Survey Party Chief - Austin, San Antonio

The HFW Companies; San Angelo (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% company-paid medical insurance &

401(k) match

Generous PTO and holidays

Career advancement

Company events

Job summary

KFM Engineering & Design in Texas is seeking a Survey Party Chief to lead field survey operations on land development, transportation, municipal, and infrastructure projects. You will supervise survey field crews, plan daily field activities, and ensure accuracy and safety of collected data.

Experience with GPS receivers, robotic total stations, digital levels, and data collectors is preferred. The role emphasizes field leadership, quality control, and clear communication with project managers,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive land surveying field experience, including crew leadership.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and legal descriptions.
• Proficiency with GPS receivers, robotic total stations, and data collectors.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise survey field crews on a variety of surveying projects.
• Plan, organize, and execute daily field operations to meet project schedules and deliverables.
• Operate GPS receivers, robotic total stations, digital levels, data collectors, and other survey equipment.
• Perform boundary, topographic, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS, utility, and as-built surveys.
• Interpret engineering plans, plats, legal descriptions, construction drawings, and survey documents to accurately perform field work.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of field data before leaving project sites.
• Establish and verify survey control points, benchmarks, and construction layout.
• Communicate daily project progress, field conditions, and potential issues with Project Managers and Survey leadership.
• Train, mentor, and develop Instrument Men and other field personnel in survey procedures, equipment operation, and safety practices.
• Ensure survey equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and secured.
• Promote and enforce company safety policies, traffic control procedures, and proper use of PPE.
• Coordinate with contractors, clients, utility representatives, and property owners while representing KFM Engineering & Design in a professional manner.
• Travel to project sites as required, including occasional overnight travel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Field surveying

Communication

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GPS receivers

Robotic total stations

Digital levels

Data collectors

Job description

Join our partner firm KFM Engineering & Design, as a Survey Party Chief and lead field survey operations on a variety of land development, transportation, municipal, and infrastructure projects. In this role, you'll oversee survey field crews while performing boundary, topographic, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS, utility, and as-built surveys. You'll be responsible for planning daily field activities, operating advanced survey equipment, ensuring the accuracy and quality of collected data, and maintaining a safe and productive work environment. This position is ideal for an experienced surveying professional who thrives in the field, enjoys leading teams, and is committed to delivering high-quality results for clients.

Perks!

• 100% company-paid medical insurance and long /short-term disability coverage for employees.
• 401(k) plan with a competitive employer match
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
• Opportunities to participate in company events.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

Company Overview

KFM is a proud member of the HFW Companies network of partner firms. At KFM Engineering & Design, we bring together over 80 years of combined experience across more than 5,000 successful projects, establishing ourselves as Texas’ premier civil engineering, design, and land use consulting firm. Our deep expertise and history of proven performance on complex projects make us the trusted partner for clients seeking innovative and efficient solutions.

At the core of KFM’s success is our unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations. We achieve this through exceptional communication, rigorous quality control, proactive project management, strong client relationships, and deadline-focused execution. Our team’s unparalleled understanding of the development process ensures seamless project delivery, from concept to completion.

Beyond engineering and design, KFM is dedicated to community engagement. We believe in giving back to the industry and supporting charitable organizations where we live and work, fostering a stronger, more sustainable future. This commitment is the foundation of our contributions to projects that are sustainable, community-driven, and highly successful for investors.

With a legacy of excellence and a future-focused approach, KFM Engineering & Design continues to shape the landscape of Texas and beyond—one project at a time.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise survey field crews on a variety of surveying projects.
• Plan, organize, and execute daily field operations to meet project schedules and deliverables.
• Operate and oversee the use of GPS receivers, robotic total stations, digital levels, data collectors, and other survey equipment.
• Perform and oversee boundary, topographic, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS, utility, and as-built surveys.
• Interpret engineering plans, plats, legal descriptions, construction drawings, and survey documents to accurately perform field work.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of field data before leaving project sites.
• Maintain accurate field notes and electronic data files for processing by the office survey team.
• Establish and verify survey control points, benchmarks, and construction layout.
• Communicate daily project progress, field conditions, and potential issues with Project Managers and Survey leadership.
• Train, mentor, and develop Instrument Men and other field personnel in survey procedures, equipment operation, and safety practices.
• Ensure survey equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and secured.
• Promote and enforce company safety policies, traffic control procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Coordinate with contractors, clients, utility representatives, and property owners while representing KFM Engineering & Design in a professional manner.
• Travel to project sites as required, including occasional overnight travel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years of progressive land surveying field experience, including experience leading survey crews.
• Demonstrated experience performing boundary, topographic, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS, utility, and as-built surveys.
• Proficiency operating GPS receivers, robotic total stations, digital levels, and electronic data collectors.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, legal descriptions, plats, construction drawings, and survey records.
• Strong understanding of survey field procedures, measurement techniques, and quality control practices.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing field crews and multiple priorities.

Preferred

• Experience with Trimble, Leica, Carlson, or similar survey equipment and field software.
• Experience with TxDOT, municipal, commercial, or land development projects.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Working knowledge of survey calculations and field-to-finish workflows.