Lead Field Survey Party Chief — Travel & Team Mentor

Prairie Engineers, P.C.; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan with employerpaid premiums

HRA

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Paid holidays

PTO 160 hours/year

Bonus opportunities

Premium overtime

Job summary

Prairie Engineers, P.C. is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field crews on boundary, topographic, and geodetic surveys from our Midwest offices, including Hannibal MO and Columbia IL.

The role combines field leadership with office duties, data processing, and deliverable preparation. You will travel extensively (roughly 80% of assignments), supervise GNSS and robotic instruments, and mentor junior staff while maintaining data quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Experience leading survey crews in field operations.
• Proficiency with GNSS, robotic total stations, and electronic data collection.
• Ability to plan daily assignments, manage crew resources, and ensure safety and quality.
• Travel of ~80% of assignments including remote sites; lodging and per diem provided.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable record.

Responsibilities

• Lead field crews performing boundary, topographic, geodetic, hydrographic, and other surveys.
• Plan and coordinate daily assignments and crew resources.
• Oversee GNSS receivers, robotic total stations, and electronic data collection.
• Maintain field data accuracy and documentation while leading safe, quality-focused work.
• Perform survey calculations and data processing; support plats and deliverables.
• Train and mentor crew members and establish consistent field practices.
• Coordinate with project managers, licensed surveyors, and clients to meet schedules.

Skills

GNSS

Robotic total stations

Electronic data collection

Field leadership

Team mentoring

Tools

Survey field equipment

Job description

Prairie Engineers, P.C. is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field crews on boundary, topographic, and geodetic surveys from our Midwest offices, including Hannibal MO and Columbia IL.

The role combines field leadership with office duties, data processing, and deliverable preparation. You will travel extensively (roughly 80% of assignments), supervise GNSS and robotic instruments, and mentor junior staff while maintaining data quality and safety.