Survey Crew Chief

Giffels Webster; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Vision/Dental insurance

Health Savings Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development and TuitionRe

Employee Assistance Program

Referral Bonus Program

Job summary

Giffels Webster, based in Detroit, MI, seeks a Survey Crew Chief with at least 3 years in field surveying. You will measure land features, control data, and elevations, employing laser scanning and drone mapping as needed.

You will work with engineers, architects, and contractors to deliver accurate surveys and ensure QA/QC. The role emphasizes safety, on-site leadership, and mentoring junior staff on complex projects.

Qualifications

• Valid driver license.
• Minimum 3 years of field surveying experience with surveying software and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field visits to coordinate site conditions with raw survey data.
• Collaborate with office staff to ensure data collection meets client objectives.
• Collect, import, export and process field data; keep accurate notes and calculations.
• Prepare high-quality surveys (topographic, boundary, control, ALTA, as-builts).
• Provide preliminary review of work and follow QA/QC protocols.
• Mentor and empower less experienced staff; delegate tasks as appropriate.
• Follow safety rules and site standards.
• Communicate with project engineers, contractors, architects and developers on sites.

Skills

Field surveying

QA/QC

Mentor staff

Communication

Tools

Surveying software

Surveying equipment

Job description

Description

Giffels Webster has an exciting opportunity for a Survey Crew Chief to join our Detroit, Michigan team. As a Survey Crew Chief, you will service clients in a variety of project needs in and around Metro Detroit. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 3 years' experience working on a Survey Field Crew.

Our Survey Crew Chiefs help shape our world by collecting and making sense of data that aids in mapping the world and in the development and construction of land development and infrastructure projects. You will accurately measure property boundaries, dimensions and locations of land features and elevations on the earth’s surface and work with new technology such as laser scanning and drone mapping. Survey Crew Chiefs are primarily responsible for field work to support the completion of topographic surveys, boundary surveys, control surveys, differential leveling, GPS network surveys, construction layout, as-builts, ALTA surveys and grade certificates.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Conduct field visits to coordinate existing site conditions with raw survey data and record information.
• Work collaboratively with office personnel to ensure collection of data needed to complete surveys meeting the Client’s objectives.
• Collect, import, export and process field data. Keep accurate notes, sketches and calculations.
• Prepare high-quality topographic surveys, boundary surveys, control surveys, differential leveling, GPS network surveys, construction layout, as-builts, ALTA surveys and grade certificates.
• Provide preliminary review of your own work product prior to submittal for review. Follow Giffels Webster’s QA/QC protocols.
• Mentor, teach, develop and empower less experienced staff and delegate responsibilities appropriately.
• Follow and enforce company, site and government safety rules and standards.
• Check field notes for cut sheets for accuracy and route to office personnel for verification. Ensure they are delivered to the job site on time.
• Participate in internal discussions about surveying considerations and lessons learned from our projects.
• Communicate with project engineers, contractors, architects, developers and other consultants on job sites.

What we offer

• Competitive Salaries
• Medical/Vision/Dental insurance
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off: Vacation, Sick time, Holidays, Birthday
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development and Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Bonus Program

About us:

Come join our flexible and dedicated team, which was voted one of the Top Workplaces to work for seven years in a row (2017-2023) by the Detroit Free Press and most recently a Best Places to Work by Crain's Detroit in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Giffels Webster has a strong commitment to using multi-disciplinary approaches to making communities better. We are seeking team members who support context-sensitive solutions to project and client needs. If you are looking to put your skills to work with a highly motivated and qualified team, we want to hear from you!

Giffels Webster is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, age disability, veteran or any other legally protected status.

Note to Recruitment Agencies:

Only direct applicants will be accepted, unless a placement agreement is in place. If no placement agreement is in place at time of candidate submission, no fee will be due and no fee will be paid. Please do not forward resumes to our team members, partners or any company location.

Requirements

• Valid driver license
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience in field surveying and are proficient with surveying software and equipment.