Survey Party Chief

Actalent; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 44,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability (short & long-term)

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Survey Party Chief to lead a field crew in boundary and topographic surveys, construction stakeout, and monitoring tasks. The role requires 4–8 years of supervision experience and hands-on use of surveying instruments in outdoor environments.

Based in Frederick, MD, this contract-to-hire position offers field-focused work with travel as needed and a strong emphasis on data accuracy and safety.

Qualifications

• 4–8 years of experience supervising a survey field crew.
• Strong construction survey experience interpreting plans and specs.
• Hands-on experience with surveying equipment including total stations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a survey field crew on boundary and topographic surveys.
• Plan and coordinate daily field survey activities.
• Ensure data quality and accuracy in field notes and reports.

Skills

Field crew supervision

Construction surveys

Total station operation

Reading plans & specs

Driving record/MVR

Physical stamina

Outdoor work

Tools

Total Station

Job description

Job Title: Survey Party Chief Job Description The Survey Party Chief leads and supervises a survey field crew, overseeing boundary and topographic surveys, construction stakeout, monitoring surveys, and as-built surveys. This role requires 4 to 8 years of experience in field crew supervision and a strong experience in construction-related surveying.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a survey field crew performing boundary and topographic surveys, construction stakeout, monitoring surveys, and as-built surveys.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate daily field survey activities to ensure accurate, timely, and efficient completion of project tasks.
• Operate and oversee the use of total station and other surveying instruments to collect precise field data.
• Ensure proper layout and stakeout for construction projects, verifying that all points and elevations meet project specifications.
• Monitor ongoing construction and site conditions to provide updated survey information and support project decision-making.
• Perform and review as-built surveys to document completed work and confirm compliance with design plans.
• Apply strong construction knowledge to interpret plans, specifications, and drawings and translate them into accurate field layouts.
• Train, guide, and support field crew members in surveying methods, safety practices, and proper equipment use.
• Maintain accurate field notes, records, and survey documentation for project reporting and quality control.
• Operate a company vehicle safely to travel to and from project sites, following all applicable driving and safety requirements.

Essential Skills

• 4 to 8 years of experience supervising a survey field crew performing boundary and topographic surveys, construction stakeout, monitoring, and as-built surveys.
• Strong construction experience with the ability to interpret and apply construction plans and specifications in the field.
• Proficiency in land surveying practices, including boundary and topographic surveys and construction stakeout.
• Hands-on experience operating total station and related surveying equipment.
• Ability to pass required drug screening and BG checks.
• Valid driving record that meets Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) requirements for operating a company vehicle.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain physically active throughout the workday.
• Comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing monitoring and as-built surveys on construction and infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate a field crew, including task delegation and on-site problem solving.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection and documentation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel for overnight or long-term project assignments as needed.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a nationally recognized, stable firm with opportunities to move into other disciplines over time.

Work Environment

This role is field-focused and requires working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions on active construction and project sites. The position involves frequent walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as extended periods of physical activity throughout the workday. Work hours may include evenings and weekends, with the flexibility to travel for overnight or long-term assignments when projects require. A company vehicle is provided for travel to and from job sites, subject to meeting driving and MVR requirements. The organization offers premium compensation, standard holidays, and paid time off while on assignment, with the potential for conversion to a permanent employee after approximately six months. The firm has a national reputation, is stable, and large enough to offer career advancement and opportunities in other disciplines over time, including participation in an employee stock ownership program that can provide additional future compensation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $42.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Frederick,MD.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.