Survey Party Chief: Lead Field Crew & Drone Mapping

Qualus Corporation; Walnut Creek (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) match

FSA

EAP

Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

Qualus Corporation in Walnut Creek, CA, is seeking a Survey Party Chief to lead a field crew in boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and right-of-way surveys for construction projects. You will ensure accurate data collection, manage field operations, mentor junior staff, and coordinate with engineers and clients.

The role requires 5+ years in surveying, leadership experience, proficiency with Topcon or equivalent instruments, and the ability to read engineering plans.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of field surveying experience, with at least 2 years in leadership/Party Chief role.
• Proficiency with modern survey instruments (Topcon or equivalent).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, construction drawings, and legal descriptions.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid U.S. drivers license and ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a field survey crew on boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, right-of-way, construction staking, and as-built surveys.
• Establish survey control and perform site reconnaissance.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate survey instruments (GNSS/GPS receivers, robotic total stations, levels, data collectors).
• Plan and execute drone flights for aerial mapping and LiDAR surveys, ensuring FAA compliance.
• Train, mentor, and oversee survey crew members; communicate findings to office staff, engineers, contractors, and clients.

Skills

Field surveying

Leadership

Read engineering plans

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Driver's license

Tools

Topcon equipment

GNSS/GPS receivers

Robotic total stations

Data collectors

Job description

Position Overview

Power your future with Qualusas a Survey Party Chief. The Survey Party Chiefleads a field survey crew in conducting land and engineering surveys for construction, boundary, topographic, and right-of-way projects. This role ensures accurate data collection, adherence to legal and technical standards, and the integration of field data into final deliverables. The position requires both technical expertise and leadership to manage field operations and mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a field survey crew on boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, right-of-way, construction staking, and as-built surveys.
• Establish survey control, including OPUS solutions, and perform site reconnaissance.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate survey instruments such as GNSS/GPS receivers, robotic total stations, levels, and data collectors.
• Perform field calculations, stakeouts, and data collection with preliminary accuracy checks.
• Maintain detailed field notes, sketches, and digital records in accordance with company and professional standards.
• Ensure compliance with surveying standards, safety protocols, and applicable regulations.
• Plan and execute drone flights for aerial mapping, photogrammetry, and LiDAR surveys.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections and ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
• Capture high-resolution aerial imagery and 3D data for terrain modeling and volumetric analysis.
• Maintain drone hardware and software, including firmware updates, flight logs, and regulatory documentation.
• Knowledgeable (or willing to learn) about LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), or other ground-based 3D scanner.
• Train, mentor, and oversee the work of survey crew members.
• Communicate effectively with office staff, engineers, contractors, and clients regarding survey requirements and findings.
• Oversee the care, organization, and maintenance of survey equipment and vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of field surveying experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership/Party Chief role.
• Proficiency in modern survey instruments (Topcon, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of surveying practices, standards, and field procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, construction drawings, and legal descriptions.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid U.S. driver's license and clean driving record.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in varying conditions and terrain.

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Benefits & Compensation

Qualus offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, Retirement Savings Plans (including employer matching where applicable), Flexible Spending and/or Health Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and Company Holidays. Benefits offerings may vary based on position, work location, and eligibility requirements.The compensation range for this position is provided in accordance with applicable laws and market practices. The final base salary offered may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, internal equity, performance, and business needs. Compensation ranges are subject to change at the Company's discretion and as permitted by applicable law.

Company Overview

Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, energy efficiency and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 2,000 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US.