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Chainman Surveyor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... survey operations by acting as instrument person, rodman, chainman or, when necessary, as chief of party on routine surveys to determine if stormwater management practices are constructed in ...

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Chainman Surveyor information

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$31.5K

$74.7K

$120.5K

How much do chainman surveyor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for chainman surveyor in the United States is $74,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chainman in surveying?

A chainman in surveying is a worker responsible for measuring distances using a surveyor's chain or tape. They assist in establishing boundaries, setting points, and recording measurements under the supervision of a surveyor, often working outdoors in various weather conditions. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential skills for this role.

What kind of surveyor makes the most money?

In surveying, specialized roles such as geospatial or GIS surveyors tend to earn higher salaries due to advanced skills and technology use. Experienced surveyors with certifications, such as Licensed Surveyor or those working in urban or infrastructure projects, also typically earn more. Salary can vary based on location, experience, and industry demand.

Is surveying going to be replaced by AI?

Surveying, including roles like chainman surveyor, relies on precise measurements and on-site judgment that AI cannot fully replace. While AI and automation tools can assist with data processing and mapping, human expertise remains essential for fieldwork, decision-making, and interpreting complex environments. Skills in using surveying equipment and understanding spatial data are still critical in the profession.

What is the difference between Chainman Surveyor vs Rodman Surveyor?

AspectChainman SurveyorRodman Surveyor
CertificationsTypically requires basic surveying certifications or trainingSimilar certifications, often overlapping with Chainman Surveyor
Work EnvironmentOutdoor construction sites, land surveying projectsOutdoor environments, assisting in field measurements
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, land development, civil engineeringConstruction, land surveying firms, civil projects

The main difference between a Chainman Surveyor and a Rodman Surveyor lies in their specific roles. Both positions often require similar certifications and work in outdoor environments on construction or land surveying projects. While the Chainman Surveyor may focus more on measuring and marking distances using chains, the Rodman Surveyor typically assists with setting up survey points and recording measurements. Both roles are essential in the surveying process and are often used interchangeably depending on the project or employer.

Is there a high demand for surveyors?

The demand for chainman surveyors remains steady due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and land development. Skilled surveyors with knowledge of modern tools like GPS and CAD are especially sought after, and employment opportunities are expected to grow in many regions.
More about Chainman Surveyor jobs
What cities are hiring for Chainman Surveyor jobs? Cities with the most Chainman Surveyor job openings:
What states have the most Chainman Surveyor jobs? States with the most job openings for Chainman Surveyor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chainman Surveyor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chainman Surveyor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Chainman Surveyor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $74,746 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Survey Personnel-Party Chief, Instrument Person, Rod person

Hoffman Layout & Modeling

Seattle, WA • On-site

$59.03 - $64.51/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is for Survey Party Chiefs, Instrument & rodman/chainman personnel. Layout Field Technician for large scale, fast paced, high tech construction project.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsibilities include layout and as-built locations of extensive underground utility network, structural QA/QC
  • Building layout
  • Precision control network using Leica Total stations and building levels.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

  • Work can vary from outdoors to indoors, thus the employee will be subject to various weather conditions

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Standing/Walking: Constantly; 66% to 100% a day
  • Legs: Must be able to climb stairs - 5% of day 
  • Hands (repetitive grasping): Constantly; 66% to 100% a day
  • Hands (pushing and pulling): Frequently; 33% to 66% a day
  • Hands (fine manipulation): Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Vision: Visual acuity in near, mid and far range vision. Color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, hand/eye coordination 
  • Hearing: Sufficient to hear conversational levels in person and over the telephone and radio; sufficient to hear alarms on equipment 
  • Speech: Sufficient to make oneself heard in person, speak in front of groups, and be understood over the telephone and radio 
  • Climbing (stairs and ladders): Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to at least 40lbs- Frequently; 33% to 66% a day
  • Lift Overhead: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Reaching Overhead: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Bending/Twisting (neck and back): Frequently; 33% to 66% a day
  • Knee Stand: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Squatting/ Kneeling: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Must be able to wear fall protection equipment and physically able to climb ladders and scaffolds

MENTAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Constant mental alertness, accuracy, and attention to detail required 
  • Must be able to work independently and as a team, make decisions, and follow through on all assignments 
  • Must use creativity, independent judgment, and organizational and problem-solving skills to determine best method to accomplish desired results 
  • Must be able to plan and organize work 
  • Must possess strong organizational and computer use skills and have a high level of competency to read/write/speak English, interpret construction related documentation and communicate with coworkers 
  • Must possess strong mathematical skills, calculate proper dimensions of components, read blueprints, manuals, and communicate with coworkers.
  • Must not be afraid of heights.
  • Work in a safe manner in compliance with Hoffman's Safety Policy.
  • Must be reliable and Must be able to read a tape measure

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be reliable: show up on time and ready to work for scheduled shift

Application review will consider without limitation the following criteria: Union membership qualifications, education and experience specific to the job description/duties as well as prior experience with Hoffman Layout & Modeling. Applicants must be able to pass the Hoffman Drug and Alcohol test.

Hoffman Layout & Modeling is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by employees. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required of the employee of this job. Furthermore, this description is subject to change at the discretion of the company, with or without notice.


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