CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES
Field Surveyor – Lead / Survey Crew Chief
Full Time | Lafayette, IN | $55,000 – $75,000 Annually
About Chastain and Associates
Chastain specializes in building and enhancing infrastructure, offering comprehensive services ranging from the design and construction inspection of transportation highways, roadways, and bridges to the engineering of civil site developments. Our mission is to unite communities by creating sustainable, innovative, and well-crafted environments where people can live, work, and play.
We offer competitive salaries and benefits based on education and experience, and we actively support our employees' career development — including funding for continuing education and professional licensure exams (CST, FS and PLS track). We promote work-life balance through flexible work hours, a hybrid work plan, and generous paid time off.
Role Summary
We are actively hiring a Field Surveyor – Lead for our Lafayette team. This is a mid-level role for a surveyor ready to take on independent field responsibility — serving as the sole field representative on assigned projects and, when needed, directly supervising a second field surveyor.
This is primarily an outdoor, field-based position. You should expect early starts, work across varied terrain and weather conditions, and travel to project sites throughout the region. Office time — for research, drafting, and calculations — complements but does not define the role.
Responsibilities
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Serve as sole field representative on assigned projects, exercising independent professional judgment with minimal oversight.
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Managing your own schedule and equipment in the field independently.
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Arriving at project sites early to set up and execute field measurements, control traverses, and construction layout with precision and efficiency.
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Directly supervise and coordinate a second field surveyor when assigned, ensuring quality and site safety.
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Execute ALTA, boundary, topographic, construction layout, R/W, route, and control surveys across varied project types.
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Operate Trimble Robotic Total Stations, GPS/GNSS systems, and 3D scanners with proficiency.
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Perform survey research, drafting, and construction staking calculations using AutoCAD Civil 3D and Trimble Business Center.
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Maintain accurate field notes and project documentation; communicate findings clearly to project managers.
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Supporting unmanned aerial survey operations when applicable (FAA Part 107 certification a plus).
Qualifications
Experience
3+ years of field surveying experience including boundary and ALTA surveys, construction layout, topographic and utility surveys, R/W or route surveys, and control networks. Prior experience working independently in the field without daily on-site supervision is strongly preferred.
Education & Certification
Degree or coursework in Land Surveying, Geomatics, or a closely related field is preferred. FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) certification is preferred or actively being pursued. The expected long-term goal for this role is PLS (Professional Land Surveyor) licensure — Chastain covers qualifying exam fees and provides full support toward that credential.
Technical Skills
Proficiency in Trimble Business Center, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Microsoft Office. Working knowledge of Trimble Robotic Total Stations, GPS/GNSS systems, scanners, and field data collection systems. FAA Part 107 certification is a plus.
Leadership & Independence
Demonstrated ability to manage field work independently and coordinate the work of another surveyor. Strong professional judgment, communication, and reliability in the field are essential.
Physical Requirements
Extended outdoor work in all weather conditions across varied terrain. Must be able to stand, walk, and operate field equipment for extended periods. Valid driver's license required.
Preferred Qualifications
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FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or willingness to obtain.
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Experience with unmanned aerial survey systems.
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Active pursuit of PLS licensure or equivalent state credential.
Growth & Development
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Company-paid exam fees for FS and full support toward PLS licensure.
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Exposure to a wide range of survey disciplines and project types throughout the region.
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A team environment that values mentorship — you will help develop junior surveyors while continuing to grow your own expertise.
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Competitive salary with advancement tied to licensure and demonstrated field leadership.
What We Offer
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401(k) with generous company match and annual pay increases.
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Flexible work hours and hybrid schedule (typically 3–4 days in-office).
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PTO based on total industry tenure.
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Four medical insurance plan options, plus medical reimbursement and dependent care benefits.
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Company-paid dental insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
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Employee and employee-plus-family life insurance options.
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7 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday.
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Relocation assistance available.
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Cell phone reimbursement, annual boot allowance, and Verizon wireless employee discount.
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Sam's Club and Costco membership reimbursement.
We review applications on a rolling basis — apply today. Don't meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply anyway. Chastain is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, and you may be the right fit for this or another role on our team.
Chastain and Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Compensation is commensurate with experience and education.
