Description
The Geodesist is responsible for developing and maintaining survey control standards, control plans, and layouts for
aerial mapping projects of all sizes, and for developing scope and fee for applicable work and overseeing its execution.
This role processes GNSS control networks in Trimble Business Center, applying extremely detailed knowledge of
coordinate systems, datums, and projections along with Static, RTK, and VRS collection methods to ensure geodetic
accuracy and consistency across project deliverables. This is a technical role that requires strong theoretical knowledge
in addition to practical experience. Based within the Remote Sensing department, the Geodesist works closely with
Westwood's Survey department, Project Leads, and field crews to establish, plan, and report project control that
supports survey-grade accuracy for aerial mapping projects.
Requirements
Job Duties:
· Develop and maintain survey control standards and best practices for aerial mapping projects across all
markets.
· Create control plans and layouts for large and small aerial mapping projects.
· Develop scope and fee for applicable work and oversee its execution through project completion.
· Process GNSS control networks in Trimble Business Center for project deliverables.
· Establish and validate horizontal and vertical datums, coordinate systems, and projections for project control.
· Perform GNSS network adjustments and quality control checks, using statistical analysis to verify positional
accuracy.
· Prepare control reports summarizing methodology, adjustments, and accuracy results for project records and
clients.
· Coordinate with Project Leads and field crews to plan and support project control requirements.
· Work closely with Westwood's Survey department to align control standards and methodologies across survey
and remote sensing deliverables.
· Review and validate control data collected by field crews and UAS pilots for accuracy and completeness.
· Stay current on GNSS technology, geodetic standards, and industry best practices.
· Troubleshoot GNSS and control processing issues and provide technical guidance to project teams.
· Assist in the development and implementation of SOPs for control planning and GNSS processing.
· Maintain accurate records of control networks, datums, and project documentation.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
· Advanced understanding of GNSS theory, concepts, processing, reporting, and planning.
· Thorough understanding of remote sensing acquisition and processing.
· Strong theoretical foundation in geodesy and geospatial science, with the ability to apply higher-level technical
knowledge beyond practical field procedures.
· Extremely detailed knowledge of coordinate systems, datums, and projections, including the underlying
theory.
· Strong understanding of statistics and probability as applied to GNSS network adjustment, error analysis, and
accuracy assessment.
· Proficiency in Trimble Business Center for GNSS control network processing.
· Experience developing control plans and layouts for aerial mapping projects.
· Experience with Static, RTK, and VRS GNSS collection methods.
· 3+ years of experience in geodesy, surveying, or a related field.
· Bachelor's degree in geomatics, surveying, geodesy, or a related field, or equivalent experience. · Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. · Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license or progress toward licensure.
· ASPRS Certification or other industry-recognized credential.
· Experience with LiDAR and aerial mapping project control.
· Familiarity with multiple market verticals served by Westwood, including power delivery, renewables, DOT, and civil.
Note: This job description is a general outline of the key responsibilities and qualifications of a Geodesist. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change based on the specific needs of the organization and projects.
About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.
Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.
We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision.
We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.
We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.
Join us in creating a better world.
In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.
Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Skills Required
- Advanced understanding of GNSS theory, processing, reporting, and planning
- Thorough understanding of remote sensing acquisition and processing
- Strong theoretical foundation in geodesy and geospatial science
- Detailed knowledge of coordinate systems, datums, and projections
- Understanding of statistics and probability applied to GNSS network adjustment and accuracy assessment
- Proficiency in Trimble Business Center
- Experience developing control plans and layouts for aerial mapping projects
- Experience with Static, RTK, and VRS GNSS collection methods
- 3+ years of experience in geodesy, surveying, or a related field
- Bachelor's degree in geomatics, surveying, geodesy, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Professional Land Surveyor license or progress toward licensure
- ASPRS Certification or another industry-recognized credential
- Experience with LiDAR and aerial mapping project control
- Familiarity with power delivery, renewables, DOT, and civil market verticals
Westwood Professional Services Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Westwood Professional Services and has not been reviewed or approved by Westwood Professional Services.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match plus profit sharing is emphasized, with contributions into the plan noted when performance is strong. This structure is consistently highlighted as a meaningful part of total rewards.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage with HSA/FSA options and an EAP form the core of a comprehensive package. The breadth of health offerings is presented as competitive for the industry.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, certification support, identity protection, pet insurance, and referral bonuses indicate breadth beyond core benefits. Additional perks like holiday cash and student-loan services reinforce lifestyle support.
Westwood Professional Services Insights
What We Do
Westwood is a leading multi-disciplined AEC industry professional services provider for national wind energy, solar energy, electric transmission, private development, and public infrastructure projects. Westwood was established in 1972 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Through a focus on its people, culture, and clients, Westwood has quickly expanded to serve clients across the nation from multiple U.S. offices. Awards In 2021, Westwood placed #4 and #21 respectively on Zweig Group’s national Hot Firms’ and Best Firms to Work for Lists, and received two 2nd place awards for Zweig’s Marketing Excellence. Westwood also ranked consistently higher four years in a row on the Engineering News Record (ENR) list as a leading design firm in the country. The firm consistently ranks on industry top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement on award-winning projects nationwide. Multi-Disciplined Surveying & Engineering Services Westwood’s core services, surveying and engineering, are greatly enhanced by the in-house expertise of our planners, landscape architects, GIS experts, and environmental scientists. As a full-service firm, our clients are able to easily tap into the extra knowledge it sometimes takes to keep projects moving forward. Westwood’s multi-disciplinary services frequently provide all that is needed in one consultant. We offer several services including surveying, aerial mapping and LiDAR, civil engineering, PV engineering, water resources management, transportation engineering, construction management, land planning & design, landscape architecture, environmental permitting, GIS, cultural resource services, NPDES and SWPPP compliance. - See more at: https://westwoodps.com/about-us/our-company
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