Survey Crew Chief

HWC; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

HWC Engineering in Indianapolis, IN is seeking a Survey Crew Chief to lead a field crew performing boundary, topographic, ALTA, and right-of-way surveys for energy and transportation projects. The role requires independent work, strong communication with clients onsite, and a focus on accuracy and safety.

You will operate Trimble equipment, assist in project planning, and train junior technicians while maintaining detailed field notes and records.

Qualifications

• Experience with Trimble Survey Equipment such as Total Station, GPS, and Controller.
• Ability to work alone and with other employees.
• Valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• 2+ years of land surveying experience as a Crew Chief/Party Chief or 5+ years as an Instrument Operator.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks, including walking, standing, bending, and carrying equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry survey equipment and materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, PLSS, and identify potential errors or discrepancies.
• Ability to perform on-the-fly calculations, adjustments, and problem-solving in the field.
• Ability to maintain survey trucks and equipment, ensuring they are clean and in good working condition.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and challenging environments.
• Willingness to work extended hours or adjust schedules to meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to travel, including overnight travel, as project needs require.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a surveying crew in field surveys, ALTA/NSPS land title, boundary marking, topographic mapping, and other tasks.
• Operate Trimble equipment to accurately measure and record survey data.
• Ensure data meets quality and accuracy standards; perform re-measurements as needed.
• Assist in planning and scheduling surveying projects considering weather, equipment, and resources.
• Enforce safety protocols in the field to maintain a safe working environment.
• Communicate with clients on-site to address concerns and build relationships.
• Maintain accurate records of survey data, field notes, and equipment maintenance.
• Provide guidance and training to surveying technicians to improve data collection.
• Perform routine maintenance on surveying equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Skills

Fieldwork Leadership

Data Collection

Quality Control

Project Planning

Safety

Client Interaction

Record Keeping

Crew Training

Equipment Maintenance

Tools

AutoCAD

Trimble Business Center

Trimble Survey Equipment

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Survey Crew Chief

Full-Time Indianapolis, IN, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1335

HWC Engineering is currently seeking an energetic, adaptable, and solution-oriented person who will be able to take and follow instructions but also be able to think independently, as a Survey Crew Chief. The ideal candidate will be able to work autonomously and remotely and lead a field crew performing boundary, topography, ALTA, right of way, and construction surveys for public and private clients on large energy and transportation projects.

HWC Engineering’s Survey Department works closely with other departments to provide quality deliverables for projects across all our engineering related public and private clients. We offer a full range of survey and geospatial data and mapping services that enable us to collect data faster, safer, and more accurately than ever before.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Fieldwork Leadership : Lead and oversee a surveying crew in the performance of field surveys, ALTA/NSPS land title, boundary marking, topographic mapping, and other surveying tasks.
• Data Collection : Operate Trimble surveying equipment, including total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors, to accurately measure and record survey data.
• Quality Control : Ensure the data collected meets quality and accuracy standards, making necessary adjustments and re-measurements as required.
• Project Planning : Assist in the planning and scheduling of surveying projects, considering factors like weather conditions, equipment maintenance, and resource allocation.
• Safety : Enforce safety protocols and best practices in the field to maintain a safe working environment for the crew.
• Client Interaction : Communicate with clients on-site to address any concerns or questions, fostering positive client relationships.
• Record Keeping : Maintain accurate records of survey data, field notes, and equipment maintenance.
• Crew Training : Provide guidance and training to surveying technicians to improve their skills and ensure consistent data collection practices.
• Equipment Maintenance : Perform routine maintenance on surveying equipment to ensure its proper functioning.

WHAT IS EXPECTED

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: The following are essential functions and requirements of the position. Employees in this role must be able to perform these functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, in order to successfully perform the essential duties of the job:

• Experience with Trimble Survey Equipment such as Total Station, GPS, and Controller.
• Ability to work alone and with other employees.
• Valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• 2+ years of land surveying experience as a Crew Chief/Party Chief or 5+ years of experience as an Instrument Operator.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks, including walking, standing, bending, and carrying equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry survey equipment and materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, surveys, plats, Public Land Survey System (PLSS), as well as identify potential errors or discrepancies.
• Ability to perform on-the-fly calculations, adjustments, and problem-solving in the field.
• Ability to maintain survey trucks and equipment, ensuring they are clean, properly maintained, and in good working condition.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and challenging environments, including uneven terrain, bodies of water, wooded areas, and active construction sites.
• Willingness to work extended hours or adjust schedules as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel, including overnight travel, as project needs require.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with AutoCAD and Trimble Business Center
• Part107 Drone Certification
• OSHA 10 Certification

Why Work with Us

At HWC Engineering, our foundation is built upon a vibrant culture that celebrates diversity, collaboration, and innovation. We believe in creating an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.

• The strength of our company lies in the well-being & growth of our employees. That's why we prioritize professional development, providing avenues for continuous learning & career advancement.
• Our culture isn't just a statement; it's the fabric that binds us together, guiding us as we navigate challenges, celebrate successes, & create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to excel. We are humbled to have been named a Best Place to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce from 2016 – 2026; 11 years in a row!
• Collaboration is more than a buzzword for us; it's ingrained in our DNA. Teamwork is at the core of our success, and we celebrate the achievements of each member, knowing that our collective efforts lead to exceptional outcomes.
• Embrace freedom! We promote work life balance with tailored schedules & flexible work environment with remote, hybrid in-office, and/or full-time in office workspaces offered dependent upon position / situation (and ability to work from home).
• Experience an exceptional salary package with performance-driven bonuses and recognition that outshines the rest!

ABOUT HWC

HWC Engineering is a full-service consulting engineering firm that provides water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, inspection, site engineering, survey, landscape architecture and planning services to both the public and private sectors.

Founded in 1989 in Terre Haute, Indiana, HWC has additional offices in Indianapolis, Lafayette, Muncie, North Vernon, Hammond and New Albany, allowing us to provide professional engineering services to clients throughout Indiana and the Midwest.

HWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, gender or any status protected by federal, state or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, competence and performance.