This role is on a defined consulting track toward senior expert responsibilities, licensure, authorship, and testimony support. Are you interested in helping solve some of the most interesting land survey disputes in the country? Are you motivated to gain new professional licenses, develop new skills, and learn new technologies? If you answered “yes” then you should apply to join NLC. We work on the most interesting surveying issues throughout the country, from ranch surveys in West Texas, to riparian allocation surveys in Florida, and even international projects thousands of miles away from the Continental United States. We guarantee that you will grow more professionally in one year with NLC than you would in ten years with any other firm.
Core Role:
The individual in this position is responsible for assisting the NLC Expert Services team in solving complex real property disputes using the individual’s education and specialized knowledge of boundary, easement, title, surveyor negligence, construction defect, riparian issues, and other types of surveying matters. The Survey Consultant I is expected to have knowledge of land surveying – both principles and practice – and be able to clearly articulate their opinions. Additionally, the Survey Consultant is expected to have sufficient knowledge and experience working with the Public Land Survey System. Travel is required (some months none, other months, up to 2 weeks a month with a 15-30 day advance notice typically provided). Base location of canidate is preferred in Texas or Florida, but not required.
Exposure to Expert Consulting Environment:
- Exposure to litigation timelines, attorney communications, and expert standards
- Training in defensibility, documentation, and testimony preparation
- Emphasis on written clarity
Professional Qualifications:
- License in one state as a Surveyor in Training with a desire to obtain PLS license(s)
- Associate’s degree in surveying or a related field (Bachelor's Degree preferred)
- At least five years of relevant experience
- Valid, clean driver’s license and a passport with an expiration date of more than one year
- Must pass a background check before final interview
Desired Technical Abilities (substantial training will be provided by NLC):
- Survey computer programs such as Civil3D, Carlson Survey, and/or Trimble Business Center
- Photogrammetry computer programs such as Carlson PhotoCapture, Pix4DMapper, and/or other photogrammetry software packages
- Survey field equipment such as Trimble S9 robotic total stations, Trimble R12i RTK GNSS, Trimble X-series LiDAR Scanners
- Photogrammetry field equipment such as the DJI 300/400-series UAS Platform and DJI P1 and L2 payloads
- The ability to critically analyze survey data to make professional determinations
- Demonstrated ability to write clear, defensible technical memoranda and reports. Writing sample required.
Desired Subject Matter Knowledge:
- Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
- Boundary Retracement
- Topographic and volumetric survey techniques
Desired Attitudes:
- A love of learning and a desire to improve one’s abilities
- A desire for the objective truth and the ability to communicate well
- The ability to successfully work under deadlines
- The ability to successfully manage survey projects
- The ability to receive criticism from other professionals while maintaining your composure and positive attitude
Growth Path:
Survey Consultant I -> Survey Consultant II -> Survey Consultant III
Promotion Readiness Indicators:
- Consistent billable utilization
- 80% first-pass approval on maps and drafts
- Demonstrated professional judgement under supervision
- PLS Licensure
Key Results Areas of the SIT Position:
Key Results Area #1: Collect and Understand Record Research Documents
- Read and interpret conveyances collected from title reports and your own independent research
- Create working sketches in AutoCAD from deeds, easements, and other conveyances that pass senior consultant review on first submission ≥80% of the time
Key Results Area #2: Collect and Understand Field Data
- Accompany Senior Surveyors into the field to identify and document evidence related to property boundaries, occupation, and land use.
- Assist in the collection of topographic, hydrographic, and environmental survey data as required by project scope.
- Participate in the recovery and description of survey markers, monuments, and physical features.
- Support the gathering of utility locations, infrastructure details, and relevant site characteristics essential for comprehensive survey reports.
- Take part in measurements and observations for construction staking, elevation determinations, and mapping of easements.
- Ensure all field data is accurately recorded, organized, and transferred into digital formats for further analysis.
Key Results Area #3:
- Resolve Property Boundaries, Surveyor Standard of Care, and create Final Map and Report Products
- Collaborate with the Survey Consultant III to interpret and analyze survey findings for clarity and accuracy.
- Effectively communicate key survey results and relevant discoveries to clients, ensuring transparency and understanding.
- Develop detailed survey maps that visually represent property boundaries, features, and collected data.
- Prepare comprehensive survey reports that document procedures, methodologies, and supporting evidence.
- Ensure all deliverables meet professional standards and client expectations for quality and thoroughness.
Key Results Area #4: Promote NLC Expert Services
- Present at least one full-day continuing education course per year
- Assist Survey Consultant III with at least one trade journal article with Dr. Nettleman
- Assist Survey Consultant III with at least one Peer-Review Journal Article
- Represent the best interests of NLC, Inc. in all internal and external communications
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a desire for the objective truth and the ability to communicate well?
- Are you located in either Texas or Florida?
Education:
Experience:
- Land surveying: 5 years (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Houston, TX 77056
