Survey Party Chief (Union)

BKF Engineers; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consulting firm is seeking a Survey Party Chief to lead field survey operations for complex projects across California. This position requires a minimum of 10 years of survey experience and a strong knowledge of surveying principles. Responsibilities include planning field work, supervising survey crews, and ensuring the accurate collection of survey data. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in GPS systems and AutoCAD, with excellent leadership and communication skills. This role offers the chance to be part of a culturally rich organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of survey experience or equivalent education.
• Ability to perform advanced survey calculations.
• Proficiency with GPS systems and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead field survey operations as Party Chief.
• Plan and execute field work with project teams.
• Collect and verify survey data using GPS methods.

Skills

Survey experience

Leadership skills

Knowledge of land surveying principles

Communication skills

GPS systems proficiency

Education

Associate degree in Surveying or Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS software

Job description

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

The Survey Party Chief leads field survey operations for complex construction, boundary, topographic, and control survey projects. This role supervises survey crews, coordinates with project teams, and ensures accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of survey data.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Party Chief for field crews performing construction, topographic, boundary, right-of-way, geodetic, and control surveys
• Plan and execute field work; participate in pre-survey meetings with project managers, engineers, and contractors
• Assign, prioritize, and monitor crew work; enforce safety practices and provide performance input
• Collect and verify survey data using conventional and GPS methods; operate and maintain survey equipment
• Perform and review complex survey calculations, data analysis, and closures
• Prepare and review field notes, maps, plats, ALTA surveys, grade sheets, and records of survey using AutoCAD and related software
• Research and interpret deeds, record maps, easements, and right-of-way documents
• Integrate field data into final drawings, GIS, and survey deliverables
• Train and mentor crew members; oversee survey equipment inventory and maintenance
• Communicate technical information clearly to clients, consultants, agencies, and the public
• Field inspections across varied terrain and weather conditions; travel locally and regionally as needed

Requirements

• 10+ years of survey experience (equivalent combination of education and experience considered)
• Associate degree in Surveying or Engineering or 15 years of construction staking experience
• Strong knowledge of land surveying principles, methods, regulations, and standards
• Proficiency with GPS systems, AutoCAD, survey data processing, and GIS coordination
• Ability to perform advanced mathematical and trigonometric survey calculations
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, survey records, and regulations
• Proven leadership, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to manage deadlines, competing priorities, and diverse stakeholders
• Customer-service oriented team player with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Conduct field inspections across varied terrain and weather conditions; travel locally and regionally is required

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline