Survey Crew Chief

Woolpert; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible paid time off/vacation

Health, life, vision, and dental insurance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Woolpert is seeking a Survey Crew Chief to lead their dynamic Survey team in Chicago, Illinois. This technical role requires expertise in conducting various field surveys, ensuring data accuracy, and leading a survey crew. Candidates should possess an associate or bachelor's degree in surveying or related field, strong communication and leadership skills, and familiarity with survey equipment. The position offers growth opportunities within the company and good benefits, including flexible paid time off and health insurance.

Qualifications

• Certified Survey Technician certification, OSHA certifications, or passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam is desired.
• Good organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to interpret and analyze survey data, maps, and construction plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead a survey crew to conduct field surveys, including boundary and topographic surveys.
• Operate and maintain survey equipment.
• Prepare detailed field notes and sketches to document survey activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Mathematical concepts

Understanding of survey principles

Education

Associate or bachelor's degree in surveying, Geomatics, or related field

Certified Survey Technician certification

Tools

Total stations

GNSS GPS receivers

Laser scanners

Levels

Data collectors

Job description

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.

Woolpert is an award‑winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting‑edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders. As a certified Great Place to Work, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

Woolpert is hiring a Survey Crew Chief to join our dynamic Survey team in Illinois. The Survey Crew Chief is a technical position within the survey and geomatics discipline, responsible for leading a survey crew in the field for various types of projects, including land title, transportation, energy, aviation, and land development surveys. Under the guidance of the Survey Team Leader, this role involves performing field survey work, ensuring accurate data collection and compliance with industry standards and company procedures. The Survey Crew Chief/Survey Party Chief role will require you to exercise technical expertise, leadership skills, and communication in a collaborative environment offering career growth opportunities.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

What You Will Do:

• Lead a survey crew to conduct field surveys, including boundary, topographic, construction, and as‑built surveys.
• Operate and maintain survey equipment such as total stations, GNSS receivers, laser scanners, levels, and data collectors.
• Prepare detailed field notes and sketches to document survey activities.
• Adhere to project requirements, goals, and schedules as outlined by the Survey Team Leader.
• Perform fundamental operation of survey software for downloading, processing, initial quality control, and verification of accuracy, ensuring data meets project and company quality requirements.
• Assist in monitoring project progress, troubleshooting issues, and implement solutions to maintain timelines and budget constraints.
• Timely and effectively communicate issues or delays to the Survey Team Leader.
• Practice safety protocols promoting a safe working environment, including maintaining PPE inventory and performing safety checks on equipment, procedures, and vehicles.
• Provide basic guidance and training to junior survey crew members and assist in evaluating survey crew performance.

What You Will Bring:

• Certified Survey Technician certification, OSHA certifications, or successfully passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam is desired.
• FAA Part 107, Certified Remote Pilot certification is preferred.
• Above average communication skills, both verbal and written, and be able to effectively present information before clients and employees.
• Comprehensive understanding of survey principles, methods, and practices.
• Ability to interpret and analyze survey data, maps, and construction plans.
• Good organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to work with survey‑related mathematical concepts (proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, slope, elevations, etc.).
• Strong understanding of Subsurface Utility Engineering standards (ASCE 38‑22), utility mapping techniques, the ability to operate ground penetrating radar, and electromagnetic locators is preferred.

Requirements:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or five (5) years of related experience.
• Mental and physical capability to perform all essential duties required of the position.
• Proficiency in operating survey instruments and software, including total stations, GNSS GPS receivers, levels, and data collectors.
• Proficiency in searching for and locating boundary corners and/or PLS section corners, including but not limited to accessory and/or witness monumentation.
• Ability to travel overnight and work overtime as needed.
• Proficient computer skills, including data transfer, data processing software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Pass a pre‑employment driver’s license background check and maintain a satisfactory driving record, as required by our insurance company.
• Must successfully pass periodic drug testing as required by company policy.

Physical Qualifications:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to frequently stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl.
• Good physical condition and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to frequently reach with hands and arms, bend and climb and/or balance.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, such as tape measure, cloth/steel tape, machete, hammer, shovel, pick axe.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Must have vision abilities of close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in outdoor environments, often in remote and rugged locations.
• Exposure to various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow.
• Physical demands include standing for extended periods, walking on uneven terrain, and carrying equipment.

Personal & Professional Growth:

The Survey Crew Chief/Survey Party Chief position offers potential advancement to Senior Survey Crew Chief/Senior Survey Party Chief and higher managerial roles within the surveying and geomatics discipline and infrastructure sector markets and practices. There are opportunities to specialize in niche areas of surveying such as advanced manufacturing, geodetic control, transportation, aviation, hydrographic surveying, or photogrammetry/remote sensing. Continuous professional development and training will be provided to stay updated with advancements in surveying technology and methods. Leading large‑scale and high‑profile projects, you will have the chance to significantly contribute to the company’s growth and reputation.

Benefits You Will Love:

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more.

Base pay offered may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Woolpert is an equal‑opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal‑Employment‑Opportunity‑The‑Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.