Survey Crew Chief/Survey Party Chief

SAM; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness Benefits

Financial Benefits

Work-Life Balance

Professional Development

Perks and Discounts

Culture and Awards/Achievements

Job summary

SAM is seeking an experienced land survey crew chief to supervise field crews and lead data collection for boundary, topographic, and construction surveys. You will plan field operations, read construction drawings, and coordinate with project managers and clients in a dynamic environment.

Applicants should have 5+ years of surveying experience, a valid driver’s license, and be able to travel as needed. Outdoor work in varied weather and carrying up to 80 lbs are required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience; prior crew chief experience preferred.
• Valid, current driver’s license required.
• Able to travel/stay out of town as needed.
• Read and interpret construction drawings/plans and understand project specs and tolerances.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with project teams and clients.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a land survey crew for daily field operations (boundary, topographic, construction layout).
• Determine efficient data acquisition plans from control to as-built surveys.
• Read plans and understand survey specifications and tolerances.
• Communicate daily with project managers, engineers, and technicians.
• Interact professionally with clients and landowners.
• Document field notes, sketches, and communications accurately.
• Prepare daily reports, time sheets, and paperwork.
• Maintain surveying equipment and vehicle; follow safety procedures.

Skills

Crew supervision

Field surveying

Communication

Problem solving

Outdoor work

Travel availability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in surveying (preferred)

Tools

Robotic total stations

GNSS receivers

Data radios

Terrestrial 3D laser scanners

Trimble equipment

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1994, Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions. With more than 50 offices and 1,600 professionals, we deliver the scale, technology, and expertise needed to support projects of any size. SAM streamlines project delivery through a single, coordinated team, offering in-house capabilities across land surveying, aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination (UC), GIS, BIM, and construction engineering inspection (CEI).

By combining advanced technology, digital workflows, and decades of experience, we provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients move critical infrastructure projects forward with confidence.

At SAM, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the built environment.

Your Impact at SAM

• Supervise a land survey crew for the daily field operations of gathering data for various surveys including boundary, topographic, and construction layout


• Determine most efficient plan of action for data acquisition for field surveys ranging from primary control through construction layout and as-built surveys, as needed


• Read and interpret construction drawings/plans and understand all aspects of the land survey project specifications and tolerances


• Communicate daily with project managers, engineers, and technicians regarding land survey project schedule and work progress


• Interact professionally with client representatives and landowners


• Anticipate, prevent, and solve problems within authority


• Collect/interpret survey data and document accurate field notes, sketches, and communications


• Document all phases of land survey operations neatly and orderly


• Prepare daily reports, time sheets, and other required paperwork


• Maintain land surveying vehicle and field equipment


• Follow company safety procedures, policies, and practices


• Other duties as assigned

What You Bring to SAM

• 5+ years of industry experience; prior crew chief experience preferred


• Valid, current driver’s license required


• Competent operating robotic total stations, GNSS receivers, data radios/modems, terrestrial 3D laser scanners, automatic and digital levels, tablet PCs


• Experience with Trimble equipment preferred


• Strong computer, technical, and mathematical skills


• Strong communication skills (listening, writing and verbal)


• Proven work history, strong work ethic, and team-player attitude


• Able to work outdoors year-round in all types of weather conditions and environments and carry up to 80lbs


• Available to travel/stay out of town for work as needed

Our Perks

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being


• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend


• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families


• Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program


• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks


• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms