Land Survey Crew Chief

Pennoni; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pennoni in Raleigh, NC is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to join our field surveying operations. You will be responsible for the daily operation of a survey crew on land surveying projects including geodetic, boundary, topographic, and construction staking.

This role requires strong field leadership, practical experience with total stations, GPS, data collectors, and robotic instruments, plus the ability to work outdoors across varying site conditions.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience in Land Surveying and/or Construction.
• Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead a survey crew on boundary, topographic, construction, and engineering surveys.
• Operate and maintain total stations, data collectors, GPS, and robotic instruments.
• Gather field data using conventional, robotic, GPS, and aerial/drone technology.
• Adjust and calibrate surveying instruments such as prisms, total stations, auto-levels, and EDD equipment.
• Prepare detailed field notes and sketches to support complex survey calculations.
• Instruct and train crew members on surveying methods and safety procedures.
• Perform on-site computations and QA/QC checks for accuracy.
• Safely operate ATVs/UTVs as required by project sites.
• Deliver high-quality work products reflecting Pennoni's commitment to service.

Skills

Field leadership

Data collection

Communication

Analytical thinking

Outdoor/field work

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Leica Geosystems HW/SW

Trimble Geospatial HW/SW

Robotic Total Stations

Faro HDLS

GPS systems

Total Stations

Data collectors

GIS software

Job description

Pennoni is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to join our field surveying operations in the Raleigh, NC area. In this role, you will be Responsible for the daily operation of a survey crew on a wide range of land surveying projects (geodetic, boundary, topographic, and construction staking).

Primary Responsibilities

As a Survey Crew Chief, you will manage all field operations on assigned projects, ensure proper surveying procedures are followed, obtain accurate data collection, efficient field operations, clear documentation, and adherence to project specifications. This position requires strong field leadership, technical survey knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work in outdoor environments across varying site conditions.

Your Duties Will Include

• Lead Field Operations: Direct a survey crew in surveys for boundary, topographic, construction, and engineering land surveying projects.
• Technical Proficiency: The ability to operate and maintain total stations, data collectors, GPS systems, and robotic instruments.
• Data Collection: Gather field data using diverse methods, including conventional, robotic, Global Positioning System (GPS), and aerial/drone technology.
• Equipment Management: Adjust and calibrate surveying instruments such as prisms, total stations, auto-levels, and electronic distance-measuring equipment.
• Documentation: Prepare detailed field notes and sketches to support complex survey calculations, i.e., field notes, sketches, and calculations typically associated with leveling, traversing, drainage structure inventories, construction layout, as-built surveys, boundary surveys, and cross-section surveys.
• Team Leadership: Instruct and train crew members (up to 2 people) on proper surveying methods, demonstrate proper equipment usage and maintenance procedures, and ensure adherence to all required field safety procedures.
• Quality Control: Perform on-site computations and rigorous QA/QC checks to ensure accuracy.
• Field Mobility: Safely operate ATVs, UTVs, or similar vehicles as required by project site conditions.
• Customer Excellence: Deliver high-quality work products that reflect Pennoni's commitment to superior customer service.

Basic Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Experience: 4+ years of professional experience in Land Surveying and/or Construction.
• Compliance: Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record (required for field-based roles).

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership: Proven experience leading a field crew is strongly preferred.
• Credentials: Completion of relevant Surveying training; active Survey credentials (LSIT or similar) are a plus.
• Advanced Tech: Experience with Leica Geosystems (HW/SW), Trimble Geospatial (HW/SW), Robotic Total Stations (RTS), and Faro High-Definition Laser Scanning (HDLS) equipment.
• Digital Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Excel) and GIS applications.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical and mathematical abilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask in a self-motivated environment.