Land Survey Crew Chief

Land Survey Crew Chief

The Land Survey Crew Chief is responsible for leading a field survey crew in performing boundary, topographic, construction, ALTA/NSPS, utility, route, and as-built surveys. This role oversees daily field operations, ensures accurate data collection, maintains survey equipment, and coordinates with project managers, surveyors, clients, contractors, and other team members to complete assignments safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards.

The ideal candidate has strong technical survey knowledge, leadership skills, field experience, and the ability to manage crew members while maintaining quality, safety, and productivity on every job site.

Key Responsibilities

Field Survey Operations

• Lead and supervise a field survey crew on assigned projects.
• Perform boundary, topographic, construction staking, as-built, control, route, right-of-way, utility, and ALTA/NSPS surveys.
• Set up, operate, and maintain survey instruments, including total stations, robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, data collectors, levels, and related equipment.
• Establish and verify horizontal and vertical control points.
• Collect accurate field data, measurements, notes, sketches, photos, and supporting documentation.
• Perform construction layout and staking for buildings, roads, utilities, grading, foundations, and other site improvements.
• Locate property corners, easements, rights-of-way, utilities, structures, and natural features.

Crew Leadership

• Direct the daily activities of survey crew members.
• Assign tasks, provide training, and ensure crew members understand project requirements.
• Monitor field productivity and quality of work.
• Promote safe work practices and enforce company safety policies.
• Communicate expectations clearly and maintain a professional field environment.

Quality Control and Documentation

• Review field data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency before submitting to office staff.
• Maintain accurate field notes, sketches, point descriptions, and daily reports.
• Identify and resolve field issues or discrepancies.
• Communicate changes, conflicts, delays, and site conditions to the Survey Manager or Project Surveyor.
• Ensure survey data is properly downloaded, backed up, labeled, and transferred according to company procedures.

Client and Project Coordination

• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, contractors, inspectors, utility representatives, and clients while in the field.
• Represent the company professionally on job sites.
• Interpret survey plans, plats, construction drawings, specifications, and work orders.
• Assist with planning field work, determining required equipment, and identifying access or safety concerns.

Equipment and Safety

• Maintain, clean, and secure survey vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Report equipment issues, damage, or calibration needs.
• Follow all safety procedures, including traffic control, PPE requirements, confined space awareness, and hazard identification.
• Ensure crew compliance with company, client, and regulatory safety standards.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of land surveying field experience.
• Prior experience leading a survey crew preferred.
• Proficiency with GPS/GNSS, robotic total stations, data collectors, levels, and survey software.
• Ability to read and interpret survey plans, construction drawings, plats, deeds, maps, and legal descriptions.
• Strong understanding of survey methods, field procedures, construction staking, and control networks.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to travel to project sites and work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound field decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical training in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering technology, or a related field.
• LSIT/SIT certification or interest in pursuing survey licensure.
• Experience with Trimble, Leica, Topcon, Carlson, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, or similar survey platforms.
• Experience with pipeline, transportation, industrial, commercial, residential, or municipal projects.
• OSHA 10, OSHA 30, CPR/First Aid, TWIC, or other safety certifications.
• Drone/UAS field experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in heat, cold, rain, mud, and rough terrain.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, lift, carry, and use survey equipment throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven ground, wooded areas, construction sites, and roadside environments.
• Ability to safely work near traffic, heavy equipment, utilities, and active construction operations.

Work Environment

This position is primarily field-based and requires work on active construction sites, roadways, industrial facilities, undeveloped land, commercial properties, and other project locations. Work hours may vary based on project needs, weather conditions, client schedules, and travel requirements. Occasional overtime, early starts, weekends, or overnight travel may be required.

Core Competencies

• Field leadership
• Survey accuracy and attention to detail
• Safety awareness
• Technical problem solving
• Communication
• Time management
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Professionalism
• Client service