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Chainman Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sandis

Chainman

Oakland, CA · On-site

$54.28/hr

BSI has an opening for a Survey Chainman to join our growing team in Oakland, CA. If you love heights and highly technical work, this is the position for you! Primary Responsibilities: * Able to ...

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 ...

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)

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)

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 ...

All JobsChainman JobsChainman Jobs in California

Chainman information

See California salary details

$14

$29

$45

How much do chainman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for chainman in California is $29.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Chainman jobs in California?

For Chainman jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chainman jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Chainman jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Chainman jobs in CA?

For Chainman jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Chainman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chainman job openings in California 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 $61,466 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Survey - Chainman

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

SAN DIEGUITO ENGINEERING INC
Civil Engineering Construction • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about SAN DIEGUITO ENGINEERING INCexternal

$30 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

San Dieguito Engineering, Inc. (SDE) is a looking to hire a full-time Land Surveying Chainman to assist with field surveys for multiple land development projects and public work projects.  Pending performance and workload, the position could grow to a full-time job. Established in 1974, SDE is an award-winning civil engineering and land planning firm located in Carlsbad with a diverse range of private and public clients. SDE is committed to our vision to be the #1 Small Business Civil Engineering consulting firm in San Diego County.  Here at SDE, we believe we are only as good as the people we work with. Through collaboration, a commitment to excellence, and attention to detail, we strive to consistently exceed our clients’ expectations.
Description:

The Chainman will report directly to the Party Chief. The Chainman will work on both private development and public work projects.  The Chainman may have survey office staff available as a resource.  Candidate should be comfortable working in open terrain, residential and commercial construction sites, work safely in light and heavy street traffic conditions, close proximity to heavy construction equipment, and any other site conditions related with light or heavy construction environments.
Job responsibilities include, but not limited to:
·         Assist Party Chief with various types of surveys including topographic, boundary, construction staking and as-builts
·         Operate Trimble and Leica total stations, Leica GPS survey equipment
·         Perform surveys in Right-of Ways as well as residential and commercial properties and construction sites
·         Work safely in light and heavy street traffic conditions
·         Work comfortably and safely in close proximity to heavy construction equipment
·         Post process field survey data using ACAD
·         Prepare field notes as directed and as needed
·         Comply with public works requirements related to training and safety
·         Fill out daily timesheets weekly and submit for approval
·         Assist Project Managers as needed
Job Qualifications:
·         Minimum of 2 years of related experience
·         Good verbal and written communication
·         Possess professional attitude and demeanor
  • Strong Organization Skills
  • Willing to learn
  • Self-Manageable and motivated
·         Proficient in Word and Excel 
About Us:
SDE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive salary, complete benefit package including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401K matching, flexible work schedule, and paid vacation/sick days for individuals who work at least 30 hours per week.