Traveling Survey Party Chief

Are you a hands-on survey leader who enjoys being in the field, mentoring others, and traveling to where the work takes you?

Do you thrive on the variety and challenge of complex survey assignments in diverse locations?

David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA) is looking for a Traveling Survey Party Chief to lead field crews across a range of boundary, topographic, ALTA, right-of-way, and construction survey projects. In this role, you will take ownership of day-to-day field operations, oversee equipment use and maintenance, coach junior team members, and help deliver high-quality survey data for public and private clients across multiple regions.

This is a travel-intensive position, with up to 75 percent of your time spent in the field on project assignments throughout the western U.S.

About the Role

As Survey Party Chief, you will serve as the technical lead for a field crew, ensuring data collection is precise, equipment is well-maintained, and field calculations are accurate. You will be responsible for managing deliverables, mentoring crew members, and serving as a primary point of contact during field operations. Your work will directly contribute to projects that support infrastructure, land development, and environmental improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead field survey crews in collecting data for boundary, topographic, ALTA, ROW, and construction surveys

• Perform field calculations, take detailed field notes, and ensure quality control

• Operate and maintain survey instruments including Leica and Trimble GPS, total stations, and electronic levels

• Manage data collection processes and deliverables using software such as Trimble Business Center, Leica Geomatics Office, Star*net, Civil 3D, and MicroStation

• Coordinate with DEA project managers, engineers, and survey teams

• Mentor and coach field staff to support their growth within the profession

• Ensure field data and documentation are complete, accurate, and consistent

• Travel regularly to project sites as needed (up to 75 percent of time)

What You Bring

• Minimum of 4 years of field experience in boundary and construction surveying

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Proven ability to lead a field crew and coordinate with internal teams

• Strong working knowledge of survey procedures, state and federal land survey laws, and equipment operation

• Willingness and ability to travel for extended field assignments

Preferred Qualifications

• Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) certification

• Experience with Leica and Trimble survey equipment

• Familiarity with static scanning and other advanced data capture tools

Why DEA?

DEA's Survey and Geomatics team supports projects that shape the way people move, connect, and live. With expertise across static and mobile 3D scanning, hydrographic services, boundary and ROW surveys, and construction layout, we bring both tradition and innovation to every job site. As a Traveling Party Chief, you will be part of a trusted and well-equipped team with access to a wide variety of projects, tools, and professional growth opportunities.

Our culture values mentorship, quality, and technical excellence. If you're ready to lead from the field and explore what's next in survey technology, we want to work with you.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance

• Health Savings and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contribution

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and 8 Paid Holidays

• 401(k) with employer match

• Support for continuing education and training

• Holistic Wellbeing Program focused on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health

• Anticipated hourly rate: $25 to $40 per hour

  • The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.