CHIEF SURVEYOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A Chief Surveyor translates engineered plans into precise field reality on active construction sites. Commercial, midstream pipeline, and tunnel projects each carry distinct control requirements - shaft plumb checks, anchor bolt grid layouts, and cut-and-fill grade staking demand a level of technical ownership that goes beyond instrument operation. Every crew decision about line, grade, and benchmark placement flows from this position. Licensing under applicable state survey statutes and at least a decade in construction surveying are baseline expectations, not differentiators.

As the Chief Surveyor, you own all field layout and survey control operations across the construction project, ensuring that structures, utilities, and underground works are built to contract tolerances. You report to project operations management and serve as the primary technical authority for survey crews, subcontractors, and field engineers on site.

Career Impact: Experience spanning tunnel boring machine guidance, commercial foundation layout, and midstream pipeline surveys builds a credential profile that commands senior-level appointments across heavy civil and energy infrastructure markets.

Business Impact: When control points are misplaced, or as-built records are incomplete, construction halts, rework costs escalate, and contract disputes follow; the Chief Surveyor is the single point of accountability that prevents those outcomes on every active front.

Growth Opportunity: Proficiency in 3D modeling, machine control systems, and laser scanning registration - all core to this seat - are among the fastest-appreciating technical skills in the construction sector, opening paths to Survey Project Manager or Chief Geomatics Officer roles.

• Establish and verify all survey control points, benchmarks, and grid lines for foundations, utilities, and underground works to contract tolerance.
• Conduct shaft, tunnel, and surface surveys to confirm alignment with tunnel boring machine guidance systems throughout active construction.
• Perform field layout for commercial construction including anchor bolt arrays, building corners, site grading, and elevation benchmarks.
• Coordinate survey scope planning with operations management, engineers, and subcontractors to support uninterrupted construction scheduling.
• Maintain stamped survey records, as-built documentation, sketches, and quantity calculation reports for each project phase.
• Review crew field notes and quality-control data to confirm compliance with applicable local, state, and national survey regulations.
• Manage survey equipment inventory, calibration schedules, and maintenance logs to ensure instrument readiness on site.
• Mentor field crew members on safe work procedures and technical standards across variable terrain and weather conditions.

• Bachelor's degree in Geomatics, Surveying Technology, or Civil Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 10 or more years of construction surveying experience, with at least 5 years in a lead or chief surveyor capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in tunnel and shaft surveying, including tunnel boring machine guidance system operation.
• Strong working knowledge of GPS, total station, and GNSS receiver operation in active construction environments.
• Thorough understanding of construction site safety requirements, safe work plans, and applicable regulatory compliance standards.
• Proficiency in CAD-based design and data processing software for survey reduction, drafting, and as-built production.
• Valid driver's license with a clean record and ability to travel to project sites as required.

• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensure or eligibility for licensure in the state of project is operated.
• Experience with 3D laser scanning, LiDAR, or photogrammetry integrated into construction layout workflows.
• Familiarity with machine control systems and associated positioning software used in grading and underground construction.
• Prior involvement in midstream pipeline, oil and gas, or large-scale land development survey programs.

• Control point placement accuracy rate, measured against contract tolerance thresholds on each project phase.
• As-built submittal completion rate, tracking timely stamped documentation relative to construction milestones.
• Rework incidents attributable to survey error, targeting zero over each project duration.
• Equipment calibration compliance rate, ensuring all instruments are certified within required service intervals.
• Crew safety incident rate on survey operations, benchmarked against site-wide safety performance targets.
• Typical tools: GNSS and total station platforms (commonly Trimble or Leica); construction modeling software (commonly Civil 3D or Carlson Survey).

• Base Salary Range: $95,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on licensure and project scope
• Bonus: Project completion or performance bonus, typically 5% to 10% of base salary
• Equity: Not standard; some employee-owned firms offer profit-sharing arrangements
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributes to premiums
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard federal holidays
• Common Perks: Company vehicle or mileage reimbursement, per diem for travel projects, tool and equipment allowance

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background screening, including verification of professional licensure and, where project conditions require it, drug testing, is a condition of employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application or onboarding process should notify the hiring team. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Chief Surveyor leads the surveying team in daily monitoring, survey execution, and construction coordination, delivering accurate stamped submittals and technical documentation across all project phases. Reporting to project leadership and collaborating closely with field staff and clients, this role builds successful project outcomes by managing scope changes, forecasting performance, and resolving issues through active communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the surveying team in carrying out daily monitoring and surveying activities.
• Execute prescribed technical procedures, safe work practices, and work plans safely and efficiently under all applicable regulatory requirements and contract specifications.
• Coordinate and undertake planning and implementation of survey requirements to facilitate construction activities.
• Maintain accurate survey records, documentation, and stamped submittals.
• Generate deliverable documentation including technical reports, letters, summaries, data sheets, graphs, proposals, and qualification packages.
• Work with field staff on project needs to develop project-specific plans and documents.
• Produce work plans in which objectives are clearly defined and steps for achieving them are well detailed for project crews to follow.
• Provide clients with efficient responses to inquiries.
• Anticipate client needs and respond in a timely manner to each inquiry.
• Monitor project and team performance, forecast project outcomes, and adjust where necessary to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Manage client expectations and scope changes through active communication.
• Identify and resolve client, project, and team issues.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Geomatics Engineering Technology, B.Sc. in Geomatics, or related discipline.
• Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) designation in good standing with the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS).
• 5+ years of project management experience, ideally within the engineering industry.
• Previous consulting experience is an asset.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively and competently with people at all levels in the organization.
• Ability to work without supervision, with effective time management and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work to deadlines and see tasks through to completion.
• Commitment to an ongoing culture of safety in all work environments.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and consideration for occupational health and safety.
• Valid provincial driver's license required.

Embedded within a multi-discipline field team, the Chief Surveyor collects and processes survey data using GNSS receivers, total stations, and laser scanners across control, boundary, and topographic assignments. Working closely with office staff, clients, subconsultants, and site supervisors, this role delivers high-quality field data and clear documentation that support project completion across variable terrain and conditions.

Core Functions

• Work primarily in the field on control, boundary, topography, laser scanning, and other tasks on a one or two-person team.
• Collect survey data using GNSS receivers, scanners, total stations, levels, and survey controllers.
• Perform field survey tasks in accordance with local, state, and national regulations.
• Work without immediate supervision and make technical and procedural decisions for projects within specified limits of authority.
• Produce clear and concise field notes and quality field data for office processing.
• Plan daily activities to meet productivity goals.
• Communicate with the team and office staff about all aspects of the project.
• Prepare daily timesheets, data logs, expense reports, and field change orders.
• Work outdoors in variable weather conditions and challenging terrain.
• Perform office duties including data download and reduction, field note reduction, calculations, processing, and quality control checks.
• Collaborate with a multi-discipline team and communicate with clients, subconsultants, site supervisors, and contractors.
• Ensure all site personnel follow safety protocols and company policies and service line procedures.
• Perform equipment inventory and adjustments and keep current with vehicle maintenance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in an applicable field preferred but not required.
• PLS or LSI preferred but not required.
• 4+ years of experience in surveying with 2+ years as a Party Chief or similar role.
• Experience with laser scanning, LiDAR, CAD, GIS, photogrammetry, remote sensing, subsurface utilities, or ROW acquisition preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to complete all technical aspects of a field surveying task.
• Ability to work long hours and move heavy loads if needed.
• Good social and communication skills.

Reporting to project management, the Chief Surveyor collects field data and processes survey information for boundary, topographic, utility, and 3D laser scanning assignments across land development and oil and gas projects. Partnering with office staff on CAD drafting, deed research, and data processing, this role shapes accurate survey maps and construction layout deliverables that serve commercial, residential, and midstream pipeline clients.

Primary Duties

• Collect field data for preparation of surveys using surveying equipment and software.
• Use reports, maps, drawings, engineering plans, and aerial photographs to assess project needs and assist in project approach.
• Assist in recovery of survey control and monumentation, construction layout, obtaining invert and subsurface utility information, and photo documentation of the project area.
• Apply knowledge and techniques of surveying and advanced mathematics.
• Maintain survey equipment and initiate repairs when necessary.
• Remain current on surveying practices, guidelines, and best practices and attend internal training and external lectures to expand knowledge and skills.
• Recommend new approaches and ideas that continuously improve efficiency and services performed.
• Assist with office tasks including CAD drafting, data download, deed and map research, and filing.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred; undergraduate-level courses in surveying or a related field are a plus.
• 4 to 6 years of prior experience in topographic, boundary, and utility surveys and layout.
• Experience with Leica instruments and data collectors preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with current local, state, and surveying regulations.
• Proficiency in Carlson, AutoCAD, Cyclone, or Civil 3D software is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical and judgment capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team with co-workers and managers.
• Valid driver's license in good standing.

Sitting at the intersection of field survey operations and commercial construction, the Chief Surveyor provides technical layout expertise for building corners, grid lines, utilities, elevations, and foundations while producing as-built documents and recommending equipment and software purchases. Operating across planning, coordination, and inspection functions, this role delivers accurate, timely survey data that supports profitable project completion and compliance with applicable standards.

Duties

• Purchase, track, and maintain survey equipment and supplies to ensure profitable completion of projects.
• Provide field survey and layouts in an accurate and timely manner.
• Obtain and record as-built survey data as required to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Set control points based on benchmarks provided by contract drawings.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and coordinating various surveying scopes of work, including special assignments as required.
• Take clear, accurate notes and perform note reduction by recording survey measurements, descriptive data, drawings, and sketches.
• Inspect work to ensure that survey work is conducted in conformance with applicable standards.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the project's contract, specifications, schedule, and budget as it relates to survey.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of surveying principles and practices.
• Familiarity with GPS systems, machine control systems, and late-model survey equipment.
• Proficiency in MicroStation, MS Excel, Terramodel, GPS, and 3D modeling software preferred.
• Training in 3D modeling, machine control systems, and GPS survey technology is desired.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must promote safety culture and awareness by practicing and enforcing safe work procedures.
• Good ability to work with other team members and maintain a positive attitude.
• Must be able to work under extreme weather conditions including extreme cold, heat, rain, snow, and other inclement weather.

A key member of the construction surveying team, the Chief Surveyor leads shaft and tunnel survey operations, establishing and verifying underground control points, calibrating equipment, and maintaining all records and documentation required for accurate field installation. Collaborating across operations, engineering, and subcontractor teams, this role delivers precise measurement, quality control, and compliance with survey standards on active underground construction sites.

Functions

• Conduct and complete shaft and tunnel surveys to establish and verify underground survey points.
• Set up and configure survey equipment and ensure equipment is maintained and calibrated.
• Provide work control lines required for accurate measurement and correct installation by field staff.
• Coordinate and undertake planning and implementation of survey requirements to facilitate construction activities.
• Assist in the evaluation of potential field problems, quantity calculations, and quality control.
• Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, charts, plots, records, and all documents related to surveys.
• Check as-built conditions that require the use of surveying techniques.
• Maintain accurate survey records, documentation, and stamped submittals.
• Monitor work being completed in the field where surveying techniques are required.
• Communicate with operations, engineers, and subcontractors to complete surveying tasks.

Experience & Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in surveying or geomatics.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a lead surveyor and 10 years of experience in construction surveying.
• Experience in surveying tunnels and shafts is required.
• GPS and total station experience required.
• Experience with tunnel boring machine guidance systems and associated computer software.
• Knowledge of survey practices, standards, and laws.
• Knowledge of engineering design and survey methods.
• Solid understanding of safety requirements on an active construction site and applicable safety policies.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in office, data, surveying, and engineering-based software.
• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.