Survey Crew Chief

Job Title:

Survey Crew Chief

Job Description

This role leads a field survey crew to perform a wide range of surveying services, including boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, subdivision, and construction stakeout surveys. The initial focus will be on topographic surveys and construction staking to support municipal, commercial, industrial, and utility projects across Southeast Michigan. The Survey Crew Chief performs survey calculations, verifies survey data, supports project documentation, and collaborates closely with project managers and clients to deliver accurate, timely, and high-quality survey work.

Responsibilities

* Lead and perform various types of surveying, including boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, subdivision, and construction stakeout surveys.

* Focus initially on a mix of topographic surveys and construction staking, with some boundary work primarily for determining right-of-way rather than completing certified surveys.

* Perform survey calculations and verify the accuracy of survey data, including field measurements and office calculations.

* Interpret and validate survey data to ensure consistency, completeness, and compliance with project requirements and applicable standards.

* Assist with the preparation and organization of survey data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.

* Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain property information necessary for survey work.

* Assist with writing clear and accurate descriptions of surveys for use in deeds, leases, easements, and other legal documents.

* Monitor and help maintain survey equipment and supplies to ensure readiness, reliability, and proper calibration.

* Assist with reviewing the scope, budget, and schedule for new project tasks and provide input based on field conditions and survey requirements.

* Monitor task budgets and progress, and communicate any issues, changes, or risks to project managers in a timely manner.

* Conduct on-site inspections as needed to verify field conditions, confirm survey control, and support construction layout activities.

* Prepare project status updates and other reports to document survey progress and findings.

* Assist in the preparation of proposals by providing technical input, field insights, and estimated survey effort.

* Support project managers with survey-related tasks, coordination, and communication.

* Attend client, public, project, and staff meetings, including client progress meetings, plan review sessions, and pre-construction meetings, to represent the survey perspective.

* Perform construction layout and staking using Trimble GPS and total station equipment for a variety of project types, including municipal, commercial, industrial, and utility work.

* Apply Trimble Access software and related survey software to collect, process, and manage field data efficiently.

* Collaborate with internal teams, including engineering and land development staff, to integrate survey data into design workflows.

* Work safely and effectively in the field, following company procedures and applicable safety guidelines while working in diverse weather and site conditions.

Essential Skills

* At least 3 years of professional surveying experience.

* Hands-on construction staking experience for a variety of project types.

* Construction layout experience, including setting stakes and verifying field locations.

* Experience performing boundary surveys and interpreting boundary evidence.

* Experience conducting topographic surveys for design and planning purposes.

* Proficiency with Trimble survey equipment, including total stations, GPS, and laser scanners.

* Working knowledge of Trimble Access software for field data collection and management.

* Ability to perform survey calculations and verify the accuracy of measurements and data.

* Ability to interpret survey and legal records, including deeds, plats, and land titles.

* Strong attention to detail and accuracy in field work and documentation.

* Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

* Willingness and ability to work outdoors the majority of the day in all types of weather conditions.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* 7 or more years of experience as a Survey Crew Chief is a strong plus.

* Knowledge of Trimble Business Center software for processing and managing survey data.

* Experience with Civil 3D for integrating survey data into design workflows.

* Laser scanning experience, including field collection and basic processing.

* Familiarity with boundary survey software and land development workflows.

* Experience with MDOT-related projects or standards is beneficial.

* Strong communication skills for interacting with project managers, clients, and public agencies.

* Ability to contribute to proposal development and project planning.

* Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and project deadlines.

* Interest in learning and applying new technologies and processes in surveying.

Work Environment

This position is field-focused,…