Job Description

Survey Party Chief

Salary: $30-$35/hour + Benefits + Company Truck
Location: Carnegie, PA
Reports To: Professional Survey Manager / Project Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

This is a field leadership role for a surveyor who knows how to run a crew and get it done right. As Survey Party Chief, you will lead daily field operations across a range of project types including boundary retracement, topographic surveys, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, and right-of-way work. If you have solid technical skills, a strong safety mindset, and the experience to lead from the front, this role is worth a close look.

CLIENT OVERVIEW

Our client is an established environmental, engineering, and sustainability consulting firm based in the Pittsburgh area. They are known for technical excellence and responsive client service, and they support multidisciplinary project teams across environmental, civil, and infrastructure work. This is a direct hire opportunity with a team that values quality, accountability, and professional growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Survey Operations

• Lead and coordinate daily field survey operations, including scheduling, task assignment, and safety briefings
• Set up, operate, and calibrate survey equipment including robotic total stations, GNSS/RTK receivers, data collectors, levels, and drones/UAS where applicable
• Perform boundary retracement, topographic surveys, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, right-of-way surveys, and control network establishment
• Interpret legal descriptions, plats, deeds, and existing survey records to guide field work
• Locate, recover, and set monuments and control points in accordance with state minimum standards
• Record accurate, complete field notes and ensure data collector files are organized and properly labeled for office processing
• Identify and resolve field discrepancies including bust checks, closures, and conflicting evidence, and communicate issues to the project manager promptly
• Ensure crew compliance with all safety protocols including traffic control, utility awareness, and PPE requirements
• Maintain, inspect, and troubleshoot survey equipment and report damage or malfunction
• Maintain accurate daily logs, timesheets, vehicle maintenance records, and equipment inventories
• Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement

Client and Project Coordination

• Serve as a field representative of the company when interacting with clients, engineers, contractors, utility companies, public officials, and property owners
• Collaborate with internal project managers and professional survey managers to maintain project timelines and quality standards
• Complete timely and accurate time and expense reporting

Equipment and Compliance

• Oversee daily inspection and calibration of survey equipment and company vehicles
• Ensure proper documentation and adherence to environmental and regulatory requirements
• Work independently when necessary to meet client deadlines, including single-person GPS or robotic total station assignments

REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressive field survey experience, including experience as an instrument person
• Demonstrated proficiency with robotic total stations, GNSS/RTK systems, and data collection software such as Trimble Access, Carlson, or Leica Captivate
• Working knowledge of boundary law principles, legal descriptions, and survey control methods
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to read and interpret plats, deeds, construction plans, and survey control diagrams
• Ability to work outdoors in varying and extreme weather conditions, navigate rough terrain and active construction sites, and lift up to 75 pounds

BENEFITS

• Three weeks of universal paid time off annually
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• 401k with employer contribution
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Cost-free life insurance, long-term disability, and short-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement for qualifying academic endeavors