Survey Crew Chief @ Actalent

Job Title: Survey Crew Chief

Job DescriptionThe Survey Crew Chief leads field survey operations to support the accurate and timely completion of topographic, boundary, ALTA, and construction surveys for a wide range of municipal and private sector projects. This role combines hands-on field work with technical documentation and collaboration with CAD and engineering teams to deliver precise, high-quality survey data for site development and infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate field survey activities for topographic, boundary, ALTA, and construction surveys on municipal and private sector projects.
• Plan and execute field survey tasks to ensure timely and accurate completion of assigned projects.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and professional field notes, sketches, and records for all survey activities.
• Research and analyze recorded survey documents, including maps, plats, and deeds, to support boundary determination and project planning.
• Support CAD production for construction, ALTA, boundary, and topographic surveys, as well as subdivision plats, by providing precise field data and documentation.
• Perform and oversee construction staking and construction stakeout based on design plans and specifications.
• Interpret construction plans and translate them into accurate field staking and layout.
• Operate and manage survey instruments, including Trimble GPS/VRS equipment and Robotic Total Stations, to collect high-quality survey data.
• Ensure all survey work meets high standards of quality, precision, and professional practice.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, surveyors, CAD/GIS specialists, and other project team members to coordinate survey needs and resolve field issues.
• Work independently in the field while maintaining regular communication with the broader project team.
• Apply land surveying principles and best practices to support site development and other project types.
• Adhere to all applicable safety procedures, company policies, and insurance requirements while performing field work.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in land surveying.
• At least 2 years of experience as a survey field crew chief.
• Bachelors degree.
• Strong background in land surveying, including boundary, ALTA, and topographic surveys.
• Demonstrated experience with site development projects.
• Proven ability to interpret construction plans and perform accurate field staking.
• Hands-on experience with construction stakeout and construction staking.
• Proficiency in operating Trimble GPS/VRS equipment.
• Proficiency in operating Robotic Total Stations and other standard survey instruments.
• Ability to maintain clear, accurate, and professional field notes and sketches.
• Strong skills in researching and analyzing recorded survey documents, maps, plats, and deeds.
• Capability to work independently in the field while effectively collaborating with a diverse project team.
• Valid drivers license and ability to meet company insurance requirements.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status (sponsorship not available).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) certification in Illinois is a plus.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D is advantageous.
• Experience supporting CAD production for construction, ALTA, boundary, and topographic surveys, and subdivision plats.
• Experience working on municipal and private sector projects, including site development.
• Familiarity with GPS-based survey methods, total station workflows, and related survey technologies.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards of quality and precision.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with engineers, surveyors, environmental scientists, and CAD/GIS specialists.
• Interest in ongoing professional development, training, and continuing education, supported by tuition reimbursement programs.

Work EnvironmentThe Survey Crew Chief works primarily in the field, supporting projects that are heavily focused on site development. The role involves regular use of modern surveying equipment, including Trimble GPS/VRS systems and Robotic Total Stations, along with collaboration with office-based CAD and engineering teams who utilize tools such as AutoCAD Civil 3D. The organization is a multidisciplinary consulting firm with approximately 70 employees and multiple market sectors, including structural engineering, transportation, site development, environmental services, and surveying across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

The culture emphasizes steady organic growth, low turnover, and strong investment in training and development, including tuition reimbursement for those who wish to continue their education. Survey staff use their own vehicles for travel to and from project sites; company vehicles are not provided for survey personnel, and vehicles are only permitted for use between designated locations in accordance with company policies.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Warrenville, IL.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $65000.00 - $78000.00/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 DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Warrenville,IL.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 [email protected] 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.