Land Surveyor Instrument Operator

Land Surveyor Instrument Operator / Party Chief

The Land Surveyor Instrument Operator / Party Chief leads or supports a field surveying crew on projects throughout the southeastern region. This role focuses on delivering accurate, thorough, and clearly documented survey data while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety, schedule adherence, budget awareness, and responsive service to clients. The position requires organizing and directing field work, safeguarding and maintaining survey equipment and vehicles, and ensuring that all collected data meets professional standards and project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead or assist in leading a survey crew in the field, ensuring that all work meets quality, accuracy, and safety standards.
• Organize and plan daily field work, including assigning tasks, directing crew members, and coordinating logistics to meet project schedules and budgets.
• Locate, review, and research job locations to identify landmarks, physical objects, and significant land changes that may affect survey results.
• Supervise the work of the survey crew, evaluate priorities, and coordinate and organize work efforts to achieve project objectives.
• Oversee the standard of work being performed and perform or verify necessary field calculations derived from completed work.
• Supervise the maintenance, proper use, and care of survey instruments, tools, and equipment, including vehicles.
• Ensure that all collected data—such as angles, distances, elevations, and coordinates—is accurate and conforms to applicable regulations, standards, and project specifications.
• Coordinate survey findings and field data with engineering personnel, clients, and other stakeholders involved in the projects.
• Research previous survey evidence, maps, deeds, physical evidence, and other records to obtain data needed for boundary, topographic, and other types of surveys.
• Determine appropriate methods and procedures for establishing or reestablishing survey control points and reference markers.
• Accurately record and maintain detailed notes, records, and sketches that clearly describe the work performed and survey results.
• Complete daily field logs and expense reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Complete company and client safety forms and ensure that all crew members consistently follow safety procedures and protocols.
• Consult with office and computer personnel to review and validate the final production of survey work performed in the field.
• Collect field data efficiently using Total Station/Data Collector, Level, and GPS equipment, and deliver data to the office in the required format.
• Protect, maintain, and account for all assigned equipment and vehicles, reporting any issues or maintenance needs promptly.
• Support boundary and topographic surveys and, when needed, survey independently with minimal supervision.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5–6 years of progressive experience in survey field operations.
• At least 2 years of experience serving as a survey crew chief.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise a survey crew in the field.
• Strong technical surveying skills, including field calculations and data collection.
• Proficiency in operating survey equipment such as Total Station/Data Collector, Level, and various Global Positioning System (GPS) methods.
• Familiarity with commonly used surveying terms and practices.
• Experience with survey field equipment used for measuring, sighting, and leveling.
• Ability to survey independently and manage field tasks with minimal oversight.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills for resolving field issues and interpreting survey data.
• Process-oriented mindset with attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation.
• Reliable, steady, and helpful approach to teamwork and crew leadership.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time as required by projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working as an Instrument Operator, Party Chief, Crew Chief, or similar land surveying role.
• Experience in boundary surveys and topographic surveys.
• Familiarity with boundary survey software and related geomatics tools.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with engineering…