Survey Crew CHIEF

Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dayton, OH

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.

Woolpert is an award‑winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting‑edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

Overview

The Construction Survey Crew Chief is a technical position within the survey and geomatics discipline, responsible for leading field survey crews in the execution of construction layout, topographic surveys, and as‑built documentation for site development projects. This role serves as the primary field point of contact, ensuring survey work is performed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with project requirements, schedules, and safety standards. The Construction Survey Crew Chief role will require you to exercise technical expertise, leadership skills, and communication in a collaborative environment offering career growth opportunities.

What You Will Do

• Lead a survey field crew performing construction staking and layout for roads, utilities, grading, structures, and site improvements.
• Interpret engineering plans, digital terrain models, and construction documents to accurately translate design into field layout.
• Operate and maintain survey equipment such as total stations, GNSS receivers, laser scanners, levels, and data collectors. Troubleshoot field issues and ensure proper calibration and functionality.
• Prepare detailed field notes and sketches to document survey activities.
• Establish and maintain horizontal and vertical control to support construction activities.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of layout points, stakes, and survey deliverables in accordance with project tolerances.
• Conduct as‑built surveys and document completed work for project closeout and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of Trimble Business Center for downloading, processing, initial quality control, and verification of accuracy, ensuring data meets project and company quality requirements.
• Coordinate daily with project managers, engineers, superintendents, and subcontractors to support construction sequencing and resolve field issues.
• Review and manage field data, ensuring proper coding, documentation, and transfer to office staff for processing.
• Practice safety protocols promoting a safe working environment, including maintaining PPE inventory and performing safety checks on equipment, procedures, and vehicles.
• Train, mentor, and develop instrument operators and field technicians to improve crew performance and technical capability.

What You Will Bring

• Certified Survey Technician certification, OSHA certifications, or successfully passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam is desired.
• FAA Part 107, Certified Remote Pilot certification is desired but not required.
• Experience in CAD (Civil 3D) for pulling points, generating staking files, and creating point databases to support field layout and construction workflows is preferred.
• Above average communication skills, both verbal and written, and ability to effectively present information before clients and employees.
• Comprehensive understanding of survey principles, methods, and practices.
• Ability to interpret and analyze survey data, maps, and construction plans.
• Good organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to work with survey‑related mathematical concepts (field calculations of points, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, slope, elevations, etc.).
• Understanding of Subsurface Utility Engineering standards (ASCE 38‑22), utility mapping techniques. The ability to operate ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators is desired but not required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, or a related field is advantageous, but not required.
• 5+ years of previous construction surveying experience in a leadership role.
• Mental and physical ability to perform all essential duties required of the position.
• Experience with construction staking workflows and techniques.
• Strong understanding of construction plans, grade staking, and tolerances.
• Knowledge of machine control and 3D modeling workflows is a plus.
• Proficient in operating survey instruments and software, including total stations, GNSS GPS receivers, levels, and data collectors.
• Ability to travel overnight and work overtime as needed.
• Proficient computer skills, including data transfer, data processing software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Pass a pre‑employment driver’s license background check and maintain a satisfactory driving record, as required by our insurance company.
• Must successfully pass periodic drug testing as required by company policy.

Physical Qualifications

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• Good physical condition and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to frequently reach with hands and arms, bend and climb, and/or balance.
• Ability to use tools and equipment such as tape measure, cloth or steel tape, machete, hammer, shovel, and pick axe.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Must have vision abilities of close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in outdoor environments, often in remote and rugged locations.
• Exposure to various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow.
• Physical demands include standing for extended periods, walking on uneven terrain, and carrying equipment.

Benefits You Will Love

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off / vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more.

Base pay offered may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Woolpert is an equal‑opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.