Survey Party Chief

Job Title: Survey Party ChiefJob Description Responsibilities Locate, review, and research job locations to identify landmarks, physical features, and significant land changes that may affect survey results. Supervise the work of the survey crew, set priorities, and coordinate and organize daily work efforts to meet project schedules. Monitor and enforce quality standards for all survey work performed, ensuring data accuracy and adherence to applicable regulations and standards. Perform and verify necessary field calculations based on completed work to support accurate mapping and design. Oversee the maintenance, proper use, and care of survey instruments and field equipment. Ensure that all measured angles, distances, elevations, and other survey data are accurate and conform to project requirements and industry 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 boundary and control surveys. Determine appropriate methods and procedures for establishing or reestablishing survey control points and reference markers. Keep accurate field notes, records, and sketches that clearly describe the work performed and conditions encountered. Complete daily logs, time records, and expense reports in a timely and accurate manner. Complete company and client safety forms and ensure all crew members follow established safety procedures and protocols. Consult with computer operators and review final survey deliverables to confirm that field data has been processed correctly. Lead and mentor a team of surveyors, providing direction in construction staking, boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, and topographic surveys. Operate and oversee the use of survey equipment including Total Stations, Data Collectors, Levels, and various GPS methods. Conduct construction stakeout and layout for a variety of projects, ensuring that staking aligns with design plans and specifications. Independently perform survey tasks as needed, including topographic, boundary, and construction stakeout surveys. Communicate clearly with team members, supervisors, and clients both verbally and in writing to support project success. Essential Skills High school diploma or GED. 3–5 years of experience as a survey party crew chief; candidates with less experience may be considered based on demonstrated capability. Proven experience in land surveying, including construction staking, boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, and topographic surveys. Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise a field survey crew effectively. Proficiency with survey equipment such as Total Stations, Data Collectors, Levels, and various GPS survey methods. Familiarity with commonly used surveying terminology and the use and care of survey tools and field equipment for measuring, sighting, and leveling. Strong technical and process-oriented skills, including analytical thinking and methodical problem-solving. Ability to work independently when required and maintain consistency, precision, and attention to detail. Commitment to structured, organized work processes and a strong dislike of errors, with a focus on accuracy and quality. Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record. Ability to pass a background check and drug screening. Ability to stand for long periods, walk long distances, climb hills, and traverse varied terrain. Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds. Ability to work in a wide range of temperatures and outdoor conditions. Ability to work safely in environments that may contain venomous snakes and insects such as ticks, red bugs, wasps, bees, hornets, and yellow jackets. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working on diverse projects such as DOT, commercial, federal, government, industrial, power, and warehouse projects. Experience using data collection systems and Total Stations for field data acquisition. Experience performing construction stakeout and layout for various types of construction projects. Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering personnel, clients, and other project stakeholders. Interest in continuous improvement and professional development through training, mentoring, and online courses. Behavioral traits such as being steady, helpful, analytical, methodical, consistent, detail-oriented, and structured. Desire to contribute to work that has a visible impact on local communities. Interest in growing within an employee-owned firm and benefiting from long-term ownership opportunities. Willingness to travel and work extended hours when project demands require it. Work Environment This position is based out of the Charleston office, where the Survey Party Chief reports daily to meet with the surveying team and receive project assignments. The role involves approximately 50% travel and some overnight stays, supporting projects across South Carolina and potentially beyond. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with overtime commonly available depending on project load; surveyors typically work 50-60 hours per week. The work is primarily outdoors year-round and requires extensive walking through varied and sometimes challenging terrain in both extreme heat and cold. Field conditions may include exposure to venomous snakes and insects such as ticks, red bugs, wasps, bees, hornets, and yellow jackets. The position requires regular lifting and carrying of equipment up to 75 pounds and the ability to stand, climb, and walk long distances. The role uses modern survey technologies including Total Stations, Data Collectors, Levels, and GPS equipment. A company truck is provided and may be taken home, subject to company policies. The culture emphasizes People Helping People with core values of respect for people, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, safety, and ownership. Employees participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and benefit from a collaborative, supportive team environment, professional development opportunities, multiple office locations, and work that makes a tangible difference in the communities served. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charleston, SC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $33.00/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 Charleston, SC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 2026. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr