Survey Crew Chief

CME Associates; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive program

Healthy workplace

Referral bonus

Health benefits

Career development and training

Flexible schedule

Community service opportunities

Job summary

Waggoner Engineering, Inc. seeks an experienced Survey Crew Chief to lead field surveying activities in support of civil projects from our Jackson, MS office.

You will direct a field crew, collect accurate survey data, and maintain thorough field documentation in line with project requirements and Waggoner standards. The ideal candidate brings strong field surveying experience, proficiency with modern equipment, and the ability to organize and execute survey assignments while guiding junior crew

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical training preferred.
• Experience leading survey field activities or crews is required.
• Strong knowledge of surveying principles, field procedures, and data collection.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily field survey activities and crew.
• Review project requirements and plans before fieldwork.
• Perform boundary, topo, construction staking, and utility surveys.
• Operate survey equipment (GPS/GNSS, total stations, data collectors) and verify data integrity.
• Maintain field notes, sketches, and photos; ensure safe, compliant fieldwork.

Skills

Field crew leadership

Survey data collection

GPS/GNSS

Total stations / data collectors

Reading plans & drawings

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Assoc. degree or technical training (preferred)

Tools

Trimble

Leica

Topcon

Job description

Waggoner Engineering, Inc. is seeking an experienced Survey Crew Chief to lead field surveying activities in support of civil engineering, infrastructure, transportation, utility, and land development projects out of our Jackson, MS office. This position is responsible for directing a field survey crew, collecting accurate survey data, maintaining field documentation, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements and Waggoner standards.

The ideal candidate brings strong field surveying experience, proficiency with modern survey equipment, and the ability to independently organize and execute survey assignments while providing leadership and guidance to other members of the field crew.

Key Responsibilities

Field Surveying & Crew Leadership

• Lead and coordinate daily activities of a survey field crew.
• Review assignments, project requirements, control information, and available plans prior to beginning fieldwork.
• Perform and oversee boundary, topographic, construction, route, utility, right-of-way, and other engineering-related surveys.
• Establish and verify horizontal and vertical control.
• Perform construction staking and layout for civil and infrastructure projects.
• Operate GPS/GNSS receivers, robotic and conventional total stations, data collectors, levels, and other surveying equipment.
• Ensure accurate collection, coding, and documentation of field survey data.
• Maintain clear and complete field notes, sketches, photographs, and other supporting documentation.
• Perform field calculations and verify measurements to identify potential errors before leaving the project site.
• Locate property corners, monuments, rights-of-way, utilities, structures, and other features as required by the project.
• Coordinate with project surveyors, engineers, project managers, contractors, property owners, and other field personnel as necessary.

Quality & Project Support

• Review field data for accuracy and completeness before submitting information for office processing.
• Identify field conditions or discrepancies that could affect survey accuracy or project delivery and communicate them promptly to the appropriate project team.
• Assist survey and engineering staff with resolving field-related questions.
• Maintain survey equipment and ensure instruments are properly cared for, calibrated, and ready for use.
• Support efficient project delivery by planning field activities, travel, equipment, and crew resources.

Safety & Leadership

• Promote and maintain safe work practices at all project sites.
• Conduct field activities in accordance with company safety policies and applicable project requirements.
• Provide direction, training, and mentorship to Survey Field Technicians and other junior field staff.
• Ensure crew members understand assignments, proper surveying procedures, equipment use, and jobsite safety expectations.
• Maintain professionalism when interacting with clients, contractors, property owners, and the public.

What You'll Need

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree, technical training, or coursework in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering technology, or a related discipline preferred.
• Previous field surveying experience required, including experience independently leading survey field activities or crews.
• Strong working knowledge of surveying principles, field procedures, and data collection practices.
• Experience with GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, data collectors, and digital levels.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, engineering drawings, plats, deeds, maps, and survey documentation.
• Ability to perform field calculations and apply surveying mathematics.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound field decisions.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
• Experience with Trimble, Leica, Topcon, or similar survey equipment and field software is preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position is primarily field-based and requires the ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions. The Survey Crew Chief must be able to walk extended distances over uneven terrain; bend, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods; and lift and carry survey equipment and materials.

The position may require travel to project sites, occasional overnight travel, and work outside standard business hours depending on project requirements.

Why Join Our Team

About

We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! Waggoner Engineering provides a fun, family-friendly, and multicultural work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• WEI Incentive Program
• Healthy Workplace Program
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Competitive Health Benefits
• Career Development and Training
• Flexible/Hybrid Schedule
• Community Service Opportunities

Waggoner Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Pay Transparency

The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company’s good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting.