Survey Party Chief

Prairie Engineers, P.C.; Columbia (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Life insurance

401k

Job summary

Prairie Engineers, P.C. is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field crews on boundary, topographic, and geodetic surveys across the Midwest and beyond. This full-time role combines extensive travel with office work, including survey calculations and data processing.

You will guide a crew, ensure field accuracy, and deliver high-quality deliverables to clients and project managers. Ideal candidates have 2+ years of leadership in surveying, proficiency with GNSS and robotic total

Qualifications

• Experience leading a survey party or field crew (2+ years).
• Strong judgment and practical field know-how.
• Willingness to travel ~80% with overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Lead field crews performing boundary, topographic, geodetic, hydrographic, and other surveys.
• Plan daily assignments, crew resources, and field operations.
• Oversee GNSS receivers, robotic total stations, and data collection.
• Maintain data accuracy and safety while delivering quality fieldwork.
• Perform survey calculations and support plats, plans, and deliverables.
• Train and mentor crew members; establish field practices.
• Coordinate with managers, licensed surveyors, and clients to meet schedules.

Skills

Crew leadership

Field problem solving

Communication

Team training

Education

No college degree required

Tools

GNSS

Robotic total stations

Electronic data collection

Job description

Lead Challenging Field Surveys. Run Your Crew. Do Interesting Work.

Build on your experience as a Survey Party Chief. At Prairie Engineers, you'll lead field crews on challenging assignments based out of one of our Midwest or Mississippi River region offices, apply practical judgment in the field, and deliver accurate, high-quality surveys using modern equipment.

Prairie Engineers, P.C., recognized as one of Zweig Group's Best Firms to Work For in each of the past five years, is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief based in one of our offices in Hannibal, MO; Keokuk, IA; Columbia, IL; Springfield, IL; Hillsboro, IL; Vicksburg, MS; or Lenexa, KS. You'll collaborate with licensed surveyors, engineers, and geospatial professionals on challenging state and federal projects throughout the Midwest, Mississippi River region, and across the country.

From boundary and topographic surveys to geodetic control, hydrography, LiDAR, and sUAS mapping, you'll lead field operations using modern technologies and proven practices. This full-time position combines extensive travel and fieldwork with office assignments involving survey calculations, data processing, and preparation of professional survey deliverables. You'll run your crew, focus on qualify fieldwork, and have the option to grow your skills if you choose.

What You'll Do:

• Lead field crews performing boundary, topographic, geodetic control, hydrographic, and other specialized surveys.
• Plan and coordinate daily assignments, crew resources, and efficient field operations.
• Oversee GNSS receivers, robotic total stations, and electronic field data collection.
• Maintain field data accuracy, completeness, and documentation while leading safe, qualityfocused work.
• Perform survey calculations and data processing; support plats, plans, and other deliverables.
• Train and mentor crew members and help establish consistent field practices.
• Coordinate with project managers, licensed surveyors, and clients to resolve field challenges and meet schedules.

What You'll Bring:

• Experience: At least two years leading a survey party or field crew, with proficiency in GNSS, robotic total stations, and electronic data collection.
• Education: No college degree required. Field leadership experience, technical proficiency, and sound judgment matter most.
• Travel and Fieldwork: Overnight travel for approximately 80% of assignments (most 10 days or less), including remote field sites. Lodging and per diem provided.
• Driving Requirements: A valid driver's license and insurable driving record.

How You Align:

• PeopleFocused: You value relationships and team growth and will help build a respectful team where everyone can contribute and develop.
• CanDo Attitude: You approach field challenges with initiative, practical problemsolving skills, and a commitment to effective solutions.
• Responsive: You communicate proactively with crews, project managers, and clients; flag issues early and follow through.

Experience That Sets You Apart:

• Preferred: Experience with fieldtofinish work, federal projects, or geodetic control; SurveyorinTraining (SIT) or Certified Survey Technician (CST) credentials, or progress toward professional land surveying licensure.

Compensation:

• Base Salary: $60,000$90,000 per year, with premium overtime, based on experience, credentials, and jobrelated knowledge, skills, and abilities.

An Opportunity to Lead and Grow: At Prairie Engineers, you'll do more than just show up and collect data. We're looking for a Party Chief who takes ownership of the field work, exercises sound judgment, and delivers accurate results. You'll lead your crew effectively, train people who want to learn, and contribute to safe, efficient project execution. If you want to grow, there are opportunities. You can take on more field supervision or pursue professional land surveying licensure with mentorship, training support and paid time for classes and exams. If you prefer to stay focused on leading strong field crews, that is valued too.

Explore The Region And Beyond

Extensive travel is part of this position, with overnight travel on the majority of work assignments. Most deployments last 10 days or less with lodging and meal per diem provided. Projects include significant work throughout the Midwest and Mississippi River region for state and federal clients (including USACE Rock Island, St. Louis, and Vicksburg Districts), plus federal assignments nationwide. Expect remote locations, varied terrain and weather, long field days, and occasional short-notice mobilization, balanced with office work to process survey data and prepare deliverables.

Why Prairie Engineers?

• Lead strong fieldwork: Join one of our Midwest or Mississippi River region offices; run your crew on challenging projects and help train people who want to learn. You'll be valued for delivering quality fieldwork, not for building an organization.
• A strong team behind you: Prairie has 12 licensed Professional Land Surveyors companywide, with licensed Professional Land Surveyors in your office location. You'll also work with other experienced Survey Party Chiefs, Survey Technicians, CADD Technicians, Hydrographers, sUAS pilots, Engineers, Photogrammetrists, and LiDAR specialists.
• Projects beyond routine fieldwork: Complex USACE and other federal assignments involving boundary and geodetic control, hydrography, LiDAR, and sUAS mapping.
• Multiple paths for advancement: Develop your career in field operations leadership or pursue professional licensure with professional licensure mentorship, eligible training and enrollment fees, related travel and paid time for approved classes and exams.
• Peoplefirst culture: Join a collaborative organization where initiative is encouraged and employees support one another.
• Awardwinning work: Prairie was named the 2025 Society of American Military Engineers Small Business of the Year.
• Competitive benefits: Health plan option with fully employerpaid premiums for employee coverage; an employerfunded HRA; 401k with 3% employer contribution once eligible; paid holidays; four weeks (160 hours) of annual paid time off (PTO) for eligible employees; bonus opportunities; and premium paid overtime.

If you're an experienced Party Chief who enjoys challenging fieldwork, takes pride in leading a strong crew, and wants to help build a growing surveying operation, we want to hear from you!

All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information (including family medical history), or any other legally protected status. Candidates must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.