JM

Surveys Section Head / Manager

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. Engineering Full-timeKnoxville, TN
Posted Sep 24, 2026 · Expires Oct 17, 2026

Quick facts

Type
Full-time
Location
Knoxville, TN
Industry
Engineering — 264 open jobs
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Job description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position Summary: JMT is currently seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Land Surveyor to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will lead field and office survey operations, manage survey and SUE crews, and ensure the accuracy and quality of all surveying and SUE deliverables for a variety of clients and disciplines throughout our industry. You will play a key role in planning, executing, and overseeing all practices of surveying and SUE procedures while mentoring junior staff and ensuring compliance with industry standards and local regulations. You will also be responsible for business development, financial success, and managing staff for the department at the local level. Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Research previous survey evidence, maps, deeds, physical evidence, and other records to obtain data needed for surveys
  • Makes decisions independently on surveying problems and methods and represents the organization in conferences and meetings to resolve important questions, and to plan and coordinate work
  • Plans and develops surveying projects concerned with unique or controversial problems which have an important effect on firm's major projects
  • Manage schedules, budgets, project deliverables, assigns and directs projects concerning surveying and SUE within the office
  • Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, plats, maps, records, Digital Terrain Models (DTM), legal descriptions and documents related to surveys and SUE
  • Process field data using surveying software (e.g., Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Carlson, MicroStation)
  • Train assistants and helpers and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps
  • Develop or redefine criteria for survey methods and procedures
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols, company standards, and legal requirements
  • Coordinate strategic growth plan with office managers and practice leaders
  • Establish and grow market presence in area through marketing and business development
  • Manage financial budget for department and allocate resources accordingly
  • Lead and contribute to the production of proposals
  • Serve as a technical expertise resource to project managers and technical staff
  • Establish resources staffing needs for the section
  • Interview and hire staff for the section
  • Perform performance reviews for staff
  • Lead and manage team members by providing leadership and continuous performance management (setting expectations, goals, feedback, 1:1 meeting, coaching) that supports the growth and development of team

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Skills

  • Ability to work on multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced team-oriented environment
  • Team Attitude / Mindset
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills are a must
  • General understanding of survey and SUE plan preparation using Bentley MicroStation/OpenRoads, Carlson or AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Must successfully complete and pass JMT's Motor Vehicle screening
  • Valid Driver's License required

Required Experience

  • Active registration as a Professional Land Surveyor in Tennessee
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred or Associates of Applied Science in Geomatics or related field from an accredited program
  • 15+ years’ experience in specialized discipline
  • Project management and business development experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Preferred Experience

  • Familiarity with subface utility designating and locating preferred
  • Familiarity with TDOT
  • Familiarity with aerial mapping, LiDAR scanning and UAS is preferred

Benefits

JMT offers outstanding opportunities for career and professional growth. We are 100% employee-owned (ESOP) and offer outstanding health care coverage and other benefits, including:

  • Affordable Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Company paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Caregiver Leave Program
  • 401K Retirement Plan (Traditional and Roth options)
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Career Development Programs
  • And more…

Benefits | JMT

Working Conditions

Work is performed within a general office environment. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require occasional standing and walking. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment. Field work is required on occasion where work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Some lifting (up to 25 lbs) may be required as needed.

Amount of Travel Required: 20% approximately.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Visa sponsorship record: Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Sponsors actively
19H-1B labor applications (LCA)100% certified
15H-1B petitions approved by USCISapproval rate 100% · 11 new
0Green card filings (PERM)no filings found
$84kMedian H-1B salaryfrom LCA filings
Fiscal yearH-1B LCAsUSCIS approvalsUSCIS denialsPERM
FY2026870—
FY20251080—
FY20241———

Roles they sponsor most

  • water resources design engineer3 LCAs · median $81k
  • facilities cm project engineer2 LCAs · median $88k
  • structures design engineer2 LCAs · median $80k
  • traffic design engineer2 LCAs · median $83k
  • bridge project engineer1 LCA · median $103k

Full sponsorship history of Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. →

Which visas can work for this job

  • H-1B cap-exempt employer

    Regular cap-subject employer — a new H-1B needs to win the lottery in March (unless you already hold cap-counted H-1B status).

  • O-1 (extraordinary ability)

    For candidates with awards, publications, press, a high salary or critical roles at distinguished organizations. No cap, no lottery; the employer files a petition.

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC disclosure data (H-1B/H-1B1/E-3 LCA, PERM), OFLC prevailing wage data, USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, E-Verify participating employers. Data loaded: LCA FY2024–FY2026, PERM, USCIS Data Hub, OFLC wages; updated 2026-10-03. Employers are matched by name, so records of companies with similar names can occasionally be mixed up. This is general information, not legal advice — talk to an immigration attorney about your case.