Survey Crew Chief

Job Description

Job Description

At KM Engineering, we pride ourselves on understanding that every project is unique—and our approach must be tailored to individual client and project needs. Even as details change, our philosophy stays the same: communicate clearly, stay flexible, use the right tools, and deliver high‑quality work every time.

What you’ll do:

This role supports our Survey Team by leading a field crew to complete ALTA/NSPS, boundary, topographic, and construction staking assignments across commercial, multifamily, industrial, and public‑infrastructure projects. You’ll also coach and develop survey technicians who work under your direction, strengthening KM’s next generation of field leaders.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead day‑to‑day field operations for a survey crew, ensuring accurate, efficient data collection and safe, professional site presence.
• Plan and execute ALTA/NSPS land title, boundary, topographic, and construction staking tasks; establish and verify control; perform check shots and as‑builts; and deliver complete, clearly labeled field notes and digital files to the office team.
• Organize fieldwork, assign tasks, and set priorities to meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives. Maintain vehicles/equipment and daily records of work and expenses.
• Collaborate closely with KM’s Civil Engineering, Land Planning, and Landscape Architecture groups to coordinate staking needs, align design intent with field conditions, and resolve on‑site issues in real time.
• Interface professionally with clients, contractors, and inspectors; communicate progress, constraints, and solutions clearly.
• Model safe work practices; identify hazards, set up safe work zones, and ensure crew compliance with company policies.
• Work with modern survey technology including robotic total stations, GNSS (RTK/VRS) systems, and data collectors (e.g., Trimble or Leica). Confidently collect, manage, and deliver accurate field data to support boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and construction staking projects. UAS experience is a plus.

Job Qualifications / Requirements

• 3–5+ years of progressive survey field experience covering topographic, boundary, construction staking, and field data collection, with at least 1–2 years in a crew‑lead capacity preferred.
• Demonstrated competency with total stations, data collectors, and GPS/GNSS; familiarity with ALTA/NSPS standards and construction plan reading.
• Strong communication, organization, math, and problem‑solving skills; ability to mentor technicians and maintain a positive, productive crew culture.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable MVR (travel between sites required). Ability to work outdoors year‑round across varied terrain and weather; lift/carry 50 lbs routinely.
• Willingness to travel to remote job sites, including overnight stays from time to time.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with biannual bonus opportunities
• 401(k) with employer match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts and dependent care plans
• Paid vacation, personal days, and holidays
• Support for licensure, continuing education, and professional development

KM Engineering. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.