DIRECTOR - SURVEY

Director Of Survey

The Port of Long Beach is seeking a Director of Survey. This is an at-will position with a salary range of $192,025.495 - $268,836.528. The position is located in Long Beach, CA.
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: 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.
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.
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:
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,