Survey Crew Chief

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Survey Crew Chief to lead field survey operations for boundary, topographic, and construction staking projects throughout the region. This role is responsible for managing daily survey activities, collecting accurate field data, and supporting a diverse portfolio of transportation, municipal, public infrastructure, and land development projects. Working closely with licensed surveyors, engineers, and field crews, the Survey Crew Chief will utilize advanced survey technology to ensure quality project delivery. This position offers a unique opportunity for career advancement, including a potential path into a Director-level leadership role with team-building and ownership opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee field survey operations for boundary, topographic, and construction staking projects.
• Coordinate and execute daily field activities for small survey crews, ensuring work is completed safely, accurately, and on schedule.
• Collect, verify, and document survey data in collaboration with licensed surveyors and project teams.
• Operate Trimble equipment, Robotic Total Stations, and other surveying technologies to gather precise field measurements.
• Interpret construction drawings, site plans, and engineering documents to perform accurate layout and staking.
• Conduct topographic surveys, documenting existing site features, utilities, elevations, and other critical field conditions.
• Perform boundary survey work, including locating property corners, boundary lines, easements, and related features.
• Complete construction staking for roads, utilities, buildings, and other infrastructure projects.
• Communicate with contractors, landowners, municipal agencies, and project stakeholders regarding field activities and project progress.
• Maintain detailed field notes, sketches, and electronic data to support survey and engineering deliverables.
• Coordinate effectively with office staff, including survey technicians, CAD professionals, and engineers.
• Mentor and develop junior crew members, promoting technical growth and professional advancement.
• Support a culture focused on quality, safety, customer service, and long-term client relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant land surveying experience, including construction staking, boundary surveys, and topographic surveys.
• At least 2 years of experience leading survey crews or managing field survey operations.
• Strong understanding of land surveying principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Experience working with small field crews in varying project environments.
• Proficiency interpreting construction plans, site plans, plats, and other technical documents.
• Hands-on experience with Trimble survey equipment and Robotic Total Stations.
• Strong knowledge of topographic surveying techniques and construction layout procedures.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with contractors, property owners, and public stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with surveyors, engineers, and drafting teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality survey data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Topcon or comparable survey equipment.
• Background supporting transportation, municipal, public works, or infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with land development and public site planning projects.
• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license or progress toward obtaining licensure.
• Interest in leadership development and advancing into a future Director-level role.
• Desire to help grow and develop a surveying practice, including team building and process improvement initiatives.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with an interest in contributing to the long-term success of the organization.

Work Environment

This position supports a growing office specializing in public infrastructure, transportation, municipal, and land surveying projects. Most assignments are located within approximately two hours of Des Moines, with occasional work in surrounding states. The successful candidate will work alongside a collaborative team of professional engineers, licensed surveyors, survey technicians, and drafting professionals, providing exposure to a wide range of project types and disciplines. Field operations leverage modern survey technology, including Trimble equipment, Robotic Total Stations, and other advanced surveying tools. The organization maintains strong relationships with a loyal base of repeat clients, providing a steady pipeline of diverse and engaging projects. The company offers a supportive, growth-oriented culture focused on employee development, leadership opportunities, and long-term career advancement.

Benefits

• Nine paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Access to company vehicles for project-related travel
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Pay

The pay range for this position is $28.00 – $40.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.