge of professional land surveying principles, practices, procedures and equipment; associated civil engineering practices; engineering measurements, scales, calculations and estimates; geodetic coordinate systems; hydrographic surveying procedures and software; and mathematics, including geometry and trigonometry as applied to land surveying, is required.
• Knowledge of organizational and management principles and practices; employee supervision, negotiation techniques, and principles of sound business communication is required.
• Knowledge of the legal aspects of boundary surveying, including the Land Surveyor's Act, the California Coordinate System, the Subdivision Map Act, and other statutes and ordinances; building codes, practices, laws and regulations governing construction projects; common engineering construction methods; construction materials; safety practices pertaining to field surveying work; and real estate and construction terminology is required.

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• Knowledge of advanced computer equipment and applications related to surveying work, including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, In-Roads, GPS baseline processing and data collection. Ability to research records, compile and process survey data using available software programs, develop computer applications for performing survey calculations, and adapt to and use new software programs.
• Ability to read and interpret complex maps, construction drawings, property descriptions and engineering field notes; prepare clear and concise technical and non-technical reports, drawings, notes, correspondence and other written materials; and review, revise and edit materials.
• Ability to understand and evaluate the applicability and benefit of state-of-the-art surveying processes; recommend and implement improved work procedures; independently research and analyze information; and make recommendations based on findings.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, assign, review, evaluate and supervise the work of those in the field and office; possess strong analytical skills; analyze and resolve difficult technical problems; lead an energetic and dedicated team; and maintain a hands-on approach.
• Must be proficient in MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook, and possess high organizational and planning skills; set priorities, take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment; and handle multiple assignments with competing deadlines.
• Must possess excellent oral and written skills and be able to communicate technical material clearly, logically and persuasively to non-technical audiences and the public; make effective oral presentations; represent the Port effectively in public settings; and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Must have a valid California Driver's License and be able to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) during the course of employment.

DESIRABLE:

• A working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Computer-Aided Design/Mapping (CAD/CAM) is desired. Knowledge of maritime, environmental and government terminology is a plus. Knowledge of principles of budgeting and recordkeeping practices and procedures is desired.
  
• Requires the ability to establish, build and maintain effective working relationships with Port executives and managers, Port staff, consultants, contractors, professional and business organizations, other agencies, the public and others encountered in the course of work; possess excellent listening skills; persuade and convince others; and use diplomacy and discretion in dealing with sensitive and complex issues or situations.
  

You will need strong negotiation skills, political savvy, excellent client/customer relation skills, and exceptional public speaking/presentation skills to thrive. You must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various employees, vendor representatives, officials, and Port management.

If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email [email protected] .

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The final filing date for this recruitment is Tuesday, August 4, 2026 @ 4:30 pm PDT

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application in PDF format.

Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

Individuals who are most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related assessment to evaluate candidate qualifications further. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check.

The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Those individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of $192,025.495 - $268,836.528 (placement depends on qualifications An attractive package of executive-level benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States:

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• Auto Allowance - $550.00 per month
• Executive Leave - 40 hours per year.
• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with Social Security. Current member contributions are 8.00% for CalPERS and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Pay for Performance - Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes up to 5% of the base salary for all qualified members contributing to the 457(b) plan.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Life Insurance - City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance - City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at 3.7 hours per pay period to begin, which is equivalent to two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement into cash credits toward health and/or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Bereavement Leave - 5 days for the death or critical illness of an immediate family member.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Annual Physical - Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at the city's expense through the city-provided program.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university, or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/ .

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

www.polb.com

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally. As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% @55 for "Classic" members and 2%@62 for new members as defined by PEPRA. Subject to employee contribution. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.
• Health and Dental Insurance: The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.
• Life Insurance: City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance: City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Management Physical: Annual City-paid physical examination.
• Vacation: Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service.
• Executive Leave: Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each year.
• Sick Leave: One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.
• Holidays: Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Transportation Allowance: Monthly allowance is allocated by classifications below;
  • Department Head $650.00
  • Deputy Director/Manager $550.00
  • Chief of Staff / Administrator / Principal DCA: $450.00
  • Executive Support Staff: $300.00
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation). City contributes 1% of employee's base pay to the employee's 401(a) plan; effective September 30, 2022, the City will contribute 2% of employee's base pay to the employee's 401(a) account. Employees may opt to contribute up to the IRS annual limits as well.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.
• Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule: Available (subject to City Manager approval).
• Paid Parental Leave: After six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Management positions - Refer to the Job Posting brochure included in the job posting.

Closing Date/Time: 8/4/2026 4:30 PM Pacific

Salary:

$192,025.49 - $268,836.52 Annually