Survey Party Chief

We are seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to support construction layout and surveying activities on a wide range of projects. This role is responsible for leading survey efforts in the field, operating advanced surveying equipment, interpreting construction plans, and ensuring accurate data collection while maintaining safety and productivity standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform construction layout and surveying tasks as part of one- and two-person survey crews.
• Interpret and work from construction drawings, plans, and specifications to accurately establish layout and control.
• Perform mathematical calculations related to construction surveying with a high degree of accuracy.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot survey equipment including Trimble GPS, Trimble Robotic Total Stations, Trimble Base Stations, and TSC 7 Data Collectors using Trimble Access Software.
• Prepare, maintain, and organize field books, records, logs, and other required documentation.
• Perform boundary survey tasks including locating and digging property corners, cutting line through wooded areas, and setting property monuments.
• Drive hubs, stakes, and other markers into the ground for construction surveys, including frozen ground conditions during winter.
• Conduct trenches and excavations to perform as-built surveys of installed utilities.
• Lift, pull, and move manhole covers (up to 50 lbs.), potentially 20–30 times per day.
• Traverse uneven terrain, active construction sites, wooded and undeveloped areas safely and efficiently.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and the general public to exchange information and receive direction.
• Maintain reliable, regular, and punctual attendance and adhere to project schedules.

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in construction layout and field surveying.
• Proven experience working effectively in one- and two-person survey crews.
• Strong mathematical aptitude with the ability to apply calculations to surveying and layout tasks.
• Working knowledge of construction plans, specifications, and surveying standards.
• High level of proficiency with modern surveying instruments and software, particularly Trimble systems.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work extended hours, including 50–60 hours per week during peak construction season.

This position requires the ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs. It involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and requires the capability to walk long distances and navigate uneven terrain, hills, trenches, and active construction environments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $32.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 13, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $20 - $32