Survey Technician / Crew Chief

Hiring: Survey Field Technician

Location: Southeastern Massachusetts
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Experience: 2 3 Years of Land Surveying Field Experience
Education: Relevant surveying education or practical field experience preferred
Requirements: Valid Driver's License and Experience Operating Survey Equipment

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Survey Field Technician to perform accurate and efficient field data collection for a variety of land surveying, civil engineering, and land development projects.

This is a hands-on field position for a surveying professional who can independently execute assigned fieldwork under the direction of a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) and Project Managers. The ideal candidate will be proficient in operating modern surveying equipment, interpreting survey plans, collecting reliable field data, and communicating site conditions and technical issues to the office team.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, sound field judgment, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently in varying outdoor environments.

Key Responsibilities Field Surveying & Data Collection

• Perform assigned field survey work under the direction of Professional Land Surveyors and Project Managers.

• Operate RTK GNSS/GPS systems, robotic total stations, data collectors, and other modern surveying equipment.

• Collect accurate field data for:

  • Boundary and retracement surveys

  • Existing conditions and topographic surveys

  • Construction layout and stakeout

  • As-built and record surveys

  • Subdivision and land development projects

  • Easement and right-of-way surveys

  • Coastal and waterfront projects

  • Civil engineering and environmental base mapping

• Locate property monuments, structures, utilities, site improvements, topographic features, and other relevant site conditions.

• Establish and maintain survey control as required.

• Conduct field reconnaissance and identify physical evidence relevant to survey assignments.

• Maintain accurate field notes, measurements, photographs, and project documentation.

Independent Field Execution

• Review project information and fieldwork requirements before traveling to job sites.

• Plan and execute assigned field tasks efficiently with minimal day-to-day supervision.

• Ensure all required information is collected accurately and completely to minimize return visits.

• Identify discrepancies, missing information, access limitations, and unusual site conditions.

• Communicate field issues and technical questions promptly to the Professional Land Surveyor or Project Manager.

• Maintain consistent communication with the office throughout assigned projects.

Survey Data Management & Office Coordination

• Download, organize, and transfer field data for office processing.

• Check collected data for completeness and obvious errors before leaving the site.

• Maintain organized project files, field notes, and survey records.

• Communicate field observations and site conditions clearly to surveyors, drafters, and engineering staff.

• Assist with basic survey calculations and data processing based on experience.

Survey Drafting & Office Support

• Assist with existing conditions plans and survey drawings using AutoCAD, Carlson, or related software, as needed.

• Process field information for incorporation into base maps and engineering plans.

• Clarify field conditions and collected data for office personnel.

• Support revisions and quality checks of survey information.

Fieldwork is the primary focus of this position; drafting experience is a plus.

Equipment & Technology

• Safely operate and maintain RTK GNSS/GPS systems, robotic total stations, data collectors, and related equipment.

• Perform routine equipment checks and report maintenance or calibration concerns.

• Maintain survey instruments, vehicles, and field supplies.

• Ensure all necessary equipment and materials are ready before mobilizing to project sites.

• Follow established field-to-office data collection and transfer procedures.

• Experience with drone mapping, laser scanning, or hydrographic/bathymetric surveying is a plus.

Team Collaboration & Safety

• Collaborate with Professional Land Surveyors, Civil Engineers, environmental professionals, and Project Managers.

• Understand project requirements to ensure fieldwork captures the information needed for engineering design, permitting, and construction.

• Coordinate effectively with field crews and office production teams.

• Follow applicable safety procedures and surveying standards.

• Work safely along roadways, construction sites, wooded areas, wetlands, and waterfront locations.

• Identify and report site-specific hazards.

• Maintain professionalism when interacting with clients, property owners, contractors, and other stakeholders.

• Respect private property, client confidentiality, and project information.

Types of Projects

• Residential and commercial boundary surveys

• Existing conditions and topographic surveys

• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys

• Subdivisions and land development

• Construction layout and as-built surveys

• Easement and right-of-way surveys

• Coastal and waterfront properties

• Property boundary and line surveys

• Municipal and public infrastructure

• Civil engineering and permitting projects

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 3 years of land surveying field experience preferred.

• Ability to independently perform assigned field surveying tasks.

• Experience operating RTK GNSS/GPS equipment, robotic total stations, and data collectors.

• Working knowledge of land surveying principles, methods, and field procedures.

• Ability to read and interpret survey plans, deeds, maps, and project documentation.

• Experience collecting field data for boundary, topographic, construction, and as-built surveys.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, complete fieldwork.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.

• Ability to manage assigned field tasks independently and meet project deadlines.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather, terrain, and site conditions.

• Ability to perform the physical requirements of field surveying safely.

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Carlson, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or related surveying software.

• Experience preparing existing conditions plans or survey drawings from field data.

• Experience with modern surveying technologies and field-to-office data workflows.

• Exposure to drone mapping, laser scanning, or hydrographic surveying.

• Interest in pursuing additional surveying credentials, including the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) certification, or Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensure.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.

• Overtime opportunities, as available and applicable.

• Performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

• Retirement savings program.

• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal/sick time.

• Continuing education and professional development support.

• Training and hands-on experience with modern surveying technologies and equipment.

• Career advancement opportunities within the surveying team.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a dependable, detail-oriented surveying professional who enjoys hands-on fieldwork and can independently collect accurate survey data. Candidates with experience operating modern survey equipment, interpreting survey plans, and supporting boundary and topographic surveys will be especially well suited for this position.