Construction Survey Crew Chief

Overview

Woolpert is an award‑winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. The Construction Survey Crew Chief is a technical position within the survey and geomatics discipline, responsible for leading field survey crews in construction layout, topographic surveys, and as‑built documentation for site development projects. This role serves as the primary field point of contact, ensuring survey work is performed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with project requirements, industry standards, schedules, and safety standards. Visa sponsorship is not available; applicants must already possess work authorization in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead a survey field crew performing construction staking and layout for roads, utilities, grading, structures, and site improvements.
• Interpret engineering plans, digital terrain models, and construction documents to accurately translate design into field layout.
• Operate and maintain survey equipment such as total stations, GNSS receivers, laser scanners, levels, and data collectors.
• Troubleshoot field issues and ensure proper calibration and functionality.
• Prepare detailed field notes and sketches to document survey activities.
• Establish and maintain horizontal and vertical control to support construction activities.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of layout points, stakes, and survey deliverables in accordance with project tolerances.
• Conduct as‑built surveys and document completed work for project closeout and quality assurance.
• Use Trimble Business Center for downloading, processing, initial quality control, and verification of accuracy, ensuring data meets project and company quality requirements.
• Coordinate daily with project managers, engineers, superintendents, and subcontractors to support construction sequencing and resolve field issues.
• Review and manage field data, ensuring proper coding, documentation, and transfer to office staff for processing.
• Practice safety protocols, maintain PPE inventory, and perform safety checks on equipment, procedures, and vehicles.
• Train, mentor, and develop instrument operators and field technicians to improve crew performance and technical capability.

Qualifications

• Certified Survey Technician certification, OSHA certifications, or successful completion of the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam (desired).
• FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot certification (desired, not required).
• Experience in CAD (Civil 3D) for pulling points, generating staking files, and creating point databases (preferred).
• Above‑average verbal and written communication skills; ability to present information to clients and employees.
• Comprehensive understanding of survey principles, methods, and practices.
• Ability to interpret and analyze survey data, maps, and construction plans.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency with survey‑related mathematical concepts (area, volume, slope, elevations, etc.).
• Understanding of Subsurface Utility Engineering standards (ASCE 38‑22) and utility‑mapping techniques.
• Ability to operate ground‑penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators (desired, not required).

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. (required).
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, or a related field (advantageous, not required).
• 5+ years of construction surveying experience in a leadership role.
• Mentally and physically capable of performing all essential duties.
• Experience with construction staking workflows and techniques.
• Strong understanding of construction plans, grade staking, and tolerances.
• Knowledge of machine control and 3D modeling workflows (a plus).
• Proficiency operating survey instruments and software, including total stations, GNSS receivers, levels, and data collectors.
• Ability to travel overnight and work overtime as needed.
• Proficient computer skills, including data transfer, processing software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Pass a pre‑employment driver’s license background check and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Successful completion of periodic drug testing as required by company policy.

Physical Qualifications

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• Good physical condition and ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Frequent reaching with hands and arms, bending, climbing, and balancing.
• Ability to use tools such as tape measures, cloth/steel tape, machete, hammer, shovel, and pick axe.
• Frequent lifting/moving of 40 lb; occasional lifting/moving of up to 100 lb.
• Vision requirements: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in outdoor environments, often in remote and rugged locations. Employees are exposed to a range of weather conditions—including heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow—and must stand for long periods, walk on uneven terrain, and carry equipment.

Benefits

• Freedom to Work program: set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation.
• Career development across a wide range of industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more.

Pay

Base pay offered may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Pay Range: $27.79 – $34.71