Land Surveying Crew Chief

Position Summary

The Survey Crew Chief leads a field crew in performing boundary, topographic, construction staking, and utility surveys. This role ensures that fieldwork is performed accurately, safely, and efficiently, while maintaining clear communication with project managers and office staff. The Crew Chief is responsible for planning daily field activities, overseeing the use of equipment, documenting field notes, and ensuring data accuracy for final deliverables.

Duties and Responsibilities

Field Leadership & Operations

· Lead a field crew in conducting land surveying tasks including boundary retracement, ALTA/NSPS surveys, topographic mapping, and construction staking.

· Plan daily field activities in coordination with the Survey Crew Coordinator and Project Manager.

· Oversee instrument operation, setup, and data collection using GNSS, robotic total stations, data collectors, and levels.

· Perform site reconnaissance to locate monuments, benchmarks, and control points.

Data Collection & Documentation

· Ensure proper field procedures for accurate and complete data collection.

· Record clear, detailed, and legible field notes, sketches, and digital documentation.

· Upload and organize field data for office processing and drafting.

· Verify accuracy of collected data before leaving the project site.

Safety & Compliance

· Enforce compliance with company and OSHA safety policies on job sites.

· Conduct daily safety briefings with crew members.

· Ensure proper use of PPE, traffic control devices, and hazard mitigation measures.

Crew & Equipment Management

· Supervise crew members, assigning tasks and mentoring less experienced staff.

· Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot survey instruments, tripods, prisms, and GNSS equipment.

· Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate repairs/calibration with the Crew Coordinator.

· Ensure vehicles and field supplies are prepared and stocked for daily assignments.

Communication & Client Interaction

· Act as the on-site company representative, communicating professionally with clients, contractors, and inspectors.

· Report progress, issues, and potential conflicts back to the Project Manager and Operations Manager.

· Provide input on project feasibility, site conditions, and field challenges.

Qualifications

· High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s degree or Surveying coursework preferred).

· 3–5 years of survey field experience, with at least 1–2 years in a leadership role.

· Proficiency with robotic total stations, GNSS/GPS systems, and data collectors (Topcon experience preferred).

· Strong understanding of construction staking, boundary surveying, and topographic mapping.

· Ability to interpret survey plats, engineering plans, and construction documents.

· Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Valid California driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Compensation & Pay Band

· Base Salary: $80,000 – $105,000 annually (DOE).

· Bonus Potential: Project-based incentives tied to productivity, accuracy, and safety compliance.

· Benefits: Health insurance stipend or plan, paid time off (3 weeks), retirement plan, company vehicle, company tablet or Laptop as necessary.

Work Arrangement: Primarily field-based with occasional office coordination.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Military leave
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $105,000