Survey Party Chief

Job Title: Survey Party ChiefJob Description

We are seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to support construction layout and surveying activities on a wide range of projects. This role is responsible for leading survey efforts in the field, operating advanced surveying equipment, interpreting construction plans, and ensuring accurate data collection while maintaining safety and productivity standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform construction layout and surveying tasks as part of one- and two-person survey crews.

• Interpret and work from construction drawings, plans, and specifications to accurately establish layout and control.

• Perform mathematical calculations related to construction surveying with a high degree of accuracy.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot survey equipment including Trimble GPS, Trimble Robotic Total Stations, Trimble Base Stations, and TSC 7 Data Collectors using Trimble Access Software.

• Prepare, maintain, and organize field books, records, logs, and other required documentation.

• Perform boundary survey tasks including locating and digging property corners, cutting line through wooded areas, and setting property monuments.

• Drive hubs, stakes, and other markers into the ground for construction surveys, including frozen ground conditions during winter.

• Conduct trenches and excavations to perform as-built surveys of installed utilities.

• Lift, pull, and move manhole covers (up to 50 lbs.), potentially 20–30 times per day.

• Traverse uneven terrain, active construction sites, wooded and undeveloped areas safely and efficiently.

• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and the general public to exchange information and receive direction.

• Maintain reliable, regular, and punctual attendance and adhere to project schedules.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in construction layout and field surveying.

• Proven experience working effectively in one- and two-person survey crews.

• Strong mathematical aptitude with the ability to apply calculations to surveying and layout tasks.

• Working knowledge of construction plans, specifications, and surveying standards.

• High level of proficiency with modern surveying instruments and software, particularly Trimble systems.

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to work extended hours, including 50–60 hours per week during peak construction season.

Work Environment

This position requires the ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs. It involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and requires the capability to walk long distances and navigate uneven terrain, hills, trenches, and active construction environments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $32.00/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 Des Moines,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

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.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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.