Survey Crew Chief & SUE B Technician

Patriot Surveying & Infrastructure; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Patriot Surveying & Infrastructure is seeking an experienced Survey Crew Chief & Subsurface Utility Locator Technician to lead field operations on major infrastructure projects across the United States. You will direct daily measurements, operate GPR and locators, and supervise a field crew to ensure safety and accuracy.

You will read drawings, mark utilities, maintain field notes and time sheets, and provide updates to Project Managers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate degree preferred.
• Minimum five years in land surveying/geomatics and utility locating.
• Two+ years as Crew Chief or Lead Instrument Technician.
• Willingness to travel nationwide and pass pre-employment checks.
• Valid driver's license and clean MVR.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and supervise the field crew and instrument technician.
• Oversee safety briefings, traffic control, and QA/QC.
• Perform field surveys with conventional and GPS equipment.
• Locate and document underground utilities using GPR and locators.
• Maintain field records, logs, and timesheets.
• Coordinate with project managers and clients.

Skills

Team Leadership

Safety Management

Technical Troubleshooting

Written & Verbal Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree in Surveying/Geomatics

Tools

Total Stations

Levels

Data Collectors

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Radio-frequency Locators

Job description

About the Role & Company

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Survey Crew Chief & Subsurface Utility Locator Technician to lead field operations for major infrastructure and linear energy projects across the United States. In this critical dual-capacity leadership role, you will direct day-to-day field measurements, conduct non-destructive utility locations, ensure technical accuracy, and supervise a dedicated field crew (typically including an Instrument Technician).

You will manage daily field operations with high autonomy, exercising independent technical judgment to solve site-specific challenges while operating Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), radio-frequency electromagnetic locators, and precision surveying instruments. All tasks must be executed efficiently, accurately, and safely in strict accordance with project specifications and schedules. Crucially, as the on-site frontline leader, you will actively prioritize and ensure the physical safety, health, and overall well-being of every crew member under your supervision.

Office Locations & Travel Flexibility

We are actively recruiting talent across our established office network, which includes:

• Mooresville, NC (Corporate Headquarters)
• Arundel, ME
• Edgewood, KY
• Harrison, OH
• Oak Island, NC
• Traverse City, MI
• Summerville, SC
• 100% Travel Roles (CONUS Per Diem): In addition to office-based and hybrid roles near our primary locations, we warmly welcome candidates with high travel availability to support major field projects. All 100% travel assignments include daily per diem allowances at standard CONUS (Continental U.S.) rates to support our personnel during active project deployments. Travel roles work 6 days a week, 10-hour days, receiving 7 days' worth of per diem.

Essential Responsibilities

As a Survey Crew Chief & Subsurface Utility Locator Technician, you will lead, train, and supervise the Survey Instrument Technician and field crew members, actively prioritizing team health, safety protocols, traffic control setups, daily safety briefings, and quality standards at all times. You will manage daily project schedules and sequence field tasks to maximize efficiency and maintain project timelines.

Daily operational responsibilities include performing complex setups and high-precision operations using conventional and GPS surveying equipment (such as Total Stations, Levels, and Data Collectors) as well as accurately locating, marking, and documenting underground utilities (including water, gas, electric, and telecommunication lines) using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and radio-frequency electromagnetic locators.

You will perform initial site reconnaissance, read and interpret construction drawings, plans, and project specifications to ensure exact field tolerances are met, while collecting detailed survey and utility location data. You will maintain clear, orderly field notes, sketches, project logs, daily logs, and timesheets. Additionally, you will perform initial Quality Control (QC) and validation of all collected field data to ensure full compliance with project needs, company QA/QC procedures, and regulatory standards. You will maintain clear, proactive communication with Project Managers, Project Surveyors, and clients regarding project progress, field conditions, and site challenges, while overseeing the cleanliness, organization, routine maintenance, and security of all assigned gear, survey equipment, and company vehicles.

Qualifications

A High School Diploma or equivalent is required, while an Associate’s Degree in Surveying, Geomatics, or a related technical field is preferred. Prior experience with Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Level B or a recognized Utility Locator Certification is highly desirable. Candidates must possess a minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in land surveying/geomatics field work and utility locating, with at least two (2) years of verifiable experience as a Crew Chief or Lead Instrument Technician. Candidates must bring a proven track record of working independently in a remote or field-based environment, backed by strong written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams and deliver safety briefings. A valid driver's license and a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) are mandatory. Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and a standard 7-year background check and demonstrate the ability and willingness to travel extensively as required for large-scale infrastructure projects across the country. Ability and willingness to travel extensively as required for large-scale infrastructure projects across the country.

Physical Demands

This position requires continuous standing, walking, and strenuous hiking for extended periods over rough, steep, heavily wooded, or uneven terrain, including active construction sites, steep hills, and undeveloped right-of-ways. Candidates must have the physical capability to frequently lift, carry, and maneuver heavy field equipment weighing up to 50 pounds—including GPR carts, batteries, and traffic control devices—over challenging terrain. Field operations require working productively outdoors for full shifts in extreme weather conditions—including summer heat, intense cold, rain, and high humidity—as well as frequent bending, kneeling, and stooping to set up equipment and paint utility markings on the ground. Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are required for fine adjustments and operating precision surveying and geophysical instruments.

Why Join Patriot?

At PSI, we recognize that our field personnel drive our project success and serve as the backbone of our operations. We offer a highly competitive base pay structure paired with comprehensive health, financial, and overall wellness benefits. We continuously invest in your career development with clear pathways toward project management, strategic leadership, technical certifications, and licensure support, all within a supportive corporate culture built on transparent communication, technical excellence, and leaders who look out for the safety and success of their team.