At WithersRavenel, our survey teams are the boots-on-the-ground professionals who bring projects to life. As a Survey Party Chief, you’ll lead a field survey crew responsible for collecting accurate data that supports boundary, topographic, construction, and control surveys. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, leading a team, and solving technical challenges in the field. The Survey Party Chief primarily works outdoors in environments such as construction sites, roadways, wooded areas, residential developments, and other project locations.
You’ll oversee daily field operations, ensure quality and accuracy in data collection, and play a key role in training and mentoring survey crew members. In addition to technical expertise, this position requires strong leadership, organization, and a commitment to safety and collaboration.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and supervise a field survey crew performing boundary, topographic, construction layout, and control surveys
- Plan field activities and participate in project planning discussions with project managers, engineers, and contractors
- Collect field survey data using conventional methods and GNSS technology
- Operate and maintain surveying equipment including total stations, data collectors, and GNSS instruments
- Perform field calculations and review data for accuracy and closure
- Maintain clear and organized field notes, sketches, and documentation
- Research survey records such as plats, deeds, easements, and right-of-way documents
- Train and mentor junior survey staff while reinforcing safe field practices
- Support project documentation and maintain survey records and files
- Occasionally assist with office-based survey tasks to support professional development toward licensure
Requirements
- 3–7 years of progressive land surveying experience
- 1–5 years of experience leading a survey crew or serving as a Survey Party Chief
- Working knowledge of land surveying principles and practices, including boundary, topographic, construction, and control surveys
- Experience with field surveying techniques such as radial staking and survey data collection
- Proficiency using surveying instruments such as total stations, data collectors, GNSS/GPS equipment, and related tools
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and construction documents
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Reliable, self-motivated, and team-oriented mindset
- Valid driver’s license with the ability to pass a motor vehicle record check
- Willingness to mentor and train junior survey staff
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions
- Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds
- Ability to perform field activities such as clearing vegetation, digging holes, and driving stakes
Preferred Qualifications
- CST I, II, or III Certification
- Continuing education in surveying through a college or technical program