Survey Crew Chief

Survey Crew Chief

Otak is seeking a Survey Crew Chief to join our team in Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA. In this role, you will typically lead a two-person field crew and occasionally work independently to support a variety of municipal and private-sector projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. You will play a key role in delivering accurate, high-quality survey data while working with cutting-edge technology and innovative field workflows. Otak is committed to advancing the surveying profession through the use of terrestrial and mobile scanning, sUAS, and single-beam bathymetry, giving you the opportunity to apply both traditional surveying expertise and emerging technologies in the field.

If you enjoy solving challenges, working outdoors, and contributing to projects that help shape communities, we'd love to hear from you.

How You'll Contribute:

• Lead a survey crew collecting field data and perform the necessary field calculations using survey procedures for various types of surveys such as topographic surveys, ALTA surveys, property boundaries, right-of-way, project control, construction staking and verification.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Execute project scope and complete assigned tasks accurately, efficiently, and within established schedule and budget.
• Train, mentor, and develop field technicians in proper surveying techniques, safety practices, and equipment operation.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot survey equipment while ensuring compliance with company standards and procedures.
• Perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checks.
• Prepare, review, and maintain accurate field notes, records, and documentation.
• Coordinate daily with office personnel to ensure efficient project execution and data transfer.
• Communicate professionally with clients, contractors, utility representatives, public agencies, and the general public.

The Strengths You Bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 3+ years of experience working on or leading a survey field crew.
• Possession of a valid driver's license, a satisfactory driving record, and the ability to meet company insurance eligibility requirements.
• CST/LSIT certification is preferred.
• Experience with Trimble field software and survey instruments preferred.
• Understand the basic sources of measurement errors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel regularly, including extended monthly assignments as needed, and work at remote project sites requiring multi-day and overnight stays.
• Must be able to obtain security clearances for transportation, correctional, airport, military, research, and other secure facility access.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions, including inclement weather.
• Ability to walk long distances through a variety of terrains and carry equipment.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and work location as well as market and business considerations.

Pay Range: $30-$38 per hour

Benefits

At our core, we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage you're at in your career, we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life, help support your family, and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no-cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA; a 401(k)-retirement match that is 100% vested immediately; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be provided.

Why work at Otak?

We're not just looking for skills and experience, having shared values is just as important! When you work at Otak, you aren't just joining a firm — you're joining a community. We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. However, we don't just believe in cultivating our own community; we're also committed to enriching the communities around us with smart, creative solutions. We know our employees make an investment in us, so we're committed to making an investment in them. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Plus, we're expanding — and we're dedicated to developing an internal infrastructure with the strength and talent to support that growth.

Equal Opportunity

At Otak, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful for all. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our work environment, fuel innovation, and are essential to our collective success.

We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. Every individual at Otak is valued, included, and treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

All employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We strive to ensure that our practices uphold fairness and equity at every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Our Vision for an Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to creating an environment where:

• Diverse identities are embraced, and differences are valued as a source of strength.
• Every employee feels safe to be their authentic self and contributes meaningfully.
• Unique perspectives are encouraged, and open dialogue is welcomed to foster innovation.
• Curiosity replaces judgment, and respectful engagement is prioritized in all interactions.
• Relationships are built on mutual trust, dignity, and respect, forming the foundation of our workplace culture.

We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, including pregnant employees, to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment. If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process or in the workplace, please contact Otak's People Services Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future!