Survey Crew Chief

Job Title: Survey Crew Chief
Job Description
The Survey Crew Chief leads field survey operations and serves as the primary link between office project objectives and field execution. This role directs all duties of assigned field survey team members while performing calculations and conducting field activities such as construction staking, boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, right-of-way mapping, aerial and topographic surveys. The Survey Crew Chief ensures data accuracy, maintains high standards of safety and professionalism, and supports client-focused solutions that contribute to land, energy, and community development projects.
Responsibilities

• Translate project objectives and requirements from the office into clear, actionable field survey plans.
• Lead and direct the daily activities of field survey crew members, providing guidance, coordination, and support.
• Operate, maintain, and ensure proper care of all surveying and data collection instruments, including GPS and robotic total stations.
• Perform construction staking, boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, right-of-way mapping, aerial and topographic surveys, and other field survey tasks as assigned.
• Record survey results accurately and verify the precision of collected data through appropriate field checks, ensuring all checks are properly documented.
• Transmit survey data to the appropriate files in the computer network, including sending data from remote locations to the office on a daily basis.
• Retrieve and prepare survey data from the office network for use in the field as needed.
• Prepare clear, legible written field notes, daily records, and maintain cut sheets for staking projects.
• Assist in training field staff on survey methods, instrument operation, and proper care of equipment.
• Research and interpret previous survey evidence, maps, deeds, physical evidence, and other records to obtain data needed for surveys.
• Promote and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, cost control, efficiency, and professionalism in all field operations.
• Maintain exceptional internal and external client relationships through clear communication, responsiveness, and reliable service.
• Attend occasional office meetings while primarily reporting directly to job sites as required.
• Utilize civil and land development-related tools and workflows to support municipal engineering and land development projects, as applicable.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 4 or more years of experience in surveying.
• Proven field experience leading a survey crew.
• Strong proficiency with field survey instruments, including GPS and robotic total stations.
• Solid understanding of principles of survey measurement, construction staking, and marking.
• Ability to perform construction staking, boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, topographic surveys, and right-of-way mapping.
• Ability to operate and maintain surveying and data collection instruments reliably in the field.
• Competence in recording, checking, and verifying survey data with appropriate field checks.
• Ability to prepare clear written field notes, daily records, and cut sheets.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 100%, primarily within Southeast Michigan, with potential travel throughout the state of Michigan.
• Clean driving record suitable for operating a company-provided work truck.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct and support field crews.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with office staff and maintain client relationships.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Basic understanding of civil design platforms and related technology, such as Civil 3D or similar tools, is a plus.
• Experience with land development and municipal engineering projects is beneficial.
• Familiarity with ALTA survey standards and requirements is advantageous.
• Ability to adapt to diverse project types in power and energy, municipal, land development, and related markets.
• Demonstrated problem-solving mindset with a willingness to explore new approaches and perspectives.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development in surveying practices and technology.

Work Environment
This role is primarily field-based, with most work performed outdoors at various project sites. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday with flexible hours, averaging approximately 40-50 hours per week, depending on project demands. The Survey Crew Chief will be provided with a work truck and will generally travel directly to job sites, with occasional attendance at office meetings. Work involves regular use of GPS, robotic total stations, and other survey instruments in a variety of terrain and weather conditions. The environment emphasizes safety, client-focused service, and a collaborative culture that supports innovative, community-oriented solutions across energy, land development, and municipal projects.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plymouth, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 fully onsite position in Plymouth,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.