Survey Crew Chief - Leadership Role at Top US Firm in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This role is well-suited for experienced survey professionals looking to cement a leadership position in the field. With 130+ years of history, Blew & Associates offers institutional stability rare in the surveying industry — a strong green flag for long-term career security.
Compensation context: No salary is listed, but Survey Crew Chiefs in the US typically earn between $55,000–$80,000 annually, with experienced professionals in high-demand regions reaching $85,000+. The robust benefits package — including 95% medical coverage, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, and overtime incentives — meaningfully adds to total compensation.
Skills developed in this role:
- Advanced field surveying (ALTA, boundary, topographic, construction staking) — high-demand specializations.
- Equipment leadership: total stations, GPS receivers, UAV (Part 107 preferred) — future-proofing your skill set.
- Project management, client communication, and team leadership — transferable to senior or office-based roles.
Career trajectory: This position is a natural stepping stone toward Licensed Surveyor (LS), Survey Project Manager, or Field Operations Manager roles. The tuition reimbursement ($5,250/year) actively supports licensure pursuits.
Watch for: No salary transparency, and the expectation of frequent overtime and weekend work suggests a demanding schedule. Candidates should clarify work-life balance expectations during interviews and ask about average weekly hours in busy seasons.
Blew & Associates, P.A. is a leading national firm specializing in land surveying, engineering, and environmental services, boasting over 130 years of industry experience. We are seeking a Survey Crew Chief to meet the growing demands of our clients nationwide. The selected candidate will oversee survey activities conducted in the field and ensure the quality of all survey deliverables.
Responsibilities
- Collect data to ensure project completion, including:
- Locating boundaries, pins, improvements, utilities, etc., while performing various project types including ALTA, boundary, construction staking, and topographic surveys.
- Check and reduce raw field data, perform calculations, and download/file survey data.
- Perform project research as needed.
- Follow instructions and work orders from project managers.
- Communicate daily with your Field Project Manager to confirm schedule status and report when ahead or behind.
- Physical work environment demands:
- Ability to safely traverse and navigate rugged terrain in remote areas.
- Ability to regularly work outside in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wet, and muddy conditions, as well as high/precarious places.
- Ability to transport heavy equipment to various job sites (regularly lifting/moving up to 25 lbs, frequently up to 50 lbs, and occasionally up to 100 lbs).
- Ability to travel regionally and nationally, often.
- Ability to work overtime, including weekends as needed.
- Develop and maintain excellent relationships with clients, contractors, and team members.
- Ensure that projects are completed safely and efficiently, adhering to project schedules and budgets.
- Maintain survey equipment and troubleshoot issues that arise in the field.
Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Survey Crew Chief.
- Strong understanding of surveying concepts and practices.
- Proficient in the use of survey equipment such as total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors.
- Part 107 license is preferred but not required.
- Familiarity with CAD software, specifically Carlson AutoCAD, is a plus but not required.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a focus on delivering high-quality work on time and within budget.
Benefits
- 95% coverage of health benefits including Medical and Dental; optional family/dependent enrollment available at group rate.
- 50% company contribution towards Vision coverage.
- Tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 per year).
- 401(k) matching: 100% match on deferrals up to 3% of compensation, plus 50% match on deferrals over 3% (not exceeding 5% of compensation).
- 100% employer-paid Short-Term Disability with employee buy-up options.
- 100% employer-paid Life Insurance with employee buy-up options.
- Holiday pay, sick pay, and paid vacations.
- Paid parental leave.
- Per diem for any overnight stay.
- Overtime incentives and possible year-end performance/tenure bonuses.
- Apparel allotments for boots and work attire.
- Company truck, company-paid cell phone, and company equipment provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Survey Crew Chief role remote or work-from-home?
What types of surveys will I be leading as Crew Chief?
What is the salary for this Survey Crew Chief position?
What experience is required to apply?
Does Blew & Associates provide equipment and a vehicle?
