Entry Level Surveyor

Survey Crew Chief

The Survey Crew Chief leads field surveying operations for a wide range of public and private land development and construction projects. This role focuses on performing topographic, boundary, and utility surveys to determine precise numeric measurements and elevations for land development, parking lots, buildings, and related infrastructure. The Survey Crew Chief collects accurate 3D positions, distances, angles, and elevation data in the field and collaborates closely with drafters and designers, providing the information they need to create plans for new buildings, sites, and improvements. The position offers exposure to diverse projects, including airports, highways, municipal work, and apartment complexes, as well as occasional out-of-state construction staking assignments with all travel expenses covered.

Responsibilities

• Lead field survey crews in performing topographic, boundary, and utility surveys for land development, parking lots, buildings, and infrastructure projects.
• Scan, plot, and measure points to create comprehensive surveying plans that meet customer requirements and project specifications.
• Accurately calculate, record, and verify field data, including 3D positions of specific points, distances and angles between building corners, and land elevations.
• Operate, demonstrate proficiency in, and perform calibration of survey equipment to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.
• Conduct construction staking and layout for a variety of projects, including industrial sites and other construction environments.
• Maintain a strong focus on accuracy, quality, and thoroughness in all field and office survey work.
• Meet established budget and productivity standards while managing daily workload and project timelines.
• Operate, maintain, and organize survey trucks, tools, and equipment to ensure readiness and efficiency for field operations.
• Promote and follow safety procedures, arriving prepared for work each day and maintaining safety awareness on all job sites.
• Collaborate with drafters, designers, and project teams by providing clear, complete, and well-documented survey data.
• Generate suggestions for improving workflow, enhancing efficiency, and reducing costs within survey operations.
• Support out-of-state construction staking projects by traveling for multi-week assignments when needed, while maintaining communication with the home office.
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture by sharing knowledge, assisting colleagues, and participating in continuous improvement efforts.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience working as a Survey Crew Chief.
• Demonstrated experience with construction staking and construction layout for land development and building projects.
• Strong proficiency in field surveying practices, including topographic, boundary, and utility surveys.
• Ability to accurately calculate, record, and interpret field measurements, including 3D positions, distances, angles, and elevations.
• Hands-on experience operating and calibrating survey equipment and instruments.
• Proven ability to maintain accuracy, quality, and thoroughness in fast-paced field environments.
• Capability to meet budget and productivity standards while managing multiple tasks and project deadlines.
• Experience organizing, operating, and maintaining survey trucks and field equipment.
• Consistent safety awareness and readiness to work in varying outdoor conditions.
• Clean driving record suitable for operating company vehicles.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AutoCAD experience for reviewing or supporting drafting and design activities.
• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Technology is a plus.
• Experience with Civil 3D or MicroStation CAD software is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of LIDAR technology and its application in surveying and mapping.
• Background in land development projects and construction stakeout work.
• Familiarity with airport, highway, municipal, and industrial project environments.
• Ability and willingness to travel out of state for construction staking projects, typically for 23 week periods at a time.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with project teams and clients.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to suggest workflow improvements and cost-saving measures.
• Self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently while contributing to a team-oriented culture.

Work Environment

This role typically involves working 4050 hours per week, with approximately 70% of time spent in the field and 30% in the office. Each day generally begins at the Rochester Hills office, where you meet your crew, load a company truck, and travel together to project sites. Field work takes place on a variety of locations, including airports, highways, municipal properties, apartment complexes, and industrial construction sites, requiring comfort with outdoor conditions and active, hands-on tasks. The office environment is modern, well-maintained, and up to date, with around 60 team members based on-site. It features a large kitchen area, multiple conference rooms, and spaces designed to support collaboration and creativity. The culture emphasizes teamwork and independence, encouraging employees to take ownership of their work while contributing to shared goals. The organization fosters a friendly and engaging atmosphere with events such as Halloween costume days, holiday office decorations, casual Fridays, and an annual bring-your-kids-to-work day. The company is 100% employee-owned, offering the opportunity to participate in ownership through stock, and has a long-standing presence with multiple offices, reflecting stability and a strong commitment to integrity and excellence.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $36.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

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.

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.