Party Chief - Mission Critical

About the role

Zachry Underground and Utility Services is seeking an experienced Party Chief to lead and coordinate field survey activities on a mission critical construction project. The Party Chief will be responsible for performing technically complex field surveying tasks, establishing and maintaining project control, providing accurate construction layout, and ensuring the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of field survey operations. This role will work closely with project management, engineering, and field teams to support underground utilities, site infrastructure, and other critical project components.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate field survey activities for underground utilities, site infrastructure, earthwork, foundations, structures, and other mission critical construction activities.
• Participate in pre-survey planning and coordination with project managers, engineers, superintendents, and field teams to identify project layout and control requirements.
• Establish, verify, and maintain horizontal and vertical control points, benchmarks, elevations, and project survey control throughout construction.
• Perform accurate construction staking and layout for underground utilities, duct banks, structures, foundations, excavations, grading, and other project components.
• Set up, adjust, and operate surveying instruments, including total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, robotic systems, and data collectors.
• Collect, record, calculate, and review field data to ensure accuracy and compliance with project plans, specifications, and tolerances.
• Prepare detailed field notes, sketches, reports, and survey documentation while maintaining accurate project survey records.
• Coincide with field crews to identify and resolve discrepancies between existing conditions, design documents, and field layout.
• Train and mentor survey crew members in field procedures, equipment operation, construction layout, and safe work practices.
• Maintain survey equipment and immediately report equipment, control, design, or field conditions that could affect the accuracy or progress of the work.
• Support as-built surveys and documentation to accurately capture completed underground utilities and other installed project components.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive surveying experience with increasing responsibility, preferably supporting heavy civil, underground utility, site development, or mission critical construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction surveying methods, field layout, elevations, grades, control networks, and as-built documentation.
• Proficiency with survey instruments and technology, including total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, robotic systems, and data collectors.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and maintaining horizontal and vertical project control.
• Experience performing layout for underground utilities, duct banks, earthwork, foundations, structures, and related site infrastructure preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction tolerances and the level of accuracy required on complex, fast-paced projects.
• Strong commitment to safety and working knowledge of OSHA requirements and safe surveying practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Dependable, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to effectively coordinate with multiple project teams and disciplines.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain and adapt to changing project schedules and priorities.
• Ability to work days, nights, weekends, and extended hours as required by project needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Skills

• Construction surveying methods and techniques.
• GPS and total station equipment operation.
• Horizontal and vertical control point establishment and maintenance.
• Accuracy and precision in construction layout and staking.
• Preparation and review of field notes, sketches, reports, and survey documentation.
• Effective communication and collaboration with project teams.
• Safe work practices and adherence to OSHA regulations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with 6% dollar-for-dollar company match.
• Paid time off.
• An annual performance bonus program.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Training, professional development, and advancement opportunities.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Days, nights, weekends, and extended hours as required by project needs.