Field Surveyor

About the Company

Elmington Construction is a Nashville-based general contractor and construction management company providing comprehensive residential and commercial services with a partnership approach. We specialize in affordable and multi-family housing and have completed 36 projects with 17 more under construction in states across the US. Our experienced leadership team understands market dynamics and has refined our processes to minimize typical construction conflicts, delivering exceptional results that provide clients confidence and peace of mind throughout their journey with the Elmington family.

About the Role

The Field Surveyor supports multifamily construction projects by providing site layout, establishing survey control, and verifying subcontractor installation to ensure work is performed in accordance with project plans and required tolerances. Using professional surveying equipment, the Field Surveyor establishes reference points, confirms elevations and alignments, and documents as-built conditions. This role works closely with superintendents, project managers, engineers, and subcontractors to maintain layout accuracy, identify discrepancies between drawings and field conditions, and support efficient construction progress.

Responsibilities

• Establish project control points and benchmarks by syncing with 3rd party survey teams and working with site contractors to ensure consistent elevations.
• Read and interpret civil drawings, grading plans, and construction documents to understand critical elevations, grades, and layout requirements.
• Proactively review civil drawings to identify potential conflicts, discrepancies, or issues (“busts”) prior to construction commencing.
• Utilize CAD files and digital models to support layout and identify potential conflicts between drawings and field conditions.
• Overlay civil drawings with CAD data to identify potential grading or location conflicts.
• Understand and maintain project survey control, ensuring all survey teams are aligned on established benchmarks and control elevations.
• Transfer and verify control elevations across the site as buildings progress vertically.
• Perform field layout including slab edges, curbs, sidewalks, and other site elements as needed in coordination with the survey subcontractor.
• Spot-check grades, elevations, and setbacks during civil construction to verify work aligns with design intent and plan requirements.
• Identify and communicate potential grading, elevation, or location conflicts to the superintendent and project team.
• Utilize the RFI process when field conditions or adjustments differ from the project documents.
• Participate in preconstruction and layout planning discussions.
• Coordinate with field team to stay ahead of points needed to keep the job moving.
• Communicate discrepancies between plans and field conditions.
• Assist project teams in resolving layout conflicts or design issues.
• Maintain strong working relationships with civil contractors and 3rd party surveyors.
• Mentor and train project field personnel on grades, elevations, and accurate layout.
• Maintain accurate survey data, layout files, and field records.
• Prepare basic sketches, markups, and reports documenting layout and as-built conditions.
• Organize and store survey information.
• Operate and maintain surveying equipment including total stations and GPS/GNSS systems.
• Follow all company safety policies and maintain safe working practices on active job sites.
• Ensure survey equipment is properly calibrated and protected.
• Successfully plan in anticipation of jobsite needs, supporting 2-3 jobsites simultaneously.
• Follow and promote all guidelines, policies, and procedures established by Elmington Construction.

Skills

• Accuracy and precision in surveying tasks.
• Surveying and technical proficiency.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Strong field communication skills.
• Proficiency in math, including geometry and basic trigonometry.
• Ability to overlay civil plans with CAD.
• Ability to identify potential issues in civil drawings before construction commences.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Carlson software, including GPS and Total Station surveying equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors on active construction sites in varying conditions.

Requirements

• Experience in construction surveying, site layout, or a related field.
• Experience reviewing and operating digital plans or CAD designs.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting civil, structural, and architectural drawings.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to work outside on construction sites in all weather conditions, including extremes of hot and cold.
• Work in temporary facilities/structures located at various jobsites.
• Physical activities associated with construction sites, including standing, balancing, stooping, and kneeling.
• Specific vision abilities required, including distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequent work near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasional work in high, precarious places and exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Ability to recognize hazards and react accordingly to protect the workforce and provide OSHA-compliant safeguards.

Travel Requirements

Position requires regular regional travel to support 2-3 active jobsites, with occasional out-of-town travel as project needs arise.

Company Culture

At Elmington Construction, we foster an entrepreneurial mindset, compensating for the value our team members bring to the table. We provide an environment that encourages room for advancement and career succession, recognizing and rewarding contributions to our collective success. With a team collaboration ethos, constant improvement is not just encouraged but embedded in our culture, offering autonomy to individuals who thrive on innovation.