Survey Crew Chief

About KCE

For more than 50 years, KCE has built its reputation on strong relationships, quality work, and the people behind it. We are a locally rooted civil engineering and surveying firm serving communities throughout the Lehigh Valley and Pocono Regions.

At KCE, we want employees to build a career, not just fill a position. We value the experience each person brings, encourage employees to contribute their ideas and expertise, and provide opportunities to take on a variety of work and increasing responsibility. For some employees, that journey may also include the opportunity to become a KCE shareholder and help shape the company's future.

Lead the Field. Help Shape the Communities Around You.

If you are an experienced survey professional who enjoys working in the field, leading a crew, and seeing the results of your work firsthand, KCE may be the right next step for you.

We are looking for a Survey Crew Chief to join our Allentown team. In this role, you will take the lead on field survey operations for a variety of projects, including boundary and topographic surveys, construction staking, as-built surveys, and land development projects.

What Makes This Role Different

You will have the opportunity to work on a mix of survey projects throughout the Lehigh Valley, collaborate directly with engineers and project managers, and lead field work from start to finish. We are looking for someone who knows surveying, enjoys being in the field, and wants to be trusted to get the job done right.

Position Details

• Full-time, in-person position based out of our Allentown office
• Monday through Friday schedule
• Start times may vary depending on project and field needs
• Paid overtime
• Local travel to project sites throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas

Why Join KCE?

• Local company with more than 50 years of experience serving our communities
• Work-life Balance is a core value at KCE
• Competitive hourly pay based on experience, plus paid overtime
• Opportunities to take on meaningful work and greater responsibility
• Work on projects that directly impact the communities we serve
• Flexible schedules and a casual, down-to-earth work environment
• Comprehensive medical plan options, including HDHP/HSA and traditional plans
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance with voluntary life options
• Dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match, including Traditional and Roth options
• Paid vacation, sick days, and nine paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Company events and team-building activities

What You Will Do

As a Survey Crew Chief, you will be trusted to lead field assignments while maintaining the accuracy, safety, and quality our clients expect.

• Lead and perform boundary, topographic, construction staking, and as-built surveys.
• Plan and coordinate daily field activities for assigned survey projects.
• Operate and oversee GPS units, total stations, levels, and data collectors.
• Collect, review, process, and verify field data for accuracy, completeness, and use in project deliverables.
• Perform survey calculations including coordinate geometry, traversing, elevations, and leveling.
• Maintain clear, complete, and accurate field notes and survey documentation.
• Interpret plans, maps, deeds, legal descriptions, and other project information.
• Assist with deed and land record research as needed.
• Work closely with Professional Land Surveyors, project managers, engineers, and other team members.
• Assist with survey maps, plats, and drawings using CAD software (AutoCAD Civil 3D).
• Follow applicable Pennsylvania surveying regulations and KCE standards.
• Maintain survey equipment and help ensure equipment is properly cared for and calibrated.
• Promote and enforce safe field practices and participate in company safety initiatives.
• Provide direction, training, and support to junior members of the survey crew.

What you Bring

We are looking for someone who combines strong field experience with attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to lead others.

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Land Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of land surveying experience, including field leadership responsibilities.
• Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) certification preferred; an interest in pursuing certification is pa plus.
• Strong working knowledge of GPS equipment, total stations, levels, and data collectors.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D; familiarity with Carlson software is a plus.
• Solid understanding of survey calculations, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Ability to interpret survey data, maps, and legal descriptions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective communication and leadership skills.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is a hands-on field position that may also include occasional office-based responsibilities.

• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and terrains.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry survey equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel to project sites throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.
• Ability to safely work around construction sites, roadways, undeveloped land, and other field environments.
• Ability to balance field and occasional office responsibilities.

Please Note

This is an in-person, hands-on field position based out of our Allentown, PA office. Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of our Allentown office or be willing to relocate prior to their start date. This position is not eligible for remote work. Candidates must currently be authorized to work in the United States. KCE is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship for this position at this time.

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you are looking for an opportunity to lead a crew, do quality work in the field, and build your surveying career with a company that values its people and the communities it serves, we would like to hear from you.

Apply today!