Land Surveyor

Job Title: Land Surveyor / Crew Chief
This Land Surveyor / Crew Chief role leads a two-person survey crew on a wide range of projects across the southeastern region, with a primary focus on coastal North Carolina. The position combines hands-on field surveying with crew leadership, ensuring that all work is accurate, thorough, compliant with regulatory requirements, and delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget. You will organize and execute field work, collect and deliver high-quality survey data, and coordinate closely with office staff and project stakeholders.
Responsibilities

• Work as a field surveyor, independently and as the leader of a small crew, typically a team of two.
• Organize and plan daily field work to ensure efficient, accurate, and timely completion of survey tasks.
• Maintain a safe work environment for all crew members and ensure strict adherence to safety procedures and requirements.
• Protect, operate, and maintain survey equipment, instruments, and vehicles in good working condition.
• Accurately and efficiently collect field data and locate physical features, landmarks, and significant land changes that affect surveys.
• Locate, review, and research job locations to identify landmarks, physical objects, and changes in land conditions relevant to survey work.
• Supervise the survey crew's activities, set priorities, and coordinate and organize work efforts to meet project objectives.
• Monitor and supervise the quality and standards of work being performed by the crew, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Perform and derive necessary field calculations from completed survey work to support project requirements.
• Supervise the maintenance and calibration of instruments and equipment to ensure reliable performance.
• Ensure that angles, distances, and other collected measurements are accurate and conform to applicable regulations and standards.
• Coordinate survey findings and results with engineering personnel, clients, and other stakeholders involved in the projects.
• Research previous survey evidence, maps, deeds, physical evidence, and other records to obtain data needed for current surveys.
• Determine appropriate methods and procedures for establishing or reestablishing survey control points.
• Keep accurate notes, records, and sketches that clearly describe the work performed and the data collected.
• Complete daily logs and expense reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Complete company and client safety forms and ensure all crew members follow established safety protocols.
• Consult with computer operators and review the final production of survey work to confirm accuracy and clarity.
• Deliver collected field data to the office promptly and maintain accurate records of work performed and related expenses.
• Represent the survey team professionally, supporting positive public relations and responsive service to project stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3+ years of progressive experience in survey field operations, including at least 2 years as an Instrument Operator.
• Strong proficiency in operating survey equipment, including total stations, data collectors, and GPS equipment.
• Familiarity with commonly used surveying terminology and the proper use and care of survey tools and field equipment for measuring, sighting, and leveling.
• Proficiency in operating survey instruments such as Total Station/Data Collector, level, and various Global Positioning System (GPS) methods.
• Ability to perform accurate field calculations and verify that angles, distances, and measurements conform to regulations and standards.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in the field and to lead and supervise a small survey crew.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy, thoroughness, and regulatory compliance.
• Capability to travel overnight as needed to support projects within the region.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in land surveying, construction stakeouts, utility locating, and topographic surveys.
• ALTA surveys, hydrographic surveys, and beach or coastal survey work.
• Experience as a Crew Chief, Party Chief, or similar field leadership role.
• Familiarity with Civil 3D and related surveying and engineering software tools.
• Behavioral traits that include being process-oriented, steady, helpful, analytical, and a strong problem solver.
• Preference for methodical, structured work with a consistent, detail-oriented approach.
• Strong dislike of errors and a commitment to precise, high-quality work output.
• Comfort working alone in the field when required, while also effectively collaborating with a crew and office staff.

Work Environment
This role is based out of an office in Wilmington, North Carolina, with the majority of time spent in the field on active survey sites. The position involves working outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions along the coast and throughout the southeastern region, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Travel is a regular part of the role, with an estimated travel requirement of up to 60%; most assignments fall within a daily commute, but some projects will require overnight stays, which are compensated. You will use modern survey technologies and equipment such as total stations, data collectors, GPS systems, and levels, and will collaborate closely with engineering teams and office personnel. The organization operates in diverse sectors including land development, transportation, public sector projects, and beach nourishment initiatives, offering exposure to a wide range of project types and a professional, safety-focused culture.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Wilmington, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $38.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Wilmington,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 1, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


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