Senior Surveyor I

Role overview

The Senior Surveyor I is an intermediate-to-advanced survey position focused on inspecting vessels and other marine structures during and after construction. The work ensures compliance with ABS classification requirements and the applicable statutory and special service rules tied to Safety of Life at Sea, load line, tonnage, cargo gear, and pollution prevention certification. Where needed, the role also supports office administration procedures and helps track business performance at an assigned port.

Key duties

• Serve as a subject-matter specialist in applying the organization’s rules, regulations, requirements, concepts, principles, and processes.
• Carry out routine surveys on classified vessels, platforms, and other marine structures, as well as at manufacturer sites, for classification and statutory compliance.
• Produce inspection and survey reports that are technically correct and submitted on time.
• Work with clients to address issues within the scope of expertise.
• Keep survey records organized, complete, and current.
• Stay informed about new technical methods and industry developments that affect the role, and recommend updates to survey practices and safety programs when appropriate.
• Suggest improved approaches to technical problems and adjust methods, procedures, or design practices when needed.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate survey activities while monitoring the quality of delivered work.
• Review the work of junior surveyors to maintain quality, consistency, and continuity.
• Provide leadership, direction, and training to less experienced surveyors.
• Represent and promote ABS services and capabilities to current and prospective customers.

Education and experience

Candidates should have either a tertiary qualification in engineering or physical science from a program of at least two years, or credentials from a marine/nautical institution along with relevant seagoing experience as a certificated ship officer. In addition, applicants must meet the baseline requirements and knowledge expected for Surveyor II. The role also requires either at least three years of experience as a Surveyor II, or at least eight years of experience in an engineering or survey capacity with an IACS member classification society.

Knowledge and skills

• May require relevant professional certification and/or licenses depending on specialization.
• Working knowledge of ABS Rules, Guides, statutory regulations, related instructions, and the ABS Employee Safety Policy.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand basic shipbuilding practices and vessel operations.
• Capability to complete surveys using the required format.
• Familiarity with job-related computer programs and software.
• Understanding of technical interfaces used in group project work.
• Knowledge of ship engineering systems and machinery.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills for technical matters.
• Ability to analyze issues and recommend solutions.

Physical requirements

• A pre-employment medical examination is mandatory where local law permits.
• The job requires enough strength, stamina, agility, visual acuity, and hearing ability to perform surveyor duties effectively.
• Ability to climb vertical ladders up to 9 meters and negotiate steep steps is essential.
• Must be able to work at height on staging and lifting equipment.
• Must be able to move through tight spaces and spend extended periods in confined areas, including kneeling and crawling.
• The role may involve industrial settings, injury hazards, extreme weather, and physically demanding tasks.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. / 11.34 kgs.
• Use of small tools and PPE in line with ABS safety procedures may be required.
• Where permitted by local law, an annual physical exam is required to confirm ongoing fitness for the role.

Reporting line

The position reports to a Principal Surveyor or a more senior leader, under the guidance of a Survey Manager or District/Country Manager as appropriate. The incumbent may also supervise or guide junior surveyors, and may receive administrative support where available.

About the organization

ABS has spent more than 160 years working to protect life and property at sea while helping preserve the natural environment. The organization continues to support clients navigating changing regulations and new technologies. It is a global leader in marine and offshore classification, along with safety, quality, and environmental services, and supports developments such as the energy transition at sea, remote and autonomous marine systems, and other advanced technical solutions.

Equal opportunity

ABS is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, or other protected non-work-related characteristics under applicable law.

Notice to candidates

ABS and its affiliated companies will not pay any fee to a third-party agency unless a valid ABS Master Service Agreement has been authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other candidate submission provided to ABS employees without a valid MSA on file will be treated as ABS property, and no fee will be paid.

Additional information

This description is not meant to include every responsibility, skill, effort, or working condition associated with the role. It is intended to reflect the main elements of the job and support fair pay structure decisions.