Survey Crew Chief

Job Description

Job Description

Ripple Effect Consulting is a nationally respected firm delivering integrated architecture, engineering, and geospatial solutions. By pairing innovative technology with strong technical expertise, we provide meaningful outcomes for our clients. Our team is driven, collaborative, and focused on continuous improvement, offering a workplace where professionals can grow and build long-term careers.

Position Overview

Ripple Effect Consulting is seeking a Survey Crew Chief to join our field team in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania .

Please note: sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

This position plays a vital role within our surveying and geomatics group, leading field crews on a variety of projects including boundary, transportation, aviation, energy, and land development work. Reporting to the Survey Team Leader, the Crew Chief is responsible for executing field operations, ensuring data accuracy, and maintaining compliance with industry standards and internal procedures. This role blends hands-on technical work with team leadership in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead survey crews performing boundary, topographic, construction staking, and as-built surveys 
• Operate and maintain equipment such as total stations, GNSS receivers, laser scanners, and data collectors 
• Record accurate field notes, sketches, and documentation of survey activities 
• Execute work in alignment with project scope, schedule, and quality expectations 
• Process and verify field data using survey software, ensuring accuracy and completeness 
• Monitor project progress, identify challenges, and implement solutions to stay on schedule and within budget 
• Communicate updates, issues, or delays clearly and promptly to project leadership 
• Promote and enforce safety standards, including PPE usage and routine equipment checks 
• Support the development of junior team members through training and mentorship 

Qualifications & Skills

• Certified Survey Technician (CST), OSHA certifications, or successful completion of the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam preferred 
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification is a plus 
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with both clients and internal teams 
• Solid understanding of survey practices, methodologies, and industry standards 
• Ability to interpret survey data, construction plans, and mapping information 
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities 
• Proficiency in survey-related calculations (e.g., elevations, slopes, volumes, and measurements) 
• Familiarity with Subsurface Utility Engineering (ASCE 38-22), including GPR and electromagnetic locating, is advantageous 

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience (5+ years) 
• Ability to perform all essential job functions, both physically and mentally 
• Hands-on experience with survey instruments and data processing software 
• Experience locating boundary monuments and section corners 
• Willingness to travel overnight and work overtime when required 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and survey data systems 
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record 
• Ability to pass pre-employment screenings, including background and drug testing 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work outdoors for extended periods in varying conditions 
• Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting (up to 100 lbs occasionally) 
• Capability to navigate uneven terrain and use field tools (e.g., hammers, shovels, machetes) 
• Adequate vision for fieldwork, including depth perception and focus adjustment 

Work Environment

• Primarily outdoor, field-based work in a variety of environments, including remote or rugged terrain 
• Exposure to changing weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and wind 
• Physically active role requiring mobility and endurance 

Career Development

This role offers a pathway for advancement into senior field leadership and management positions within surveying and geomatics. Team members may also pursue specialized areas such as geodetic control, transportation, aviation, hydrographic surveying, or remote sensing. Ripple Effect Consulting supports ongoing professional development and provides opportunities to contribute to complex, high-visibility projects that drive both individual and company success.