Land Survey Party Chief
Company: Local Private-Sector Land Surveying Firm
Employment: Full-time
Location: Los Angeles County (Projects throughout LA & Southern California)
Travel: Required to job sites across Los Angeles and adjacent counties
Company Overview
This is a family‑owned land surveying and mapping firm with 40+ years in business and a strong, loyal client base. Due to increased demand; including new connections formed through recent wildfire recovery efforts, we are expanding our team. We offer a stable workload, a supportive environment, and the opportunity to work on diverse, meaningful projects throughout Southern California.
Position Summary
The Land Surveyor / Party Chief will lead a two‑person field crew and manage survey projects from initial fieldwork through drafting and quality control. This role includes performing field surveys, preparing survey maps in Auto-CAD Civil 3D, and coordinating with clients and internal team members. Expect a combination of fieldwork (2-3 days/week) and office drafting/processing on non‑field days.
The position reports to the Principal Land Surveyor but requires strong autonomy and initiative.
Key Responsibilities
Field Surveying
- Lead and perform boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, and construction staking surveys.
- Operate modern surveying instruments (total stations, GPS/GNSS, data collectors).
- Ensure accuracy and professional field practices on residential and commercial sites.
Drafting & Mapping
- Process field data and prepare detailed survey maps, including Records of Survey and Corner Records, using Auto-CAD Civil 3D.
- Complete QC checks prior to final review by the licensed surveyor.
Project Management
- Prepare for fieldwork and arrive at job sites on schedule.
- Maintain drafting timelines and communicate project progress to principals and staff.
- Oversee daily activities of survey technicians and ensure job‑site safety and compliance.
Data Management
- Manage field‑to‑office data transfers, including downloading/uploading data collectors and organizing photos and digital files.
- Document project information within company project‑management systems.
Client Interaction
- Professionally represent the firm on-site with property owners, project managers, and superintendents.
- Coordinate site access, address basic client questions, and communicate scope changes to management.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure all work complies with California surveying laws and standards.
- Work with licensed surveyors, drafters, and support staff.
- Train or guide junior field staff as needed.
- Communicate effectively in a partially remote and distributed work environment.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience & Skills
- Prior land surveying field experience required; formal education in geomatics is a plus.
- Proficiency in conducting boundary, topo, ALTA/NSPS, and construction staking surveys.
- Strong Auto-CAD/Civil 3D drafting skills.
- Ability to interpret engineering plans, architectural drawings, and title documents.
- Solid math/COGO skills and attention to detail.
Leadership & Communication
- Ability to lead a field crew with clear direction and professionalism.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for field notes and client interaction.
- Self‑motivated, reliable, and capable of working with minimal supervision.
Physical & Logistical Requirements
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
- Ability to lift/carry up to 30 lbs., hike uneven terrain, and perform manual tasks such as brush clearing and uncovering monuments.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Willingness to travel across LA County and occasionally to Orange/Ventura Counties.
Location & Work Environment
- Preferred home base: Greater Los Angeles
- Hybrid/remote work allowed on non‑field days when project needs permit.
- Non‑local candidates may be considered if able to reliably meet crews on-site.
Why Join Us?
You'll work in one of the country's highest‑demand surveying markets with a respected, family‑run firm known for quality and reliability. Projects range from hillside estates to wildfire‑related retracement surveys. As Party Chief, you'll enjoy autonomy paired with strong support from experienced surveyors, additional party chiefs, and dedicated staff. We provide modern equipment, collaborative culture, and a role where your professional expertise is truly valued.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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