Job Title: Survey Crew Chief
Job Description
The Survey Crew Chief manages and executes land surveying field activities, including boundary and ALTA surveys, construction layout, and topographic surveys. This role makes precise measurements to determine property boundaries and provides accurate data on land shape, contour, elevation, and location to support engineering, mapping, construction, and land evaluation projects. The Survey Crew Chief also processes field data for drafting, interprets survey-related maps and construction plans, and mentors junior survey staff to support their professional development.
Responsibilities
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Lead and manage land surveying field activities, including boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, construction stakeout, and topographic surveys.
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Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries in accordance with applicable standards and project requirements.
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Collect and provide data related to the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land and land features for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
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Operate total stations, Trimble survey equipment, and similar instruments to capture accurate field measurements.
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Process field data and notes for drafting purposes, ensuring information is complete, accurate, and clearly documented.
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Interpret survey-related maps, plats, and construction plans to plan and execute field work effectively.
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Mentor, coach, and guide junior survey staff, providing on-the-job training and support in field procedures and best practices.
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Coordinate daily field activities, including preparing equipment, loading company vehicles, and organizing site visits.
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Collaborate with project leadership and team members to ensure project deadlines and quality standards are met.
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Apply strong mathematical skills and technical understanding to solve field-related challenges and adjust methods as needed.
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Maintain accurate records of survey work, including notes, sketches, and digital files, in line with company standards.
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Ensure proper care, use, and basic maintenance of surveying instruments, vehicles, and related equipment.
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Work safely in outdoor and physically demanding environments, following all safety guidelines and procedures.
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Travel to local project sites within the regional area, occasionally driving up to two hours to reach a project location.
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Represent the surveying team professionally with clients and stakeholders, supporting long-term relationships and repeat business.
Essential Skills
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Minimum of 2–3 years of experience as a qualified Survey Crew Chief.
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Hands-on experience with Trimble survey equipment or similar surveying instruments.
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Proficiency in land surveying practices, including boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, topographic surveys, and construction stakeout.
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Strong understanding of topography and land surveying principles.
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Ability to interpret survey maps, plats, and construction plans accurately.
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Capacity to comprehend technical concepts and work with evolving surveying technologies.
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Experience working outdoors in physically demanding conditions.
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Strong mathematical skills applicable to surveying and measurement.
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Well-organized approach to managing field notes, data, and project documentation.
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Self-motivated and able to work independently with a strong problem-solving mindset.
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Preference for working outdoors and willingness to travel within the regional area of operations.
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Current driver’s license with a clean driving record.
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Ability to utilize a personal vehicle for work-related travel.
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Demonstrated good work ethic and balanced approach to work and life.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Construction, Surveying, or a related field is preferred but not required.
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FAA Part 107 Certification is highly preferred.
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Interest in learning UAV (drone) piloting and integrating drone technology into surveying workflows.
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Experience with total station operation and other modern survey equipment.
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Ability to mentor and coach junior survey staff in field techniques and professional practices.
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Comfort working on projects in commercial real estate and understanding the pace of year-end closings.
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Strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate with project teams.
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Reliability and consistency in meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.
Work Environment
This role is part of a busy and steadily growing surveying team based out of an office in the Naperville area. Company trucks are stored at the office, and the Survey Crew Chief reports there each morning to prepare equipment, load the company vehicle, and head out to local project sites. Work is primarily local, with occasional travel of up to approximately two hours to reach a project, and mileage reimbursement and a gas card are provided when using a personal vehicle. The position involves consistent outdoor field work throughout the year, including winter months, with duties remaining steady due to ongoing commercial real estate activity and frequent property transactions. The environment is physically demanding, requiring regular time on active sites and handling survey equipment. The team culture emphasizes long-term employee engagement, low turnover, interesting and repeat client projects, and opportunities for benefits and employee ownership for long-term staff. Dress is practical and appropriate for field work and office visits, reflecting a professional yet functional surveying environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Naperville, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $30.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Naperville,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
