Party Chief

About the role

Rinker Design Associates is seeking an experienced Party Chief to join our Survey team. This position is ideal for a motivated survey professional with 5+ years of field experience who is confident leading survey operations and is comfortable working independently on a variety of projects.

The ideal candidate is self-driven, organized, and capable of making sound field decisions while maintaining accuracy, safety, and efficiency. If you enjoy working outdoors, solving challenges in the field, and taking ownership of your work, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead field survey operations for boundary, topographic, construction, ALTA/NSPS, utility, and control surveys.
• Independently perform survey assignments while ensuring accuracy and quality of collected data.
• Operate and maintain GPS, robotic total stations, digital levels, and data collection equipment.
• Establish and verify horizontal and vertical control.
• Collect, document, and manage field data for office processing.
• Interpret engineering plans, plats, deeds, and survey records.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, contractors, and clients in the field.
• Identify and resolve field challenges while maintaining project schedules.
• Perform construction staking and quality control checks.
• Maintain survey vehicles, equipment, and field documentation.
• Follow all company safety policies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of progressive land surveying experience, including experience serving as a Party Chief.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little to no supervision.
• Proficiency using GPS, robotic total stations, and electronic data collectors.
• Experience with construction staking, boundary, topographic, and utility surveys.
• Strong understanding of survey principles, coordinate systems, and field calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, plats, deeds, and legal descriptions.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with VDOT survey standards and procedures.
• Experience with Topcon or Leica survey equipment and software.
• Survey Technician certification or LSIT designation is a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb, and stand for extended periods.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan; Roth Contributions
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
• Generous PTO and 8 federal holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Parental leave
• Supportive team culture

Pay

The base salary range for this role is $62,400 - $83,200 / year. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.