Senior Survey Technician / Party Chief

Lead a Survey Crew. Build Your Career with a Growing Firm.

Ronald Johnson & Associates, PSC (RJA Engineering) is seeking an experienced Senior Survey Technician / Party Chief to join our expanding surveying department in Madisonville, Kentucky.

Since 1970, RJA Engineering has provided engineering and surveying services throughout Western Kentucky while maintaining the family-first culture that has been the foundation of our success. Our team combines modern technology with experienced professionals to deliver high-quality surveying solutions for municipal, commercial, industrial, transportation, and land development projects.

This position is intended for a surveying professional with meaningful field experience who can independently lead a survey crew, coordinate daily field activities, operate modern survey equipment, and deliver accurate field data to our Professional Land Surveyors, engineers, and project managers.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead field crews performing boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, construction layout, and bathymetric surveys.
• Plan and coordinate daily field assignments, including crew logistics, equipment needs, and project priorities.
• Operate survey-grade GNSS receivers, robotic total stations, digital levels, data collectors, and related equipment.
• Perform and oversee construction staking and layout for municipal, commercial, industrial, transportation, and land development projects.
• Review field conditions, identify potential issues, and communicate questions or conflicts to the Project Surveyor or Project Manager.
• Maintain accurate field notes, electronic data files, photographs, sketches, and other project documentation.
• Train and mentor junior survey staff while promoting safe, efficient, and professional field operations.
• Maintain survey equipment and vehicles and travel to project sites throughout Western Kentucky as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum three years of hands-on land surveying experience, with sufficient experience to independently lead a survey crew.
• Demonstrated experience with boundary, topographic, and construction staking surveys.
• Proficiency operating GNSS equipment, robotic total stations, levels, and electronic data collectors.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, plats, deeds, easements, and survey-related project documents.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to travel to project sites.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods, lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and traverse uneven terrain.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Preferred Qualifications

The following experience or credentials are highly desirable:

• Five or more years of progressive surveying experience.
• Prior experience serving as a Party Chief or independently managing a field crew.
• Carlson Survey software and field-to-finish workflows.
• AutoCAD or AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• UAV surveying, photogrammetry, or LiDAR data collection.
• Bathymetric surveying.
• Kentucky Surface Miner Certification.
• Experience with ALTA/NSPS surveys, boundary resolution, and complex construction layout.

Why Join RJA Engineering?

At RJA Engineering, you’ll be part of a team that values integrity, accountability, teamwork, and professional growth. We invest in our employees through modern equipment, training, and opportunities to advance.

This position offers an experienced survey professional the opportunity to take ownership of field operations, mentor others, and build a long-term career with a growing multidisciplinary firm.

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience and leadership capabilities.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• Health insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development assistance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Modern survey equipment and technology.

Schedule

• Full-time.
• Monday through Friday.
• Typical hours: 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required based on project schedules.

Work Location

In person — Madisonville, Kentucky

Pay: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $27