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Chainman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

Santa Rosa, CA · Hybrid

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

Pleasanton, CA · Hybrid

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

BKF

Survey Chainman (Union)

Redwood City, CA · Hybrid

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points ...

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Chainman information

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$14

$29

$46

How much do chainman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for chainman in the United States is $29.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chainman, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chainman, you need basic surveying knowledge, physical fitness, and attention to detail, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with survey equipment such as measuring tapes, theodolites, GPS devices, and sometimes CAD software is typical. Good communication, teamwork, and reliability are important soft skills for working efficiently with surveyors and other crew members. These skills ensure accurate data collection and contribute to the successful completion of surveying projects in construction and land development.

What is the difference between Chainman vs Surveyor?

AspectChainmanSurveyor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, plus surveying certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor environmentsOffice and outdoor fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, civil engineering firmsSurveying firms, engineering companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chainman and a Surveyor is that a Chainman assists with measurements and basic tasks on-site, often with minimal certification, while a Surveyor has advanced training, certifications, and responsibilities including mapping and boundary determination. Both roles work closely in construction and surveying projects, but Surveyors hold more technical authority and expertise.

What is a chainman?

Chainmen, also known as chainpersons or survey assistants, are professionals who support land surveyors in the field. Their primary role is to assist with measuring distances and angles, marking survey points, and carrying equipment. Chainmen play a crucial part in ensuring that survey data is collected accurately and efficiently. They typically work outdoors and may use tools such as measuring tapes (chains), stakes, and GPS devices. The position often serves as an entry point into the surveying or construction industry.

What are some common challenges chainmen face when working on large construction or surveying projects?

Chainmen often encounter challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, navigating difficult terrain, and maintaining precise measurements over extended distances. Working on large projects may require close coordination with surveyors and other team members, as well as the ability to quickly learn and use specialized equipment. Effective communication and attention to safety protocols are essential, as Chainmen regularly work near heavy machinery and in potentially hazardous environments.
More about Chainman jobs
What states have the most Chainman jobs? States with the most job openings for Chainman jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chainman jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chainman jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Chainman jobs? For Chainman jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chainman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chainman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,281 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Chainman and Party Chief

LEROY SURVEYORS AND ENGINEERS INC

Puyallup, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Chainman (Survey Crew Member)
Location: Puyallup / Pierce County, WA
We are a well-established land surveying and engineering firm with over 75 years of service in the South Sound region. We are seeking a dependable Chainman to support our field survey crew in a variety of projects including boundary, topographic, and construction staking.
This is an entry-level position with the opportunity to learn the surveying profession from experienced crew members.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist the survey crew chief with daily field operations 
  • Carry, set up, and maintain surveying equipment (tripods, prisms, GPS units, etc.) 
  • Hold and mark points for measurements and staking 
  • Drive stakes, hubs, and lath as directed 
  • Clear brush and maintain line of sight as needed 
  • Maintain organization and care of equipment and vehicles 
  • Follow established safety practices and field procedures 
Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • Ability to perform physical outdoor work in varying weather and terrain 
  • Willingness to learn and take direction from crew leadership 
  • Basic math skills and attention to detail 
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation 
  • Dependable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team 
Preferred Skills:
  • Prior experience in land surveying, construction, or similar field work 
  • Familiarity with survey equipment (GPS, total stations, data collectors) 
  • Ability to read plans, maps, or construction drawings 
  • Mechanical aptitude and experience using hand tools
 
 
 
 
 
 
Job Title: Survey Field Party Chief
Location: Puyallup / Pierce County, WA
We are a well-established land surveying and engineering firm with over 75 years of service in the South Sound region. We are seeking an experienced and dependable Field Party Chief to lead a survey crew in a variety of projects including boundary, topographic, and construction staking.
This position is responsible for overseeing daily field operations, ensuring accuracy of work, and coordinating with office staff and clients as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and supervise a field survey crew on a day-to-day basis 
  • Plan and execute fieldwork for boundary, topographic, and construction staking projects 
  • Operate and oversee the use of survey equipment (total stations, GPS, data collectors, levels) 
  • Ensure accuracy, completeness, and quality of field data collection 
  • Maintain clear and organized field notes and electronic data 
  • Coordinate with project managers and office staff regarding project scope and progress 
  • Communicate professionally with clients, contractors, and the public when on-site 
  • Ensure proper care, calibration, and maintenance of equipment and vehicles 
  • Enforce company safety practices and field procedures 
Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • Proven experience as a survey crew chief or in a similar leadership role 
  • Strong working knowledge of land surveying principles and field procedures 
  • Proficiency with modern survey equipment and data collection software 
  • Ability to read and interpret plans, plats, and construction drawings 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record 
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions 
  • Dependable, self-motivated, and capable of leading a small crew 
Preferred Skills:
  • Licensure as a Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) or progress toward licensure 
  • Experience with local (Pierce County) survey standards and practices 
  • Familiarity with coordinate geometry and basic field calculations 
  • Experience mentoring or training junior crew members 
  • Working knowledge of office software and survey data processing workflows