Lead Utilities Surveyor

LOCATION: This is an excellent opportunity for a Utilities Surveyor based in Harpenden.

Harpenden / London / UK-wide site work

OUR BUSINESS

Plowman Craven is a recognised leader in Geospatial Technologies, combining innovation with precision to support clients across the entire asset lifecycle. Trusted by the industry’s largest developers, property managers, contractors, and engineering firms, we deliver highly accurate data and insights that drive smarter decision-making and improve project efficiency. Our mission is to push the boundaries of possibility, providing market-leading solutions that shape the future of the built environment.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Lead Utilities Surveyor to join our team. This role requires extensive experience delivering utilities surveys to PAS 128 standards, alongside the ability to oversee multiple concurrent projects and supervise survey teams in the field.  You will provide technical leadership, ensure quality and compliance, and directly manage and develop junior team members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Delivery

  • Deliver utilities and topographical surveys in accordance with PAS 128 and company standards.
  • Undertake and oversee:
    • Manhole lifting and measurement observations
    • Total Station (TPS) and GPS/GNSS observations
    • Utility detection using electromagnetic locators (EML) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
    • Post-processing of EML data in AutoCAD (2D/3D)
    • Post-processing of GPR data using IQMaps and Geolitix
  • Ensure all site activities are conducted in line with company Health & Safety procedures.
  • Oversee data collection and processing to ensure outputs meet required technical and quality standards.

Project & Operational Leadership

  • Work closely with the Survey Manager, Client Delivery Manager and Delivery Team to determine the most appropriate technology and efficient methodologies to meet project specifications and programme requirements.
  • Take ownership of allocated project elements, including planning, logistics and coordination.
  • Manage multiple projects in parallel, ensuring deadlines and budget constraints are met.
  • Proactively report project progress, risks and resource requirements to the project team.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to maximise efficiency and resource allocation.
  • Support the Project Manager in the successful delivery of projects.

Team Leadership & Development

  • Provide direct line management to junior surveyors.
  • Deliver on-site guidance, mentoring and structured training to support technical development.
  • Monitor performance and provide feedback to the Survey Manager.
  • Foster a culture of quality, accountability and continuous improvement within the survey team.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Act as a technical point of contact for clients on site.
  • Provide expert advice and consultative input to client project teams.
  • Contribute to quotations and estimates where required.

General

  • Work flexibly, including occasional night work and working away from home when required.
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties aligned with the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

  • Extensive experience in utilities surveying.
  • Strong working knowledge of PAS 128 standards.
  • QCF Level 3 or 5 qualification (or equivalent).
  • Proven experience using GPR and electromagnetic locating techniques.
  • Proficient in TPS and GNSS equipment.
  • Strong AutoCAD capability (2D/3D).
  • Experience post-processing GPR data in IQMaps and Geolitix.
  • CSCS certified.
  • Experience supervising teams and mentoring junior staff.
  • Experience managing multiple projects concurrently.
  • Experience contributing to quotations and estimates.
  • Strong client-facing experience.
  • Full, clean UK driving licence.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines.
  • Proactive and self-motivated.
  • Effective problem-solving skills, particularly in live site environments.
  • Strong IT literacy.
  • Flexible regarding working hours and locations.

Plowman Craven is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Benefits of working at Plowman Craven.

Plowman Craven is a great place to work and offers a range of competitive family friendly benefits including:
  • 25 Days Annual Leave – increasing to 30 days plus bank holidays
  • Performance related bonus
  • Professional membership & development
  • Salary sacrifice pension contribution scheme
  • Flexible/remote working (role dependent)_
  • Travel loans & travel cards (Zone 1+2) for London-based roles
  • Access to fleet vehicles
  • Life assurance
  • Enhanced family friendly benefits
  • Healthcare benefits
  • Wellbeing & mental health programme
  • Social activities organised yearly
  • Employee owned company held in a Trust for the benefit of employees
  • EOT profit sharing scheme

Please note : All benefits outlined above is subject to variations based on the location / country of the advertised role.

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