Survey Foreman

Ames Construction; Farmington (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ames Construction is seeking a Survey Foreman to lead field survey operations and construction layout across projects. You will establish control, staking, grade checks, and as-built data to align with drawings, specs, and tolerances.

This safety-sensitive role partners with project management, superintendents, and engineering staff. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in construction surveying, lead/foreman experience, and strong knowledge of COGO, with proficiency in Trimble/Topcon/Leica, AutoCAD

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or associate degree preferred.
• 5+ years of construction surveying experience; at least 2 years in a lead/foreman role.
• Proven experience in heavy civil, earthwork, structures, and roadway projects.
• Strong knowledge of survey principles, layout methods, and COGO.
• Proficiency with survey equipment and software (Trimble, Topcon, Leica; TBC, Carlson, AutoCAD Civil 3D).
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and digital models.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily survey crew operations: staking, layout, grade checks, and as-built surveys.
• Establish horizontal/vertical control, benchmarks, and baselines.
• Coordinate with project team to ensure layouts meet plans and specs.
• Manage survey data: download, process, and QA/QC checks.
• Operate GPS/GNSS, robotic total stations, data collectors, and machine-control systems.
• Mentor and supervise survey crew members; ensure safety and accuracy.

Skills

Surveying experience

Lead/foreman experience

Reading construction drawings

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tech/Assoc degree in surveying

Tools

Trimble

Topcon

Leica

AutoCAD Civil 3D

TBC

Carlson

Job description

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed.

We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected.

Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long‑term health of the company.

Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of.

When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long‑term success — where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

The Survey Foreman is responsible for leading field survey operations and construction layout activities to support the accurate and timely execution of construction work. This role directs a survey crew in establishing horizontal and vertical control, staking, grade checking, and as‑built data collection—ensuring all layout work aligns with contract drawings, engineering specifications, and project tolerances. The Survey Foreman serves as a key field leader, bridging design intent and field construction while partnering closely with project management, superintendents, and engineering staff to drive successful project delivery. This position is classified as “safety‑sensitive.”

Essential Functions

Field Survey & Layout Execution

• Lead daily survey crew operations, including construction staking, layout, grade checks, and topographic/as‑built surveys.
• Establish and maintain horizontal and vertical control, benchmarks, and baselines.
• Perform layout for earthwork, utilities, foundations, structures, roadways, and other project features.
• Operate and manage survey instruments and technology, including GPS/GNSS, robotic total stations, data collectors, and machine‑control systems.
• Verify field conditions against plans and report discrepancies to the project team.

Data Management & Accuracy

• Download, process, and manage survey data, control files, and digital terrain models (DTMs).
• Maintain accurate field notes, cut sheets, stakeout records, and as‑built documentation.
• Perform QA/QC checks on layout work to ensure conformance with project tolerances and specifications.
• Coordinate with office engineers/surveyors on model updates and data file management.

Scheduling & Planning

• Coordinate survey priorities with superintendents and project schedules to keep field production on track.
• Anticipate layout needs, plan crew activities, and manage constraints to avoid delays.
• Track and communicate progress, resource needs, and potential conflicts to the project team.

Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate with Project Managers, Superintendents, engineers, and subcontractors to resolve field conflicts and layout questions.
• Interpret drawings, specifications, and RFIs to ensure accurate translation of design into field layout.
• Document daily field activities, manpower, equipment usage, and progress through daily reports.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop survey crew members and instrument operators.
• Manage crew assignments, equipment care, and field performance.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and respectful work environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/associate degree in surveying, civil engineering technology, or related field preferred.
• Five or more years of construction surveying experience, with at least two years in a lead or foreman role.
• Proven experience in construction layout across heavy civil, earthwork, structures, and/or roadway projects.
• Strong knowledge of survey principles, construction layout methods, and coordinate geometry (COGO).
• Proficiency with survey equipment and software (e.g., Trimble, Topcon, Leica; TBC, Carlson, or AutoCAD Civil 3D).
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and digital models.
• Solid understanding of machine‑control/GPS grading technology.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Solid understanding of OSHA standards and construction safety practices.
• OSHA 30‑Hour Construction certification.

Working Conditions

• Location – This project is located in Farmington, New Mexico. Subsequent projects will be nationally based.
• Travel – This role will be expected to travel to project locations and regional offices.
• Office environment – extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.
• Construction site environment – physical ability to stand, walk, crawl, bend, reach and climb. Exposed to high noise levels.

Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. This position requires ensuring compliance with CMMC, FAR, and Accounting Standards in all Federal efforts.