Survey Crew Chief (Field-Based)Overview
We have an immediate opening for an experienced Survey Crew Chief in the Chapel Hill, NC area to lead field surveying operations on a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial projects. This is a hands on, field based rolenot an office positionideal for someone who enjoys being outdoors, leading crews, and taking ownership of high quality survey deliverables.
This is a direct hire opportunity with exceptional benefits, including 100% employer paid medical insurance, a company provided vehicle and fuel card, and consistent overtime opportunities. The right candidate brings strong technical survey knowledge, leadership ability, and a professional, down to earth demeanor.
Compensation & Location- Pay Rate: $28.00$40.00 per hour (higher rates available for PLS or 7+ years of experience)
- Employment Type: Direct Hire
- Benefits: 100% employer paid employee medical benefits + strong retirement and company perks
- Vehicle: Company provided truck and fuel card
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Work Arrangement:
- Field-based with minimal office reporting
- Typical day: home, job-site, home
- Office visits a few times per month for meetings or resupply
- Schedule: MondayFriday, day shift
- Travel: Primarily within a 50 mile radius; occasional overnight travel
Key Responsibilities- Lead and supervise a survey field crew, assigning tasks, providing guidance, and ensuring safety and quality standards are met.
- Perform and oversee field surveys including:
- Boundary and ALTA surveys
- Topographic and existing conditions surveys
- Right of way and transmission line surveys
- Transportation surveys
- Construction layout and staking
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and the Director of Surveying to plan survey scope, schedules, and resources.
- Conduct field data collection using GPS, total stations, laser scanners, and GNSS equipment.
- Establish, verify, and document horizontal and vertical control networks, including benchmarks and TBMs.
- Perform construction layout, as built verification, grade checks, and machine control support.
- Maintain organized digital records including raw data, field notes, photos, daily reports, and backups.
- Provide CAD ready deliverables, including control notes, calibrations, offsets, and documentation tied to project requirements.
- Coordinate with engineers, architects, construction teams, and clients to ensure accurate interpretation of survey data.
- Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and care of survey equipment and company vehicles.
- Promote job site safety through daily awareness, hazard identification, and adherence to safety standards.
- Train, mentor, and coach survey technicians on equipment use, surveying methods, safety, and documentation expectations.
- Support advanced technologies such as UAV, LiDAR, and laser scanning when required.
Required Skills and Qualifications- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in land surveying and construction layout.
- Proven experience leading or assisting with field survey crews.
- Valid North Carolina drivers license.
- Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and driving record check.
- Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or holidays when required.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 lbs., bending, climbing, traversing rough terrain, and working in all weather conditions.
- Willingness to occasionally travel overnight.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. with no sponsorship required.
Preferred Skills- CST (Certified Survey Technician) and/or SIT (Surveyor-in-Training) certification.
- Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Geomatics, or a related field.
- Experience with Trimble surveying equipment and software.
- Strong understanding of field to office workflows and coordination with CAD teams.
- PLS license is a strong plus and commands a higher pay range.
- Background working on large-scale residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects.