ABOUT THE POSITION
Hydrographic Geomatics Manager – Virginia Beach, VA
We are seeking a highly skilled and entrepreneurial Hydrographic Geomatics Manager to lead and grow our hydrographic geomatics practice in Virginia Beach, VA. This leadership role will focus on expanding VHB’s hydrographic service line—driving business development opportunities in both private and federal markets.
The position offers a blend of office-based responsibilities, remote flexibility, and field engagement as needed to support staff, clients, and project delivery.
Learn more about our Geomatics team: Geomatics | VHB
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic growth and execution of VHB’s Hydrographic Geomatics service line in alignment with company-wide and regional goals.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities in marine, coastal, and inland waterway mapping—targeting sectors such as ports, dredging, coastal engineering, environmental restoration, and offshore infrastructure.
- Collaborate with leadership teams to develop client relationships, pursue key hires, and strengthen VHB’s position as a leader in hydrographic and geospatial solutions.
- Oversee financial performance, profitability, and operational excellence within the hydrographic team.
- Champion the application of advanced hydrographic survey technologies including multibeam and single-beam echosounders, side-scan sonar, LiDAR bathymetry, sub-bottom profilers, and RTK-GNSS positioning systems.
- Evaluate and implement new tools, software, and workflows—such as HYPACK, CARIS, QINSy, and GIS integration—to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
- Drive research and innovation initiatives that strengthen VHB’s capabilities in marine geospatial analytics, coastal resilience mapping, and 3D digital twin development.
- Manage complex hydrographic and geomatics projects from scoping and proposal development through execution, data processing, analysis, and deliverables.
- Ensure QA/QC standards and data integrity across all survey operations and products.
- Coordinate with engineers, planners, and environmental scientists to integrate hydrographic data into multidisciplinary projects.
- Promote cross-office collaboration and standardized workflows for hydrographic and geomatics project delivery.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of hydrographic survey professionals, including crew chiefs, data processors, and technicians.
- Oversee training, performance management, and career development to foster growth within the hydrographic discipline.
- Maintain a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement in both office and field operations.
- Support recruiting and onboarding efforts to expand hydrographic capacity and technical depth.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong leadership and business development skills with the ability to grow a specialized technical practice.
- Proficient in hydrographic survey technologies, acquisition, and processing software (e.g., HYPACK, CARIS, QINSy, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble).
- In-depth understanding of geodesy, tide and datum modeling, and marine positioning systems.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with clients, staff, and project partners.
- Strategic thinker capable of balancing technical excellence with operational efficiency and market growth.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Licensed Surveyor in Virginia preferred, or ability to obtain within 1 year.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in hydrographic and geomatics surveying, including at least 3 years in a management or senior supervisory role.
- Bachelor’s degree in Hydrography, Geomatics, Marine Science, Engineering, or related field preferred.
- Proficiency with hydrographic survey systems, vessel operations, and data integration required.
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and private sector hydrographic and marine project requirements.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regionally as project needs require.
- 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.
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