Survey Party Chief (Field-Lead | Drafting Experience Preferred)

Job Description

Job Description

Parker Design Group of Richmond, Inc. is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field crews on a wide range of land surveying projects. This is a primarily field-based role with the opportunity for meaningful involvement in office drafting and production, making it an ideal fit for a motivated professional who thrives in the field but also brings technical drafting capability to the table.

Position Overview:

The Party Chief will direct field survey crews, operate and maintain survey instrumentation, and ensure quality data collection across boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and construction staking assignments. This position is approximately 75% field operations and 25% office drafting support. Candidates with CAD/survey software experience will be given strong preference.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of land surveying experience with at least 2 years in a crew lead or party chief role
• Proficiency operating total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, and data collectors
• Experience with survey drafting and processing software (Carlson, Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, or similar)
• Strong working knowledge of boundary principles, legal descriptions, and plat review
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and site documents
• Effective communication and crew management skills
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Survey licensure (RLS or LSIT) a plus but not required

Primary Responsibilities (Field – ~75%):

• Lead and direct field survey crews on boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and construction staking projects
• Operate and maintain total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, and related instrumentation
• Set up and run control networks; verify and troubleshoot field data quality
• Coordinate daily with project managers on schedule, scope, and field conditions
• Ensure safe work practices and compliance with site-specific requirements

Secondary Responsibilities (Office – ~25%):

• Draft survey plats, topographic maps, and related deliverables using CAD/survey software
• Process and adjust field data; prepare calculations and project documentation
• Assist with deed research and boundary analysis under direction of the licensed surveyor
• Support coordination with clients and subconsultants as needed