What are the responsibilities and job description for the Survey Crew Chief position at SME?
The Opportunity
SME is seeking an experienced Survey Crew Chief to lead field survey operations supporting large site development/construction, transportation, energy, and industrial projects throughout Southeast Michigan.
This is a hands‑on field role for a seasoned professional who enjoys solving real‑world construction challenges and being trusted to execute work correctly the first time. Our Survey Crew Chiefs are respected for their expertise, have clear authority in the field, and are responsible for communicating with licensed surveyors and office staff to ensure accuracy and alignment on project needs.
What You’ll Do:
Field Leadership & Execution
- Lead daily survey field operations as a 1 person crew
- Direct and mentor survey technicians; set expectations for productivity, quality, and safety
- Serve as SME’s on‑site representative with owners, contractors, and inspectors
- Make real-time field decisions to resolve layout conflicts, project challenges, and site conditions
Technical Survey Work
- Perform and oversee:
- Construction staking and layout
- Boundary, ALTA/NSPS, topographic, and as-built‑ surveys
- Operate robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS systems, and digital levels
- Interpret construction drawings, plats, easements, and control networks
- Deliver clean, complete field data; no routine CAD production expected
Safety & Quality
- Enforce SME safety standards and job site protocols
- Maintain survey equipment and assigned vehicles
- Identify scope gaps or risks early and communicate proactively
What We’re Looking For:
Required Experience
- 5 years of progressive land surveying field experience.
- Proven experience functioning as a Survey Crew Chief, Party Chief, or senior field leader; or a strong Survey Technician ready to step into a lead role
- Strong construction staking and site control background
- Proficient with modern survey equipment and data collectors
- Ability to interpret plans, plats, and legal descriptions
- Valid driver’s license; ability to travel throughout Northern Ohio
- Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain, weather, and active construction environments, including walking extended distances on uneven ground and handling typical survey equipment, lifting/pushing/pulling/twisting, kneeling/standing/bending often.
Preferred Experience
- Industrial, transportation, or heavy civil project experience
- Surveyor Intern (SI) certification or progress toward licensure
- UAV, laser scanning, or reality capture exposure
- Large site development or DOT experience
Pay and Benefits
- Paid overtime opportunities
- Annual performance bonuses and profit sharing
- Annual wage reviews and market adjustment
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage after 30 days
- SME pays 100% of employee medical insurance premiums
- 401(k) with company match and annual profit sharing
- Competitive PTO plus Volunteer Time Off
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
Field Role Specific Perks
- Company vehicle provided
- Typical weekday schedule; overtime varies by project
- Expected workload of approximately 45-50 hours/week, while prioritizing work/life balance
- Majority of work is local/regional (limited overnight travel)
- Modern survey equipment and strong technical support
- Stable backlog and consistent workload
About SME
SME is an employee-owned consulting firm providing surveying, engineering, environmental, and construction services throughout the Midwest. We value integrity, practical solutions, and trusting experienced professionals to lead in the field.
Education
Required- High school or better
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.