Survey Party Chief

Department: Field Operations / Survey
Reports To: Survey Manager

Summary / Objective

The Survey Party Crew Chief is responsible for supervising and performing all field surveying activities necessary to support heavy civil construction projects. This role serves as the primary on‑site survey authority, ensuring the accurate layout, measurement, and documentation of construction work in accordance with contract documents, project specifications, and safety requirements.

The Crew Chief collaborates closely with project management, engineering, and field leadership to support production, maintain quality, and ensure accurate project records. This position requires strong technical survey skills, leadership capability, and a thorough understanding of heavy civil construction methods.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Safety Leadership & Compliance

• Collaborate with all job site personnel to ensure company and project-specific safety protocols are implemented and followed.
• Actively promote a safe working environment for the survey crew and surrounding trades.
• Participate in job safety analyses (JSAs), activity hazard analyses (AHAs), and toolbox talks as required.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions or practices and take immediate corrective action when necessary.
• Ensure survey activities comply with OSHA regulations and site safety requirements.

Contract Review & Technical Understanding

• Thoroughly review contract documents, drawings, specifications, and control information prior to executing survey work.
• Verify horizontal and vertical control, benchmarks, alignments, and tolerances before layout activities begin.
• Identify conflicts, discrepancies, or potential errors in design documents and communicate findings to project management and engineering staff.

Construction Layout & Field Surveying

• Perform accurate construction layout for heavy civil work including grading, utilities, structures, roadways, bridges, and other infrastructure elements.
• Establish and maintain project control networks including horizontal and vertical control points.
• Verify dimensions, elevations, slopes, alignments, and offsets throughout construction.
• Provide staking and layout support to field crews to ensure proper placement and alignment of work.

As‑Built Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date “as‑built” drawings and survey records in accordance with project specifications.
• Document changes, deviations, and field adjustments as construction progresses.
• Ensure survey data is properly stored, backed up, and accessible to project stakeholders.
• Support preparation of as‑built deliverables for project closeout.

Equipment, Technology & Software

• Operate GPS systems, robotic total stations, and data collectors to capture precise survey measurements.
• Proficiently use surveying and CAD software such as Carlson, AutoCAD, and related platforms (Civil 3D a plus).
• Download, process, and manage survey data for layout and verification purposes.
• Perform routine inspection, calibration checks, and basic maintenance of survey equipment.
• Ensure proper handling, care, and security of survey instruments and technology.

Vehicle & Asset Management

• Operate and maintain assigned survey vehicle in accordance with the Company Vehicle Manual.
• Ensure vehicle and equipment are kept clean, organized, and ready for daily operations.
• Report maintenance needs, damage, or issues promptly.

Coordination & Communication

• Work closely with Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, and field leadership to support construction production needs.
• Communicate layout schedules, priorities, and constraints to project teams.
• Provide clear directions to survey crew members and coordinate daily work activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for field survey issues on assigned projects.

Training & Crew Leadership

• Supervise and mentor survey crew members, ensuring work is performed accurately and efficiently.
• Provide training on survey methods, equipment usage, and safety practices.
• Promote quality, efficiency, and accountability within the survey crew.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of heavy civil construction methods, sequencing, and tolerances.
• Proficiency in construction surveying tools, techniques, and best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and control documents.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced construction environment.

Experience & Education Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of construction surveying experience (required).
• Prior experience serving as a Crew Chief or in a lead survey role preferred.
• Experience in heavy civil construction required.

Technical Requirements

• Proficiency with surveying equipment and software including Leica, Trimble, and Carlson (required).
• Working knowledge of CAD-based survey workflows.
• Ability to utilize GPS and robotic total stations for high‑precision measurement.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver’s license (required).
• Survey-related certifications or advanced training a plus.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to climb, walk long distances, kneel, squat, push, pull, and work on uneven terrain.
• Ability to enter confined spaces with proper training.
• Work performed outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Exposure to active construction environments with heavy equipment and noise.

Additional Expectations

• Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, or nights as required by project schedules.
• Ability to travel between projects as needed.
• Commitment to professionalism, safety, and quality workmanship.