Survey Party Chief

Paycom - ATS; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Environmental Allies seeks a Survey Party Chief to lead field crews in Houston, TX, performing accurate survey and construction layout, and building dependable digital models for field use. This role blends field leadership with hands-on equipment operation and office-based model preparation.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of survey experience, proficiency with GNSS and total stations, experience with Civil 3D or similar software, and a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or willingness to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive survey experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Proficiency with GNSS, total stations, levels, and data collectors.
• Ability to build and troubleshoot 3D surface and machine-control models using Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Carlson, or similar software.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with current recency or willingness to obtain it after hire.
• Clear communication, organized records, safety focus, and valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily assignments, review scope, organize equipment, and direct/train crew.
• Lead topographic, control, boundary support, staking, and as-built field work.
• Operate GNSS receivers, total stations, levels, and data collectors; establish control and verify data.
• Build, update, and validate 3D terrain and design surface models for construction layout.
• Prepare field files and track model revisions; monitor progress and rework needs.
• Plan and support drone data collection; obtain Remote Pilot status per requirements.

Skills

Survey leadership

GNSS mastery

Total stations

Data collection

Civil 3D

Drone mapping

Communication

Tools

Trimble Business Center

Carlson

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Houston, TX 77064, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $28.00 - $38.00 Hourly, Environmental Allies seeks a Survey Party Chief to lead field crews, perform accurate survey and construction layout work, and build dependable digital models for field use. This position combines field leadership with hands-on equipment operation and office-based model preparation. Professional surveying work is performed under the direction of the responsible Registered Professional Land Surveyor where required.

Essential responsibilities

• Plan daily assignments, review project scope and approved plans, organize equipment, and direct and train the Instrument Man and Rod Man. Coordinate priorities and site access with the project team.
• Lead topographic, control, boundary support, construction staking, and as-built field work. Read civil plans and calculate grades, offsets, slopes, elevations, and layout points.
• Operate GNSS receivers, robotic or conventional total stations, levels, and data collectors. Establish and verify control, check closures and instrument setup, and investigate questionable observations.
• Build, update, and validate 3D terrain and design surface models from verified survey data and approved plans for construction layout and machine-control use.
• Clean points and linework; develop breaklines and surface boundaries; check triangulation, elevations, coordinate systems, datums, and units. Prepare compatible field files and track model revisions.
• Check models and staking data against approved plans and independent control before field use. Escalate conflicting information to the project team; obtain direction before changing design intent.
• Plan and support drone data collection, including control targets, check points, flight documentation, and file handoff. Serve as remote pilot in command only after obtaining the required certificate, maintaining FAA recency, and receiving company authorization.
• Complete clear field notes, sketches, daily production reports, and time records. Back up and transfer data promptly; communicate progress, access issues, and potential rework.
• Lead daily safety discussions, evaluate site hazards, protect control points and client property, and inspect and care for vehicles and equipment. Stop and report unsafe work.

Qualifications: Required qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead a survey crew and complete field assignments with limited day-to-day supervision; typically 5 or more years of progressive survey experience, or equivalent demonstrated capability.
• Proficiency with GNSS, total stations, levels, data collectors, survey calculations, civil plan interpretation, and construction layout.
• Demonstrated ability to build and troubleshoot 3D surface and machine-control models using Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Carlson, or comparable software. Candidates should be able to explain model inputs, checks, and revision procedures.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with current aeronautical knowledge recency, or willingness and eligibility to obtain it after hire. The company will cover certification preparation and examination fees on an agreed training schedule.
• Clear communication, organized records, sound field judgment, and consistent attention to safety and accuracy. Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving requirements when operating company vehicles.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with drone mapping or photogrammetry, ground control and independent check points, machine-control file delivery, and troubleshooting field-to-office workflows. Survey Technician certification or relevant surveying coursework is helpful.

Schedule and physical demands

Work is performed in person at Houston-area project sites. Early starts, overtime, and occasional weekend work may be needed based on project schedules and weather.

Essential duties involve working outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, and changing weather; walking and standing on uneven terrain; bending and kneeling; and carrying, positioning, and operating survey equipment and supplies. Work may occur near traffic and active construction. Use required personal protective equipment and safe lifting methods. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation and performance

Starting pay is based on relevant experience and demonstrated skills. This position is structured as hourly and nonexempt, with overtime paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Record all time worked accurately. Overtime hours are not guaranteed.

Success means reliable control and layout, models that match approved plans, complete and traceable records, prompt reporting of discrepancies, and a crew that works safely and uses equipment responsibly.

Environmental Allies is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process and employment.

This description identifies the primary duties and qualifications of the role. Related duties may be assigned as business needs change. It does not create an employment contract.