Survey Party Chief/ GS 16

City of Alexandria, Virginia; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Alexandria, Virginia is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead a field survey crew and support city infrastructure projects, including streets, utilities, and waterfront improvements. You will supervise field activities, apply surveying methods, and ensure data accuracy while collaborating with engineers and survey analysts.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED with math coursework and several years of land surveying experience, or a two-year college degree/CST with

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with algebra, geometry and trigonometry coursework.
• Three years of land surveying experience or equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Two-Year College Degree or CST with at least 1 year in the Survey Party Chief role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a field survey crew in performing land surveying activities for City infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate field assignments and direct daily crew activities to ensure data accuracy.
• Conduct boundary, topographic, and construction stakeout surveys to establish site information.
• Perform surveying calculations using handheld calculators and COGO software.
• Review survey work by outside engineering firms to ensure compliance with standards.
• Program data collectors, manage downloads, and prepare data for map development.
• Train and mentor crew members in surveying principles and data collection procedures.
• Maintain and calibrate surveying instruments and equipment for reliable field use.
• Maintain the survey vehicle and ensure safe operation for field work.

Skills

Field supervision

Survey data collection

Boundary surveying

Topographic surveys

COGO software

Data analysis

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Two-Year College Degree or CST

NSPS CST designation (optional)

Tools

COGO software

Survey equipment calibration

Job description

Survey Party Chief

Overview

The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services is seeking an experienced and collaborative Survey Party Chief. In this role, you will lead a field survey crew performing a wide range of land surveying activities in support of City infrastructure projects, including streets, sidewalks, sewers, utilities, waterfront improvements, parks, bridges, and tunnels. Your work will also include boundary, topographic, and as-built surveys that provide the critical information needed to plan, design, construct, and maintain public infrastructure.
As Survey Party Chief, you will coordinate field assignments, direct daily crew activities, apply established surveying methods and procedures, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of field data. You will work from engineering plans, plats, sketches, and survey computations, using your technical judgment and problem-solving skills to address field conditions and, when needed, recommend adjustments to existing engineering plans.
This is an opportunity to combine hands‑on surveying expertise with team leadership while collaborating with survey professionals and engineering staff across a diverse portfolio of City projects. Your work will help turn engineering plans into real improvements that residents, businesses, and visitors rely on every day.
Working under the general supervision of the Chief of Surveys, you will play an important role in delivering accurate survey information, supporting sound engineering decisions, and helping build and maintain the infrastructure of the City of Alexandria.

The Opportunity

• Lead and supervise a field survey crew in performing a wide range of land surveying activities in support of City infrastructure projects
• Partner with Land Survey Analysts to complete boundary, topographic, and as-built surveys that support engineering design and construction
• Conduct boundary, topographic, and construction stakeout surveys to establish accurate site information and guide infrastructure improvements
• Perform surveying calculations using handheld calculators and computer-aided coordinate geometry (COGO) software to support boundary determinations and as-built documentation
• Review and verify survey work completed by outside engineering firms to ensure accuracy and compliance with established surveying standards
• Program survey data collectors, manage field data downloads, and prepare accurate data for Land Survey Analysts to develop topographic maps and other survey drawings
• Train and mentor crew members in surveying principles, field data collection, and data downloading procedures to strengthen team capabilities and technical expertise
• Ensure surveying instruments and equipment are properly calibrated, maintained, and ready for reliable field use
• Maintain the survey vehicle to ensure it is safe, reliable, and equipped to support field operations
• Perform other related duties as needed to support the City's surveying and infrastructure projects

About T&ES

T&ES is a community partner in shaping a livable, green, and prospering Alexandria. We plan, build, operate, and maintain transportation systems and infrastructure that improve mobility and provide people and businesses with core public services. The work we do keeps Alexandrians moving, growing sustainability, and thriving. If you are curious for a broader view of our City, click City of Alexandria to learn more.

High School Diploma or GED, with high school courses in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; and three years of land surveying experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Two-Year College Degree or CST (Certified Survey Technician designation as issued by NSPS) and/or at least 1 year experience in the role of Survey Party Chief.

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.