Hydrographic Survey Crew Chief

ABOUT THE POSITION

Are you ready to take your hydrographic survey career to the next level and lead a dedicated team of professionals in the field of marine and inland waterway mapping? VHB is actively seeking a talented and motivated Hydrographic Survey Crew Chief for our Virginia Beach, Virginia office. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking firm that values innovation, technical excellence, and professional development across a variety of hydrographic and geospatial projects.

Learn more about our Geomatics team at VHB: Geomatics

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee a hydrographic survey crew conducting multi-beam, single-beam, side-scan sonar, and sub-bottom profiling surveys in support of coastal, riverine, and offshore projects
• Manage the deployment, operation, and recovery of hydrographic survey equipment, vessels, and support systems
• Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and care of all hydrographic equipment and software systems
• Collect and process bathymetric and topographic data to support engineering, dredging, and environmental studies
• Conduct QA/QC of field-collected data to ensure accuracy and adherence to project specifications
• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation for all phases of hydrographic survey work, including field logs, metadata, and equipment records
• Interpret nautical charts, tide tables, and coastal data
• Assist with public and private records research related to project areas (e.g., permits, maritime boundaries, etc.)

Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in operating hydrographic equipment including multi-beam echosounders (MBES), single-beam echosounders (SBES), RTK-GNSS systems, motion reference units (MRUs), and sound velocity sensors
• Skilled in the use of hydrographic software such as HYPACK, QINSy, CARIS, or similar for acquisition and post-processing
• Strong understanding of positioning systems, tide corrections, and geodetic datums in marine environments
• Familiar with small boat operations and capable of trailering, launching, and piloting survey vessels in inland and coastal waters
• Ability to work in challenging outdoor environments and variable weather conditions, including extended periods on or near the water
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to assign and review tasks effectively
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Proficient in the fundamentals of marine navigation, geometry, and trigonometry
• Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Motivated to mentor junior staff and contribute to the growth of hydrographic surveying within the company

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in hydrographic or geophysical surveying
• At least 3 years of progressive experience as a Hydrographic Survey Crew Chief or similar supervisory role
• Degree or certification in Hydrography, Geomatics, Marine Science, or related field preferred
• High school diploma or GED required
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D or MicroStation desirable but not required
• Familiarity with GIS and marine data integration is a plus
• Valid driver's license required
• Boating license and/or experience with vessel operations highly desirable
• Must be willing to travel and work on projects throughout the region, including occasional overnight stays (estimated <15%)
• Must be able to lift and carry equipment up to 75 lbs

We are VHB! We're an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We're growing, and we hope you'll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

#LI-LO1

#LI-Hybrid