Survey Crew Chief II

About the role

Halff is seeking a Survey Crew Chief II for its Austin, Texas office. This intermediate‑level field leadership position leads a professional land‑survey crew in collecting survey data for engineering, land development, transportation, utility, and construction projects. The crew chief oversees daily field operations, ensures safe and efficient execution of survey projects, serves as the primary liaison between field personnel and office staff, mentors team members, and works with advanced survey technology in a collaborative, employee‑owned organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead survey crews performing boundary, topographic, construction staking, route, and other land‑surveying projects.
• Interpret plans, maps, legal descriptions, and project documents to establish control and layout points.
• Execute boundary retracement, control, and construction layout surveys with precision and efficiency.
• Perform field measurements, staking, data logging, and quality reviews to ensure accurate data collection.
• Download, upload, and review survey data for completeness and accuracy before submission.
• Communicate daily with the Field Crew Coordinator and Office Manager regarding project status, schedule needs, and field challenges.
• Assist in troubleshooting technical and logistical issues encountered in the field.
• Ensure field calculations and documentation meet project requirements and company standards.
• Supervise and lead a two‑ or three‑person survey crew.
• Provide mentorship, training, and technical guidance to Survey Crew Members I, II, Senior Crew Members, and Crew Chief I personnel.
• Plan daily work activities and make sound technical and logistical decisions in the field.
• Promote accountability, productivity, quality, and teamwork within assigned crews.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between field operations and office personnel.
• Operate and oversee the use of robotic total stations, GPS equipment, digital levels, data collectors, and related survey technology.
• Maintain survey instruments, vehicles, tools, and field supplies; perform basic equipment maintenance, calibration, and inventory tracking.
• Ensure proper loading, unloading, storage, and care of company equipment.
• Stay current with emerging surveying technology and best practices.
• Promote and lead a strong safety culture in compliance with Halff’s safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure daily field operations are completed safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Maintain accountability for equipment, vehicles, crew safety, and project quality.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• NSPS CST Level I certification.
• 4 to 9 years of land‑surveying field experience.
• 2 to 7 years of experience serving as a Survey Crew Chief.
• Ability and willingness to work Monday through Friday with a 6:30 a.m. start time from the Austin office.
• Proficiency operating survey instruments and performing field computations.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a drug screen and background check.
• Willingness to travel up to 50 % of the time.
• Strong understanding of survey field procedures, measurement principles, and data‑collection methods.
• Proficiency with robotic total stations, GPS equipment, digital data‑collection systems, and related survey technology.
• Knowledge of topographic, boundary, and construction‑staking procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, boundary documents, legal descriptions, and CAD drawings.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to manage crews, prioritize work, and adapt to changing project needs.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional, client‑facing demeanor and commitment to exceptional service.
• Self‑motivated with strong time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lb.
• Manual dexterity to operate survey instruments, hand tools, stakes, and field documentation equipment.
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles and equipment.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, with a 6:30 a.m. start time; up to 50 % travel required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription, and life insurance
• Long‑term and short‑term disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and eight company‑paid holidays (plus Veterans Day for veterans)
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• 529 College Savings Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Company Overview

Halff is a full‑service infrastructure consulting firm founded in 1950. The employee‑owned company focuses on people, offering a collaborative culture, professional development opportunities, and the ability to share in company success through ownership. Halff provides a full array of surveying and mapping services, invests in advanced equipment and technology, and operates more than 30 offices across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, and Georgia.