Survey Crew Chief

Survey Crew Chief

The Survey Crew Chief leads field surveying activities for a wide variety of public and private land development projects, including airports, highways, municipal work, and commercial and residential developments. This role performs topographic, boundary, and utility surveys to determine precise 3D positions, distances, angles, and elevations for land, parking lots, and buildings. The Survey Crew Chief ensures accurate collection and recording of field data that drafters and designers use to create new buildings, infrastructure, and site plans. The position offers the opportunity to work on local projects as well as occasional out-of-state industrial construction staking assignments with all travel-related expenses covered.

Responsibilities

• Perform topographic, boundary, and utility surveys to determine numeric measurements and elevations for land development, parking lots, and buildings.
• Collect and record accurate 3D positions of specific points, including distances and angles between building corners and land elevations.
• Scan, plot, and measure points to create comprehensive surveying plans for customers.
• Accurately calculate, document, and verify field data for use by drafters and designers.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain survey equipment to ensure reliable and precise measurements.
• Demonstrate a high level of accuracy, quality, and thoroughness in all surveying tasks and documentation.
• Meet established budget and productivity standards while maintaining quality and safety.
• Operate, maintain, and organize survey trucks and associated field equipment.
• Maintain strong safety awareness and arrive prepared for field work every day.
• Generate suggestions for improving workflow, efficiency, and cost savings within the surveying operations.
• Support construction staking and layout activities for industrial and land development projects, including out-of-state assignments when needed.
• Collaborate with office staff, drafters, designers, and project teams to ensure field data meets project requirements.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience working as a Survey Crew Chief.
• Hands-on experience with construction staking and construction layout.
• Strong field surveying skills in topography, boundary, and utility surveys.
• Proficiency in operating and calibrating survey equipment.
• Ability to accurately calculate, record, and verify field data.
• Demonstrated ability to meet budget and productivity standards while maintaining quality.
• Strong safety awareness and consistent preparedness for daily field work.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with AutoCAD for survey and land development projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Technology.
• Experience with Civil 3D or MicroStation CAD software.
• Knowledge of LiDAR and its application in surveying.
• Experience with construction layout and construction stakeout on a variety of project types, including airports, highways, and municipal work.
• Ability to travel out of state for 2–3 week assignments for construction staking industrial projects, with travel and per diem provided.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to propose workflow and cost-saving improvements.
• Ability to work both independently in the field and collaboratively with project teams.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position typically requiring 40–50 hours per week. The Survey Crew Chief spends approximately 70% of the time in the field and 30% in the office. Each day generally begins by driving to the main office, then joining a crew in a company truck to travel to project sites. The role supports a variety of public and private projects, including airports, highway and transportation work, municipal projects, apartment complexes, and industrial construction staking assignments, including occasional out-of-state travel with covered travel expenses and per diem. The primary office environment is modern, well-maintained, and up to date, with around 60 team members, a large kitchen space, and multiple conference rooms that support collaboration and project work. The culture emphasizes teamwork, independence, and employee ownership, offering a collaborative and creative atmosphere with activities such as holiday office decorating, Halloween costumes, casual Fridays, and an annual bring-kids-to-work day. The organization is 100% employee-owned, fostering a sense of ownership and long-term commitment among team members.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $36.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.