Lead Field Survey Crew Chief | Staking & Tech Leadership

SMEUSA; Kirtland (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle provided

Overtime opportunities

Annual bonuses

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) with company match

PTO + Volunteer Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage after

Job summary

SME is seeking an experienced Survey Crew Chief to lead field survey operations across Northern Ohio, handling construction staking, boundary work, and ALTA surveys. You will operate robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS, and data collectors, while mentoring field technicians and ensuring safety and quality in dynamic site conditions.

The role requires strong plan interpretation, 5+ years in land surveying, and the ability to travel locally with a company vehicle provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive land surveying field experience.
• Proven experience functioning as a Survey Crew Chief or senior field leader.
• Strong construction staking and site control background.
• Proficient with modern survey equipment and data collectors.
• Ability to interpret plans, plats, and legal descriptions.
• Valid driver's license; ability to travel throughout Northern Ohio.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain, weather, and active construction environments, including walking extended distances on uneven ground and handling typical survey equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily survey field operations as a 1 person crew.
• Direct and mentor survey technicians; set expectations for productivity, quality, and safety.
• Serve as SME's on-site representative with owners, contractors, and inspectors.
• Make real-time field decisions to resolve layout conflicts, project challenges, and site conditions.
• Perform and oversee construction staking and layout; boundary, ALTA/NSPS, topographic, and as-built surveys.
• Operate robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS systems, and digital levels.
• Interpret construction drawings, plats, easements, and control networks.
• Deliver clean, complete field data; no routine CAD production expected.
• Enforce SME safety standards and job site protocols.
• Maintain survey equipment and assigned vehicles.
• Identify scope gaps or risks early and communicate proactively.

Skills

Field leadership

Construction staking

Field data collection

Plan/easement interpretation

Driving travel readiness

Outdoor work endurance

Communication with owners/inspectors

Tools

Robotic total stations

GPS/GNSS

Digital levels

Data collectors

Job description

SME is seeking an experienced Survey Crew Chief to lead field survey operations across Northern Ohio, handling construction staking, boundary work, and ALTA surveys. You will operate robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS, and data collectors, while mentoring field technicians and ensuring safety and quality in dynamic site conditions.

The role requires strong plan interpretation, 5+ years in land surveying, and the ability to travel locally with a company vehicle provided.