Survey Party Chief

Aecom2; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Survey Party Chief to supervise field surveying for boundary, topographic, construction, ALTA/NSPS, and related projects. The role involves directing a field crew, operating and maintaining surveying equipment, and communicating requirements to project managers. Travel is required.

The candidate should have 4+ years in surveying, experience with robotic total stations and GPS/GNSS, and a valid driver's license with the ability to pass MVR checks. U.S. citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with 4+ years related experience.
• Experience with surveying principles and field procedures.
• Experience with robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS, data collectors.
• Valid U.S. driver's license and ability to pass MVR.
• Willingness to travel; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a field survey crew and supervise technicians.
• Perform boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS surveys.
• Operate total stations, GPS/GNSS, data collectors.
• Collect field measurements and site information.
• Read plats and relate construction drawings.
• Maintain field notes and survey docs.
• Ensure safety and calibration of equipment.

Skills

Field supervision

Surveying

Total stations

GPS/GNSS

Data collection

Communication

Education

Associate's degree or higher in surveying/geomatics/related field

Tools

Trimble equipment

Leica/Topcon systems

AutoCAD/Civil 3D

Job description

The Survey Party Chief supervises and performs field surveying activities for boundary, topographic, construction, ALTA/NSPS, right-of-way, and other land‑survey projects. The Party Chief is responsible for directing the field crew, operating and maintaining surveying equipment, collecting accurate field measurements, and communicating project requirements and field conditions to the surveyor or project manager. This role will require travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a field survey crew, typically consisting of survey technicians and instrument operators.
• Perform boundary, topographic, construction, ALTA/NSPS, utility, and as-built surveys.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot total stations, robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, data collectors, levels, and other surveying instruments.
• Collect accurate field measurements, elevations, points, and site information.
• Locate and identify property corners, monuments, utilities, structures, and other physical features.
• Read and interpret survey plats, construction drawings, legal descriptions, plans, and specifications.
• Maintain organized field notes, electronic data, sketches, photographs, and survey documentation.
• Check field measurements and calculations for accuracy and completeness.
• Download, review, and organize field data for processing by survey technicians or office staff.
• Communicate with project managers, licensed surveyors, contractors, engineers, clients, and other field personnel.
• Identify potential discrepancies, access issues, boundary conflicts, or other field conditions and report them promptly.
• Maintain survey equipment and ensure instruments are properly calibrated and functioning.
• Follow company safety procedures and applicable OSHA and project-specific requirements.
• Train and mentor junior survey crew members and field technicians.
• Manage daily field activities to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma +4 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Demonstrated experience with surveying principles, field procedures, and construction layout.
• Demonstrated experience with robotic total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, data collectors, and digital levels.
• Experience interpreting construction plans, plats, deeds, and survey documents.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver's license and as a condition of employment, must be able to pass AECOM's Motor Vehicle Records review.
• Due to the nature of work, U.S. citizenship is required.
• Position requires frequent traveling to field locations. Locations and distances vary and will include overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with surveying, geomatics, or related education is preferred.
• Typically 3-5+ years of progressive land-surveying field experience , with experience leading a crew.
• Strong mathematical, measurement, and problem-solving skills.
• ability to travel to various job sites.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry surveying equipment and perform physical fieldwork.
• Experience with Trimble, Leica, Topcon, or similar surveying equipment.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD/Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Leica Infinity, or similar software.
• Experience with construction staking and high-precision layout.
• Knowledge of local surveying standards, regulations, and property research procedures.
• Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, or a related field.
• Progress toward or eligibility for Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) or Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensure.

Relocation is not available for this position.

Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity serious. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning