Land Surveyor Instrument Operator / Party Chief

Job Description

Job Description

Land Surveyor Instrument Operator / Party Chief

The Land Surveyor Instrument Operator / Party Chief is responsible for leading or supporting field survey crews on projects across the Southeast. This role plays a key part in collecting accurate survey data, keeping projects on schedule, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring clients receive reliable results. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in the field, directing daily survey activities, managing equipment, and producing clear, accurate documentation for a variety of surveying projects.

• Lead or assist a survey crew in the field while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and accuracy.
• Plan and coordinate daily field activities, assign work to crew members, and manage logistics to meet project deadlines.
• Research project locations and review existing records, landmarks, and site conditions before survey work.
• Provide direction to field personnel and adjust priorities as needed to keep projects moving efficiently.
• Verify field measurements, calculations, and data collection to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee the proper use, maintenance, and care of survey instruments, equipment, and company vehicles.
• Collect and validate survey data, including angles, distances, elevations, and coordinates, in accordance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Work closely with engineers, clients, and project stakeholders to communicate survey findings and field observations.
• Review deeds, plats, maps, and prior survey records to support boundary, topographic, and other survey projects.
• Establish and reestablish survey control points and reference markers using appropriate methods and procedures.
• Maintain detailed field notes, sketches, and records of work performed.
• Complete daily field reports, logs, and expense reports accurately and on time.
• Ensure all required safety documentation is completed and that crew members follow company safety procedures.
• Coordinate with office staff to review and validate field data and final survey deliverables.
• Operate Total Stations, data collectors, levels, GPS equipment, and other survey tools to gather and transfer field data efficiently.
• Maintain accountability for assigned equipment and vehicles and report maintenance needs promptly.
• Perform boundary and topographic surveys independently when required, with minimal supervision.

• Strong understanding of surveying principles, field calculations, and data collection methods.
• Hands-on experience using Total Stations, data collectors, levels, GPS equipment, and related survey technology.
• Familiarity with standard surveying terminology, procedures, and best practices.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in the field.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Solid problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Dependable team player with strong leadership capabilities.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% throughout the Southeast as project needs require.
• Minimum of 5–6 years of progressive experience in survey field operations.
• At least 2 years of experience serving as a survey crew chief.

• Previous experience as an Instrument Operator, Party Chief, Crew Chief, or similar surveying professional.
• Experience performing boundary and topographic surveys.
• Familiarity with survey software and geomatics applications.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, engineers, and project teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and safe field practices.
• Interest in supporting infrastructure and community development projects.

• This position is based in the Charleston area but requires extensive field work throughout the Southeast. Most of the job is performed outdoors and may involve working in varying weather, terrain, and environmental conditions. Travel is expected approximately 50% of the time, depending on project demands. The role requires regular use of survey equipment, vehicles, and field technology, along with a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and high-quality project execution.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charleston, SC.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Charleston,SC.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

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

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.