Survey Crew Chief Role - Career Growth & Benefits in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This position at Blew & Associates is a strong opportunity for experienced field surveyors looking to advance into a leadership role with a well-established, 130+ year old national firm. Here is what career-minded professionals should know:
Compensation & Market Context: No salary is listed, but Survey Crew Chiefs in the U.S. typically earn between $55,000–$80,000 annually, with experienced professionals in high-demand regions reaching $90,000+. The overtime incentives and year-end performance bonuses here could meaningfully boost total compensation.
Skills Development: This role builds expertise in ALTA, boundary, topographic, and construction staking surveys — a well-rounded skillset highly valued for advancement toward Licensed Land Surveyor (PLS) status. The optional Part 107 drone certification exposure is a growing niche skill in the industry.
- Green flags: Exceptional benefits package (95% medical coverage, strong 401k match, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave), company equipment provided, established national firm with long-term stability.
- Green flag: Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year — ideal for pursuing a PLS license or engineering degree.
- Potential red flags: National travel requirements and overtime/weekend work expectations may challenge work-life balance. The role demands significant physical endurance in extreme conditions.
Career Path: Crew Chief is a natural stepping stone toward Field Project Manager, Party Chief Supervisor, or eventually Licensed Professional Surveyor. The national project exposure at a firm this size accelerates that trajectory significantly.
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
- Responsible for collecting data to ensure the completion of a project:
- Locating boundary, 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 if you are on track to complete your field schedule and inform them when you are behind or ahead of schedule.
- 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, with high/precarious places.
- Ability to transport heavy equipment to various job sites (regularly lifting/moving up to 25 pounds, frequently lifting/moving up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lifting/moving up to 100 pounds).
- 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 with optional family and/or dependent enrollment paid by employee at a group rate
- 50% company contribution towards Vision coverage
- Tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 per year)
- 401(k) matching program: company match 100% of your deferrals up to 3% of your compensation, plus 50% of your deferrals over 3% not exceeding 5% of your compensation
- 100% employer paid Short-Term Disability with employee buy up options
- 100% employer paid Life Insurance Coverage with employee buy up options
- Holiday pay
- Sick pay
- Paid vacations
- Paid parental leave
- Per diem for any overnight stay
- Overtime incentives
- Possible year-end bonuses based on performance and tenure
- Apparel allotments for boots and work attire
- Company Truck
- Company Paid Cell Phone
- Company Equipment