Crew Chief

Job Title: Crew Chief
Department: Operations
Reports To: Crew Manager/Crew Coordinator/Operations Manager
Location: Houston, TX

The Crew Chief is a crucial member of our surveying team, responsible for leading and overseeing their survey crew in the execution of land surveying projects. This role involves the management of field survey activities, equipment, and personnel to ensure accurate data collection and the successful completion of survey projects. The Crew Chief plays a pivotal role in maintaining project quality, safety, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Field Survey Operations

• Plan, organize, and lead the survey crew in the execution of field surveys, including control surveys, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, construction layout, as-built surveys, and other survey related tasks.
• Ensure accurate and precise data collection using surveying instruments, including total stations, GPS, levels, and data collectors.
• Supervise the establishment of survey control points, benchmarks, and reference points.

Survey Equipment and Resources

• Maintain and manage vehicles and surveying equipment, ensuring that it is in optimal working condition and properly calibrated.
• Manage the inventory of field supplies and equipment to ensure adequate resources for survey projects.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Collect, analyze, and verify the accuracy and quality of the survey data to generate detailed maps, plans, and reports.
• Identifying and resolving discrepancies or errors.

Safety and Compliance

• Perform daily job Safety Analysis (JSA) and vehicle safety inspection per Company policy.
• Enforce Landpoint and Client specific safety protocols and best practices during field operations to protect the survey crew and the public.
• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations and surveying standards.

Team Leadership

• Train, mentor, and provide guidance to survey crew members.
• Assign tasks, manage work schedules, and supervise the performance of surveying field personnel.
• Monitor daily production, performance, and hours.

Client Communication

• Coordinate with clients and project managers to address project requirements, issues, and changes.
• Maintain effective communication and rapport with clients and landowners during field surveys.

Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate records, field notes, and project documentation for survey activities.
• Ensure daily uploads of all data, photos, field notes, safety reports, and any other project related information.
• Enter accurate time logs for crew for hours worked, PTO, and holidays.
• Assist in the preparation of survey reports and deliverables.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in land surveying with a proven track record of progressively responsible roles.
• Experience in surveying electric transmission, distribution, and/or distribution pole collection utilizing Katapult preferred. 
• Proficient in using surveying instruments and software (Total Stations, GPS, Levels, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of surveying principles, techniques, and procedures.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and client relationship management skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various job sites.

The Survey Crew Chief primarily works in the field, leading and overseeing surveying operations. This role will involve outdoor work in various weather conditions and occasional travel to project sites.
Physical Requirements include but are not limited to the following:         

• Continuously stand for up to 10 or more hours per day.
• Lift or carry up to 50 +/- lbs of necessary supplies from the truck to the crews in the field.
• Must have the ability to traverse creeks and steep slopes.
• Climb Fences
• Walk up to 5 miles per day.
• Work outdoors in various weather and topographical conditions for long periods of time.  Outdoor temperatures can range from above 100 degrees F to below zero degrees F.
• Hours worked are typically 8 hours/day, 5/6 days/week (not guaranteed).  Schedule driven projects may require more than 10 hours/day and up to 7 days/week.
• Drive up to 500 miles per day.
• Bend / Stoop up to 25 or more times per day.
• Understand potential outdoor hazards associated with working outdoors such as obstacles, straddling, climbing, crawling, and wading in order to traverse obstacles.
• Be aware of the various hazards associated with the different geographic regions of the U.S.  Some of those hazards include but are not limited to:
  • Animal Hazards such as mosquitoes, snakes, ticks, gators, bears, etc.
  • Poisonous Plants such as poison ivy/oak, briars, thorns, sumac, cactus, etc.              
  • Extreme weather conditions such as snow, wind, rain, dust, etc.
  • Extreme terrain such as mountains, swamps, steep slopes, rivers, etc.

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Survey Crew Chief position. It is not an exhaustive list, and responsibilities may evolve to meet the changing needs of the organization.