Survey Crew Chief Role - Career Growth at Top Firm in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This role at Blew & Associates offers a solid opportunity for experienced survey professionals to grow within a well-established, 130-year-old national firm — a strong signal of organizational stability and long-term employment security in a cyclical industry.
Compensation context: No salary is listed, but Survey Crew Chiefs in the U.S. typically earn between $55,000–$80,000 annually, with field-heavy national roles often reaching $70,000–$85,000 when overtime incentives are factored in. The addition of overtime pay, year-end bonuses, and per diem meaningfully increases total compensation above base salary.
Skills developed in this role:
- Advanced field surveying (ALTA, boundary, topographic, construction staking) — high demand in infrastructure and real estate development sectors
- Equipment proficiency (total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers) — transferable across firms nationally
- FAA Part 107 drone operations (preferred) — a rapidly growing, marketable credential
- Field leadership and project management — pathway toward Licensed Survey Technician or Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensure
Green flags: Generous benefits package including 95% medical coverage, strong 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, and paid parental leave are well above average for field trades roles. These signal a company that invests in employee retention.
Watch for: No clear mention of career advancement structure or promotion timelines. Candidates should ask directly about pathways to senior crew chief, party chief, or office-based project management roles.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Survey Crew Chief position remote or office-based?
What equipment and vehicle will be provided?
Is a Part 107 drone license required for this role?
What benefits are offered for overnight travel?
What is the minimum experience required for this position?
