Field Survey Party Chief – Construction Layout Lead

L I Smith & Assoc Inc; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Full benefits package

3% retirement match

Life insurance

Career growth opportunities

Industry training and certifications

Job summary

L.I. Smith & Associates, a civil engineering and land surveying firm serving Tennessee, seeks a Survey Party Chief – Construction to lead field survey operations on heavy civil, roadway, bridge, utility, and building projects.

You will establish survey control, ensure accurate data collection, and support schedules with field leadership. Responsibilities include coordinating with contractors and project managers, supervising field crews, and mentoring junior staff while maintaining safety,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and at least two years of demonstrated competency in construction surveying with emphasis on layout and field operations.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required.
• OSHA 10 certification required or ability to obtain.
• FAA Part 107 Drone License required or ability to obtain.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions and maintain field operations on active construction sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise day-to-day field operations for construction surveying and layout projects.
• Perform construction layout for roadway, bridge, utility, and building projects including control, offsets, grades, and as-built verification.
• Establish, verify, and maintain horizontal and vertical control using GPS and total station equipment.
• Coordinate directly with contractors, superintendents, and project managers to support construction schedules and field needs.
• Perform field calculations and layout adjustments to maintain accuracy and constructability.
• Collect, review, and verify field data to ensure quality and completeness before submission.
• Maintain clear and organized field notes, stake reports, and as-built documentation.
• Assist with troubleshooting field layout conflicts and construction issues as they arise.
• Train and mentor junior field staff and survey crew members on procedures and best practices.
• Maintain assigned survey vehicle, equipment, and tools to ensure proper function and readiness.
• Communicate regularly with LIS management to coordinate manpower, field needs, and production efficiency.

Skills

Construction surveying

Construction layout

Field operations

GPS

Robotic total stations

Data collectors

Reading civil plans

Field documentation

Supervising field crews

Independent work

Effective communication

Troubleshooting field layout

Multi-tasking in field

Early mornings/overtime

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

OSHA 10 certification

FAA Part 107 Drone License

Tools

GPS

Robotic total stations

Data collectors

Job description

Education and Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent and at least two (2) years of demonstrated competency in construction surveying with a strong emphasis on construction layout and field operations.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required. OSHA 10 certification required or ability to obtain. FAA Part 107 Drone License required or ability to obtain. Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions and maintain field operations on active construction sites.

Overview

SUMMARY

The Survey Party Chief – Construction leads field survey operations supporting heavy civil, roadway, bridge, utility, and building construction projects. This role is responsible for performing and overseeing construction layout activities, establishing survey control, and ensuring that field data collection and layout are performed accurately and efficiently.

The Survey Party Chief works closely with contractors, project managers, and survey staff to maintain accurate project layout, ensure compliance with plans and specifications, and support construction schedules. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of active construction projects.

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and supervise day-to-day field operations for construction surveying and layout projects
• Perform construction layout for roadway, bridge, utility, and building projects including control, offsets, grades, and as-built verification
• Establish, verify, and maintain horizontal and vertical control using GPS and total station equipment
• Coordinate directly with contractors, superintendents, and project managers to support construction schedules and field needs
• Perform field calculations and layout adjustments to maintain accuracy and constructability
• Collect, review, and verify field data to ensure quality and completeness before submission
• Maintain clear and organized field notes, stake reports, and as-built documentation
• Assist with troubleshooting field layout conflicts and construction issues as they arise
• Train and mentor junior field staff and survey crew members on procedures and best practices
• Maintain assigned survey vehicle, equipment, and tools to ensure proper function and readiness
• Communicate regularly with LIS management to coordinate manpower, field needs, and production efficiency

Competencies (KSACs)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

Knowledge of:

• Construction surveying principles and staking procedures
• Construction drawings, profiles, and specifications
• Survey control establishment and verification methods
• Safety practices for operating on active construction sites

Skilled in:

• Construction layout using GPS, robotic total stations, and data collectors
• Reading and interpreting civil construction plans and specifications
• Performing field calculations and maintaining accurate field documentation
• Supervising field crews and coordinating with construction personnel

Ability to:

• Work independently in field environments with minimal supervision
• Communicate effectively with contractors, inspectors, engineers, and internal teams
• Solve field layout challenges quickly and accurately on active job sites
• Manage multiple field responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and safety
• Work varying schedules including early mornings and occasional overtime

BENEFITS AND PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Employees of L.I. Smith & Associates are provided with competitive compensation and benefits designed to support professional growth, financial stability, and work-life balance.

• Competitive, bi-weekly pay with full benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (LIS pays 64% of employee medical premiums)
• Retirement plan with 3% company match
• Company provided life insurance
• Work on large-scale, high-impact construction projects across Tennessee
• Be part of a respected, field-first survey team that supports each other
• Opportunities to grow into senior leadership, layout specialization, or advanced technology roles
• Support for industry training and certifications
• A company that values safety, accuracy, accountability, and the people doing the work

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held and whether the position is full-time, part-time, or contract.

About L.I. Smith & Associates

L.I. Smith & Associates, Inc. (LIS) is a full-service civil engineering and land surveying firm serving public and private clients throughout Tennessee. With offices in Paris and Nashville, LIS is known for its technical excellence, collaborative culture, and commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work both in the office and in the field.

L.I. Smith & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.