Survey Party Chief

Position Overview

Power your future with Qualus as a Survey Party Chief. The Survey Party Chief leads a field survey crew in conducting land and engineering surveys for construction, boundary, topographic, and right-of-way projects. This role ensures accurate data collection, adherence to legal and technical standards, and the integration of field data into final deliverables. The position requires both technical expertise and leadership to manage field operations and mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a field survey crew on boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, right-of-way, construction staking, and as-built surveys.

• Establish survey control, including OPUS solutions, and perform site reconnaissance.

• Operate, maintain, and calibrate survey instruments such as GNSS/GPS receivers, robotic total stations, levels, and data collectors.

• Perform field calculations, stakeouts, and data collection with preliminary accuracy checks.

• Maintain detailed field notes, sketches, and digital records in accordance with company and professional standards.

• Ensure compliance with surveying standards, safety protocols, and applicable regulations.

• Plan and execute drone flights for aerial mapping, photogrammetry, and LiDAR surveys.

• Conduct pre-flight inspections and ensure compliance with FAA regulations.

• Capture high-resolution aerial imagery and 3D data for terrain modeling and volumetric analysis.

• Maintain drone hardware and software, including firmware updates, flight logs, and regulatory documentation.

• Knowledgeable (or willing to learn) about LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), or other ground-based 3D scanner.

• Train, mentor, and oversee the work of survey crew members.

• Communicate effectively with office staff, engineers, contractors, and clients regarding survey requirements and findings.

• Oversee the care, organization, and maintenance of survey equipment and vehicles.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of field surveying experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership/Party Chief role.

• Proficiency in modern survey instruments (Topcon, or equivalent).

• Strong understanding of surveying practices, standards, and field procedures.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, construction drawings, and legal descriptions.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Valid U.S. driver's license and clean driving record.

• Physical ability to work outdoors in varying conditions and terrain.

Benefits & Compensation

Qualus benefits offered include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays, for those who qualify.

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The salary range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Company Overview

Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 1,800 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.

EEO

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US.

Submit Referral Submit Referral

Software Powered by ICIMS (

Job Locations US-CA-Walnut Creek

ID 2026-5079

Category Engineering & Advisory

Position Type Regular Full Time

Remote: No