Land Surveyor

Actalent; North Carolina; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Land Surveyor / Crew Chief to lead a two-person crew on coastal North Carolina projects. This role combines hands-on field surveying with crew leadership, delivering accurate data on schedule and within budget while coordinating with office staff and clients.

You will organize field work, perform field calculations, supervise equipment maintenance, ensure safety, and travel as needed. The ideal candidate has 3+ years in survey operations, proficiency with total stations,

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of progressive experience in survey field operations, including supervision duties.
• Proficient in operating survey equipment (total stations, data collectors, GPS).
• Ability to perform accurate field calculations and ensure measurements meet standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a two-person survey crew and plan daily field work.
• Maintain safety and compliant operations for all crew members.
• Operate and maintain survey instruments and vehicles.
• Collect, process, and deliver survey data to stakeholders.
• Coordinate findings with engineering, clients, and office staff.

Skills

Field survey operations

Crew leadership

Total station operation

GPS equipment

Data collector usage

Accuracy and regulatory compliance

Safe work practices

Ability to travel overnight

Tools

Civil 3D

Total Station

GPS methods

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Land Surveyor / Crew Chief

This Land Surveyor / Crew Chief role leads a two-person survey crew on a wide range of projects across the southeastern region, with a primary focus on coastal North Carolina. The position combines hands‑on field surveying with crew leadership, ensuring that all work is accurate, thorough, compliant with regulatory requirements, and delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget. You will organize and execute field work, collect and deliver high‑quality survey data, and coordinate closely with office staff and project stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Work as a field surveyor, independently and as the leader of a small crew, typically a team of two.
• Organize and plan daily field work to ensure efficient, accurate, and timely completion of survey tasks.
• Maintain a safe work environment for all crew members and ensure strict adherence to safety procedures and requirements.
• Protect, operate, and maintain survey equipment, instruments, and vehicles in good working condition.
• Accurately and efficiently collect field data and locate physical features, landmarks, and significant land changes that affect surveys.
• Locate, review, and research job locations to identify landmarks, physical objects, and changes in land conditions relevant to survey work.
• Supervise the survey crew’s activities, set priorities, and coordinate and organize work efforts to meet project objectives.
• Monitor and supervise the quality and standards of work being performed by the crew, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Perform and derive necessary field calculations from completed survey work to support project requirements.
• Supervise the maintenance and calibration of instruments and equipment to ensure reliable performance.
• Ensure that angles, distances, and other collected measurements are accurate and conform to applicable regulations and standards.
• Coordinate survey findings and results with engineering personnel, clients, and other stakeholders involved in the projects.
• Research previous survey evidence, maps, deeds, physical evidence, and other records to obtain data needed for current surveys.
• Determine appropriate methods and procedures for establishing or reestablishing survey control points.
• Keep accurate notes, records, and sketches that clearly describe the work performed and the data collected.
• Complete daily logs and expense reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Complete company and client safety forms and ensure all crew members follow established safety protocols.
• Consult with computer operators and review the final production of survey work to confirm accuracy and clarity.
• Deliver collected field data to the office promptly and maintain accurate records of work performed and related expenses.
• Represent the survey team professionally, supporting positive public relations and responsive service to project stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3+ years of progressive experience in survey field operations, including at least 2 years as an Instrument Operator.
• Strong proficiency in operating survey equipment, including total stations, data collectors, and GPS equipment.
• Familiarity with commonly used surveying terminology and the proper use and care of survey tools and field equipment for measuring, sighting, and leveling.
• Proficiency in operating survey instruments such as Total Station/Data Collector, level, and various Global Positioning System (GPS) methods.
• Ability to perform accurate field calculations and verify that angles, distances, and measurements conform to regulations and standards.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in the field and to lead and supervise a small survey crew.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy, thoroughness, and regulatory compliance.
• Capability to travel overnight as needed to support projects within the region.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in land surveying, construction stakeouts, utility locating, and topographic surveys.
• ALTA surveys, hydrographic surveys, and beach or coastal survey work.
• Experience as a Crew Chief, Party Chief, or similar field leadership role.
• Familiarity with Civil 3D and related surveying and engineering software tools.
• Behavioral traits that include being process-oriented, steady, helpful, analytical, and a strong problem solver.
• Preference for methodical, structured work with a consistent, detail-oriented approach.
• Strong dislike of errors and a commitment to pre