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Chainman Jobs in California (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)

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 · 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 · 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 ...

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 6, 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 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.
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.

Land Surveyor Assistant (Chainman)

Sitetech, Inc

Highland, CA

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

SITETECH INC. has an immediate opening for a Land Surveying Assistant / Chainman
SITETECH Inc. is a civil engineering and land surveying consultant with over 20 years of experience helping clients design innovative projects which meet the client’s needs. From tentative planning to final engineering, SITETECH, Inc. helps clients complete their projects with personal and expert service. SITETECH, Inc.’s casual, yet professional work environment allows its employees to create unique and efficient solutions to meet the needs of a variety of clients and projects.
Job Description:
This is an entry level job for an individual looking to get into the land surveying profession. Experience with land surveying is preferred, but not required.
Working under the direction of a Party Chief, candidate will assist with the organization and direction of field surveys, including ALTA /NSPS Land Title Surveys, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and construction staking.
The majority of work will be outdoors in the field. Most projects are located within Southern California; however occasional overnight trips out of town may be necessary.
This is an entry level job for an individual looking to get into the land surveying field.
Requirements:
Interest in Land Surveying.
Ability to take and follow direction
Must be able to work outside on your feet daily.
Process a valid CA driver’s license and be able to drive.
Ability to pass drug test.
If interested, please submit a resume via email to jmayer@sitetechinc.com.
Land Surveying

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