Survey Party Chief

About the Company

KWC Engineers is a premier professional services firm delivering innovative, high-quality Civil Engineering, Planning, Surveying, and construction support to public and private sector clients throughout Southern California. We thrive on a collaborative culture dedicated to leadership development, career progression, and the growth of our people.

About the Role

We are seeking a Survey Party Chief to work under the direction of our Survey Manager, leading and supervising field survey crews across diverse design, mapping, and construction projects. If you are an experienced crew leader who commands accuracy, drives efficiency, and enjoys mentoring a field team, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead field survey crews in conducting boundary traverses, location surveys, level runs, retracement surveys, and civil improvement staking for residential, commercial, and public works projects.
• Direct and coordinate crew activities to ensure accurate and timely survey work.
• Expertly operate Trimble Total Stations and GPS equipment, perform precise field calculations, and maintain clear, well-written notes documenting all survey phases.
• Review construction plans, conduct research, and prepare field packages (materials/documents) prior to heading out to the site.
• Utilize computer survey programs, AutoCAD, and advanced field survey engineering methods.
• Drive independent decisions on work methods, manage project time against budgets, and assist in staff selection, training, and mentorship.
• Act as a key point of contact, communicating effectively with contractors, clients, site personnel, and internal management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of proven experience as a Survey Party Chief.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; 2 years of college preferred.
• Strong background in advanced mathematical calculations (algebra and trigonometry), problem-solving, and team-building.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and required auto liability insurance.
• Ability to safely navigate survey vehicles across rough or uneven terrain.

Required Skills

• Expertise in operating Trimble Total Stations and GPS equipment.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and computer survey programs.
• Strong problem-solving and team-building skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in mentoring and training field teams.
• Familiarity with advanced field survey engineering methods.

Pay range and compensation package

This full-time, non-exempt position offers a competitive hourly range of $50.00 – $60.00, commensurate with experience and licensure.

Equal Opportunity Statement

KWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with KWC is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

We regret that relocation assistance is not available and that we are unable to consider applicants residing outside of the Southern California area.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for this position. We are not able to sponsor work visas for this role.