Survey Manager

Senior Crew Chief

Company: Harper Leavitt Engineering

Location: Idaho Falls/ Blackfoot

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Harper Leavitt Engineering is seeking an experienced Senior Crew Chief to lead survey projects from start to finish. This position is responsible for overseeing field crews, ensuring accurate and timely completion of survey projects, coordinating with engineers, clients, contractors, and other agencies, and maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.

The ideal candidate is a confident field leader with strong surveying knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to independently manage challenging projects and mentor less-experienced crew members.

The Crew Chief reports to the Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Take primary responsibility for surveying projects from initial planning through completion.

• Field Operations: Direct daily field activities and ensure surveys are completed accurately, efficiently, and according to project requirements.

• Survey Equipment: Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain surveying equipment, including GPS/GNSS, total stations, data collectors, and related technology.

• Quality Control: Review field work, measurements, notes, and data to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Crew Management: Lead, train, and mentor survey crew members while establishing clear expectations for productivity, safety, and professionalism.

• Client & Agency Communication: Serve as a professional point of contact for clients, contractors, engineers, and government agencies.

• Construction Coordination: Work closely with contractors and construction personnel to resolve field issues and ensure survey requirements are met.

• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve technical, logistical, and field-related challenges with minimal supervision.

• Project Success: Take ownership of project outcomes and ensure the crew successfully meets schedule, quality, and client expectations.

• Safety: Promote and enforce safe working practices in all field activities.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree in surveying, Geomatics, or a related field preferred.

• Experience: 10+ years of surveying experience, with a minimum of 5 years as a crew chief.

• Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of GPS/GNSS, total stations, data collectors, AutoCAD, and surveying software.

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, train, and mentor survey personnel.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with clients, engineers, contractors, and team members.

• Independence: Ability to make sound field decisions and manage projects with limited supervision.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

• Professionalism: Dependable, organized, safety-conscious, and committed to producing high-quality work.

• Preferred: Experience with construction staking, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, ALTA/NSPS surveys, or other relevant survey services.

Work Environment

This position involves both office and field work and may require extensive outdoor work in varying weather conditions. Travel to project sites may be required.

Physical Requirements

This position may involve lifting up to 50 pounds, operating surveying equipment, walking over uneven terrain, and working outdoors for extended periods. Reasonable accommodation can be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harper Leavitt Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Pay: $51,700.00 - $62,300.00 per year

Work Location: In person