Survey Party Chief

Survey Crew Chief

Tetra Tech is seeking a Survey Crew Chief to join our Oakland, CA team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead field survey operations supporting a wide variety of transportation, municipal, utility, site development, and infrastructure projects.

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential. Join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Position Summary

As a Survey Crew Chief, you will lead field survey crews performing topographic, boundary, construction, GPS control, and utility surveys for a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects. Working closely with licensed land surveyors, engineers, GIS specialists, and project managers, you will ensure accurate, high-quality data collection while maintaining a safe and efficient field environment. This role also offers exposure to emerging technologies including UAV surveys and laser scanning.

Essential Functions:

• Lead and direct survey crews during field operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and accurately.
• Perform topographic, boundary, construction staking, GPS control, and utility surveys.
• Operate and maintain survey equipment including robotic total stations, GNSS/GPS receivers, digital levels, and data collectors.
• Collect field data in accordance with project specifications, survey standards, and client requirements.
• Coordinate daily field activities with project managers, engineers, and licensed land surveyors.
• Train and mentor survey assistants and junior field personnel.
• Assist with survey calculations, field notes, quality control, and data transfer for office processing.
• Support survey mapping and Civil 3D workflows as needed.
• Utilize emerging technologies including UAV (drone) surveys and terrestrial laser scanning when applicable.
• Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and safety standards while working in a variety of field conditions.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3-5+ years of progressively responsible land surveying experience, including experience serving as a Survey Crew Chief or lead field technician.
• Valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Experience operating GPS/GNSS equipment, robotic total stations, and conventional survey instruments.
• Strong understanding of boundary, topographic, construction staking, and control surveys.
• Ability to lead field crews while maintaining quality, safety, and productivity.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• LSIT certification or ability to obtain within six months.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and survey data processing.
• Familiarity with GIS platforms.
• Experience with UAV surveying and/or terrestrial laser scanning technologies.
• Previous experience supporting municipal, transportation, utility, or site development projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform fieldwork in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Ability to climb slopes, enter construction sites, and occasionally access trenches or elevated areas.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and use of survey equipment.

Work Environment/Environmental Factors

• Combination of outdoor fieldwork and occasional office work.
• Exposure to changing weather conditions, construction sites, traffic, uneven terrain, and active project locations.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Salary $75k - $110k dependent on experience

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.