Sr. Survey Party Chief

Alta EI; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Alta Environmental & Infrastructure is seeking a Sr. Survey Party Chief to lead field crews across land surveying projects in Arizona. You will oversee day-to-day field activities, ensure data quality, and maintain equipment while upholding safety and client standards.

The role emphasizes construction staking, control surveys, and topographic surveys, with duties extending to mentoring crew members and coordinating with project managers on project requirements.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of land surveying experience.
• Proficient with surveying instruments and software (Trimble, ACAD, Total Stations, GPS, Levels).
• Strong leadership and team-management abilities.
• Excellent client communication and relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and oversee field surveys including control, boundary, topo, construction layout, and as-built surveys (construction staking).
• Ensure accurate data collection using surveying instruments; supervise control points and benchmarks.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment; manage field inventory and safety protocols.
• Coordinate with clients and project managers; ensure timely, accurate survey deliverables.

Skills

Land surveying

Leadership

Field supervision

Safety compliance

Tools

Trimble

ACAD

Total Stations

GPS

Levels

Job description

Alta Environmental & Infrastructure is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing engineering firms, with nearly 250 employees across the state. We're 100% Arizona owned and managed, which means you'll never feel like a number here. Our team delivers a full spectrum of services - civil engineering, surveying, geotechnical and materials testing, environmental, and EHS - giving you exposure to many paths and projects.

Alta is big enough to offer opportunities, and advanced technology - yet small enough that you'll know your team, see your impact, and have leadership that knows you.

We're proud to be a trusted partner to some of the nation's largest corporations, developers, and public agencies - helping to build the future, while also protecting it through environmental stewardship and sustainable solutions.

Position Overview:

The Sr. Survey Party Chief is a crucial member of our surveying team, responsible for leading and overseeing their survey crew in the execution of land surveying projects. This role involves the management of field survey activities, equipment, and personnel to ensure accurate data collection and the successful completion of survey projects. The Sr. Survey Party Chief plays a pivotal role in maintaining project quality, safety, and efficiency.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Perform daily job Safety Analysis (JSA) and vehicle safety inspection per Company policy.
• Plan, organize, and lead the survey crew in the execution of field surveys, including control surveys, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, construction layout, as-built surveys, and other survey related tasks. This position is primarily for construction staking.
• Ensure accurate and precise data collection using surveying instruments, including total stations, GPS, levels, and data collectors.
• Supervise the establishment of survey control points, benchmarks, and reference points.
• Maintain and manage vehicles and surveying equipment, ensuring that it is in optimal working condition and properly calibrated.
• Manage the inventory of field supplies and equipment to ensure adequate resources for survey projects.
• Collect, analyze, and verify the accuracy and quality of the survey data to generate detailed maps, plans, and reports.
• Identifying and resolving discrepancies or errors.
• Enforce ALTA E&I and Client specific safety protocols and best practices during field operations to protect the survey crew and the public.
• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations and surveying standards.
• Train, mentor, and provide guidance to survey crew members.
• Assign tasks, manage work schedules, and supervise the performance of surveying field personnel.
• Monitor daily production, performance, and hours.
• Coordinate with clients and project managers to address project requirements, issues, and changes.
• Maintain effective communication and rapport with clients and landowners during field surveys.
• Maintain accurate records, field notes, and project documentation for survey activities.
• Ensure daily uploads of all data, photos, field notes, safety reports, and any other project related information.
• Assist in the preparation of survey reports and deliverables.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in land surveying
• Proficiency in using surveying instruments and software (Trimble, ACAD, Total Stations, GPS, Levels, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of surveying principles, techniques, and procedures.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and client relationship management skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various job sites.

Physical Requirements include but are not limited to the following:

• Continuously stand for up to 10 or more hours per day.
• Lift or carry up to 50 +/- lbs of necessary supplies from the truck to the crews in the field.
• Must have the ability to traverse creeks and steep slopes.
• Climb Fences.
• Walk up to 5 miles per day.
• Hours worked are typically 8 hours/day, 5/6 days/week (not guaranteed). Schedule driven projects may require more than 10 hours/day and up to 7 days/week.
• Drive up to 500 miles per day.

Why Alta?

See your impact.

How many people can drive by a highway, school, or major company and say, “I helped build that?”

At Alta, every employee can. The work we do is visible in the infrastructure communities rely on every day.

We're passionate about developing people. Many of our leaders began their journey in entry level positions and worked their way up into management. We invest in you from day one with hands‑on training, paid certifications, and mentorship to help you progress in your career.

Working at Alta means:

• Career mobility: clear paths to grow into leadership roles.
• Multi-disciplinary exposure: civil, survey, geotechnical, materials testing, environmental, EHS, etc.
• Investment in you: ongoing training.
• Culture of belonging: supportive teams where your work is recognized.

Impact you can see: the chance to contribute to projects that define communities.

As an Alta E&I employee you will receive the opportunity to enroll in our company sponsored benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, long term disability) and 401k plan. You will also receive 7 paid company holidays and accrue up to 10 paid days off. Join us and get a career!

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, disability, or any other protected status. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.