Survey Crew Chief

Actalent; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) Plan

Life Insurance

Short/Long Disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation Benefits

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Survey Crew Chief to lead boundary, topographic, ALTA, and construction layout surveys as a one-person crew in northeastern Illinois. You will operate advanced surveying instruments and manage field data for civil/site design projects in an industrial context.

The role requires independent field leadership, strict data quality, and safe, efficient travel to multiple project sites with a company vehicle. On-site work is primary, with occasional office collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of land surveying experience.
• Proven experience leading a one-person survey crew.
• Ability to operate total stations and Trimble robotic instruments as a one-person crew.

Responsibilities

• Conduct boundary, topographic, and ALTA surveys per project requirements.
• Perform construction layout surveys for civil/site design.
• Manage daily field operations and travel to project sites in northeastern Illinois.
• Operate surveying equipment and ensure accurate field data collection.
• Upload and organize field data for office use by design teams.
• Collaborate with project teams and communicate survey updates clearly.

Skills

5+ years surveying

One-person crew leadership

Total station operation

Trimble/Topcon experience

Driver license

Tools

Total stations

Trimble instruments

Topcon equipment

Job description

Job Description

The Survey Crew Chief leads and executes boundary, topographic, ALTA, and construction layout surveys while operating as a one-person crew. This role combines field leadership, advanced use of surveying instruments, and accurate data management to support civil engineering site design projects within the industrial sector.

Job Title: Survey Crew Chief

The Survey Crew Chief leads and executes boundary, topographic, ALTA, and construction layout surveys while operating as a one-person crew. This role combines field leadership, advanced use of surveying instruments, and accurate data management to support civil engineering site design projects within the industrial sector.

Responsibilities

• Conduct boundary, topographic, and ALTA surveys in accordance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Perform precise construction layout surveys to support civil and site design projects.
• Oversee and run a one-person survey crew, independently managing daily field operations.
• Operate total stations, Trimble robotic instruments, and related surveying equipment as a one-person crew.
• Use Trimble GPS and Topcon equipment to collect accurate field data, when applicable.
• Download and upload survey data to the appropriate files in the computer network or field data collector.
• Ensure all survey data is complete, accurate, and properly organized for use by office and design teams.
• Travel to and from project sites throughout northeastern Illinois using a company vehicle.
• Collaborate with project teams by providing clear, timely survey information and updates.
• Follow safety procedures and best practices while working independently on various job sites.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of land surveying experience.
• Proven experience running a one-person survey crew.
• Ability to operate total stations and Trimble robotic instruments as a one-person crew.
• Strong background in land surveying, including boundary, topographic, and ALTA surveys.
• Proficiency with survey crew operations and field data collection workflows.
• Valid drivers license and ability to drive to project sites across northeastern Illinois.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Trimble GPS equipment.
• Experience with Topcon surveying equipment.
• Familiarity with boundary survey software and land survey data management tools.
• background in topographic surveys, construction layout, and industrial site design projects.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high accuracy and productivity.

Work Environment

The Survey Crew Chief works primarily in the field, operating as a one-person crew and traveling daily to project sites across northeastern Illinois. The role includes extensive driving, with a company vehicle provided for travel to and from job sites and home each day. Time in the office is minimal, though occasional visits to a downtown office may be required. The organization offers stable work with repeat customers, strong internal promotion opportunities, and tailored schedules that recognize individual needs. The culture emphasizes upward mobility, flexibility in scheduling, and a competitive pay and bonus structure, including the potential for quarterly bonuses.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Downers Grove, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Downers Grove, IL.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.