What are the responsibilities and job description for the Survey Party Chief - Field/Office Central NY position at Hirani Engineering and Land Surveying, D.P.C.?
The Survey Party Chief (Field/Office) will lead survey crews and perform office-based survey production for projects from Syracuse to Albany, and Binghamton to Watertown throughout surrounding areas of Upstate New York. The position is responsible for safe and accurate field operations as well as survey calculations, data processing, field-package preparation, CAD support, quality review, and coordination between field and office teams.
The allocation of field and office work will vary according to project schedules and operational needs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
FIELD LEADERSHIP & CREW OVERSIGHT
Lead and supervise a two- or three-person survey crew on boundary, topographic, right-of-way, as-built, utility, control, and construction layout surveys
Review assigned scopes, plans, control information, and project requirements before beginning fieldwork
Assign daily tasks, monitor productivity, and ensure field activities are completed safely, accurately, and efficiently
Train and mentor Instrument Persons, Rod Persons, and other junior crew members in field methods, equipment use, documentation, and safety
Coordinate with survey managers, project managers, and office staff regarding schedules, site access, field conditions, conflicts, and required clarifications
Maintain accountability for the completeness and accuracy of field measurements, notes, sketches, photographs, and daily reports
SURVEY OPERATIONS & DATA COLLECTION
Set up, operate, and oversee robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, digital levels, data collectors, terrestrial laser scanners, drones and related survey equipment
Verify equipment setup, leveling, calibration, configuration, and proper use before and during field operations
Establish, verify, and maintain accurate horizontal and vertical control through life of projects
Perform field calculations, construction staking, grade staking, offsets, elevations, traverses, leveling, and other advanced measurements
Read and interpret survey plans, construction drawings, utility maps, deeds, easements, record maps, and legal descriptions
Identify discrepancies, missing information, or potential conflicts and promptly communicate them for resolution
Review field data before leaving the site and at the end of each workday to confirm accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project requirements
Download, name, organize, back up, and transfer field data in accordance with company procedures
Prepare Daily Job Reports for each project visited in the field
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Lead daily tailgate talks, job hazard assessments, and safety briefings
Follow company safety policies, OSHA requirements, traffic-control procedures, client rules, and project-specific safety plans
Ensure required personal protective equipment is properly used
Ensure field vehicles, tools, and survey equipment are maintained in safe working condition
Maintain situational awareness around roadways, rail corridors when assigned, heavy equipment, utilities, active construction, and changing site conditions
Immediately report hazards, incidents, near misses, injuries, property damage, and equipment malfunctions
Maintain required field records, site documentation, permits, and access credentials
Be prepared for random drug testing
OFFICE PRODUCTION & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Process, organize, and review raw field data, field notes, sketches, photographs, and electronic files for completeness and accuracy
Perform survey calculations for traverses, control networks, coordinates, elevations, construction layout, earthwork, and as-built verification
Prepare field packages, point files, stakeout information, control summaries, sketches, and supporting documentation for upcoming assignments
Assist with the preparation and revision of boundary, topographic, right-of-way, utility, construction layout, and as-built drawings
Use applicable survey, CAD, and data-processing software, including MicroStation, OpenRoads, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Topo DOT or comparable platforms
Conduct deed, easement, record-map, utility, control, and project-document research as assigned
Perform quality-control reviews of field files, calculations, coding, linework, notes, and preliminary deliverables before submission
Document assumptions, discrepancies, and unresolved items and coordinate timely resolution with the project team
PROJECT COORDINATION & STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Coordinate with survey managers and project managers to plan field assignments, staffing, equipment, travel, site access, and deliverable priorities
Support the assignment and scheduling of field crews based on workload and project requirements
Communicate field-to-office handoffs clearly so data can be processed without unnecessary delay or rework
Assist with progress tracking, daily reports, quantity information, and other project documentation
Provide technical guidance and training to field and junior office staff on survey procedures, calculations, data standards, and CAD workflows
Shift between field leadership and office production as workload and project priorities require