The OpportunityTetra Tech is seeking a
Survey Crew Chief to join our
Oakland, CA team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead field survey operations supporting a wide variety of transportation, municipal, utility, site development, and infrastructure projects.
Position SummaryAs a
Survey Crew Chief, you will lead field survey crews performing topographic, boundary, construction, GPS control, and utility surveys for a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects. Working closely with licensed land surveyors, engineers, GIS specialists, and project managers, you will ensure accurate, high-quality data collection while maintaining a safe and efficient field environment. This role also offers exposure to emerging technologies including UAV surveys and laser scanning.
Essential Functions:The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Lead and direct survey crews during field operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and accurately.
- Perform topographic, boundary, construction staking, GPS control, and utility surveys.
- Operate and maintain survey equipment including robotic total stations, GNSS/GPS receivers, digital levels, and data collectors.
- Collect field data in accordance with project specifications, survey standards, and client requirements.
- Coordinate daily field activities with project managers, engineers, and licensed land surveyors.
- Train and mentor survey assistants and junior field personnel.
- Assist with survey calculations, field notes, quality control, and data transfer for office processing.
- Support survey mapping and Civil 3D workflows as needed.
- Utilize emerging technologies including UAV (drone) surveys and terrestrial laser scanning when applicable.
- Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and safety standards while working in a variety of field conditions.
Required Qualifications- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 3-5+ years of progressively responsible land surveying experience, including experience serving as a Survey Crew Chief or lead field technician.
- Valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Experience operating GPS/GNSS equipment, robotic total stations, and conventional survey instruments.
- Strong understanding of boundary, topographic, construction staking, and control surveys.
- Ability to lead field crews while maintaining quality, safety, and productivity.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently in the field.
Preferred Qualifications- Associate or bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
- LSIT certification or ability to obtain within six months.
- Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and survey data processing.
- Familiarity with GIS platforms.
- Experience with UAV surveying and/or terrestrial laser scanning technologies.
- Previous experience supporting municipal, transportation, utility, or site development projects.
Physical Requirements- Ability to perform fieldwork in varying weather and environmental conditions.
- Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.
- Ability to climb slopes, enter construction sites, and occasionally access trenches or elevated areas.
- Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and use of survey equipment.
Work Environment/Environmental Factors- Combination of outdoor fieldwork and occasional office work.
- Exposure to changing weather conditions, construction sites, traffic, uneven terrain, and active project locations.
- Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
Salary $75k - $110k dependent on experience
Life at Tetra TechThe perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
