Surveyor Party Chief

Actalent; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent, a leading engineering and sciences services firm, seeks a Surveyor Party Chief in Phoenix, AZ for full-time, contract-to-hire opportunities. The role focuses on roadway and intersection surveys, requiring independent setup and operation of total stations and Trimble systems.

You will work with project managers, surveyors, and technicians in a hybrid office-field environment. The position emphasizes establishing elevation data accuracy, safety in outdoor settings, and advancing

Qualifications

• Field surveying experience with total stations and field data collection.
• Experience in roadway/intersection surveys and ALTA/boundary work is a plus.
• Must be able to operate outdoors in varying Phoenix conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform topographic, boundary, and construction staking tasks for roadway/intersection projects.
• Independently set up, operate, and maintain total stations and related equipment (Trimble emphasis).
• Follow safety standards while working outdoors in varied terrains and weather conditions.
• Collect accurate elevation/position data for intersection surveys and land development projects.
• Document field notes and digital data thoroughly for project records.
• Support ALTA, boundary, and construction stakeouts as part of a survey crew.
• Assist with land development tasks as needed and collaborate with project teams.
• Maintain survey instruments and report issues promptly.
• Participate in project execution to meet deadlines.

Skills

Total station operation

Roadway surveying

Elevation data accuracy

Outdoor safety

Team collaboration

OT availability

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Trimble equipment

AutoCAD

Leica instruments

Topcon instruments

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

This full-time Surveyor Party Chief role offers the opportunity to gain substantial real-world land surveying experience while working on roadway-focused projects throughout central Phoenix. You will primarily perform total station work, with a focus on intersection topographic surveys that require highly accurate elevation data. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented field professional who can independently set up and operate total station equipment and is motivated to grow with evolving surveying skills and technology. You will collaborate closely with project managers, surveyors, and technicians, with clear opportunities for advancement in an employee-owned firm.

Responsibilities

• Work in the field with survey crews on topographic, boundary, and construction staking tasks for roadway and intersection-focused projects.
• Independently set up, operate, and maintain total station and related survey equipment, with an emphasis on Trimble systems.
• Follow established safety standards and procedures while working outdoors in varied terrains and weather conditions.
• Collect accurate elevation and positional data for intersection topographic surveys and other land development projects.
• Document all phases of survey work through clear, complete field notes and digital data collection.
• Support ALTA, boundary, and construction stakeout surveys as part of a survey crew.
• Assist with land surveying tasks related to land development and construction projects as needed.
• Collaborate with project managers, surveyors, and technicians to ensure project requirements and deadlines are met.
• Maintain survey instruments, tools, and equipment in good working order and report any issues promptly.
• Perform any other duties as assigned to support successful completion of survey projects.

Essential Skills

• Strong field experience in land surveying with the ability to independently set up and operate total station equipment.
• Experience with roadway-focused surveying and intersection topographic surveys requiring accurate elevation data.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in diverse weather conditions and terrains, including Phoenix summer heat.
• Ability to repetitively stoop, crawl, bend at the knees and waist, squat, and lift up to 50 lbs, including body weight, equipment, tools, and boxes.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time on varied surfaces while performing field work.
• Willingness to work overtime when project demands require it.
• Strong problem-solving and sound decision-making skills in the field.
• Excellent communication skills with strong attention to detail and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player within survey crews and project teams.
• Valid drivers license and good driving record suitable for operating company vehicles.
• Consistent reliability, including the ability to show up on time every day.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with Trimble equipment and Trimble GPS systems.
• Experience or exposure to AutoCAD for survey and land development projects.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products for basic documentation and reporting.
• Previous experience with general surveying, land surveying, and topographic surveys.
• Experience with GPS-based surveying and total station workflows.
• Expereicne in construction stakeout and construction-related surveying.
• Exposure to ALTA surveys and boundary survey work.
• Experience with land development surveying and related software.
• Familiarity with Leica and Topcon survey instruments and survey crew operations.
• Motivation and willingness to move up within the organization and grow with changing skills and technology in the land surveying profession.
• Experience working in an employee-owned firm or interest in contributing to an ownership-focused culture.

Work Environment

This role is based out of a Phoenix office and involves extensive field work at multiple project sites throughout central Phoenix. You will work outdoors in varied terrains and weather conditions, including high summer temperatures, while performing topographic, boundary, and construction staking tasks. The environment combines office-based collaboration with project managers, surveyors, and technicians and on-site work with survey crews using total stations, GPS equipment, and related surveying instruments such as Trimble, Leica, and Topcon. Standard full-time hours apply, with the expectation of overtime when project needs arise. The firm operates as an employee-owned organization, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Phoenix,AZ.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.