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Chief Surveyor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Chief Surveyor information

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$14

$31

$48

How much do chief surveyor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for chief surveyor in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Chief Surveyors?

Chief Surveyors are senior professionals responsible for overseeing surveying operations on construction, engineering, or land development projects. They lead teams of surveyors, ensure the accuracy of measurements and mapping, and coordinate with project managers and other stakeholders. Their duties include planning survey activities, managing resources, maintaining quality control, and ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards. Chief Surveyors also analyze survey data, prepare reports, and may be involved in training junior staff.

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

To thrive as a Chief Surveyor, you need advanced expertise in land surveying, geospatial analysis, and project management, typically supported by a degree in surveying or civil engineering and professional licensure (such as RICS or state certification). Familiarity with surveying instruments (e.g., total stations, GPS), CAD software, and GIS systems is essential. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help a Chief Surveyor lead teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring precise measurements, regulatory compliance, and successful project delivery.

What are some common challenges Chief Surveyors face when managing large-scale projects?

Chief Surveyors often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple teams across different locations, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and managing tight project timelines. Balancing fieldwork with administrative responsibilities—like budgeting, reporting, and stakeholder communication—can also be demanding. Effective leadership and strong problem-solving skills are crucial for navigating these complexities and delivering accurate, timely results.

What is the difference between Chief Surveyor vs Land Surveyor?

AspectChief SurveyorLand Surveyor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in surveying or geomatics, plus professional licensureRequires a degree or diploma in surveying or geomatics, with licensure in many regions
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and coordinates with clients and stakeholdersConducts field surveys, collects data, and prepares survey reports
Industry UsageUsed in large construction, infrastructure, and land development projectsCommonly employed in land boundary, topographic, and construction surveys

The main difference is that the Chief Surveyor manages survey projects and teams, while the Land Surveyor performs the actual fieldwork and data collection. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Chief Surveyor holds a leadership position overseeing multiple projects.

More about Chief Surveyor jobs
What states have the most Chief Surveyor jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Surveyor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Surveyor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Surveyor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Chief Surveyor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Land Survey Crew Chief - Sidney

Uintah Engineering and Land Surveying

Sidney, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

UINTAH is looking for a Crew Chief or Land Surveyor to RELOCATE
(This is a direct-hire or W2 position, we will NOT consider contract candidates for this role)
If you are an experienced surveyor, Survey Crew Chief or Party Chief, and are passionate about staking and surveying land, we want to hear from you!
WE ARE UNABLE TO PURSUE CANDIDATES THAT WOULD REQUIRE U.S. VISA SPONSORSHIP AT THIS TIME.
STARTING PAY IS BASED ON EXPERIENCE
Uintah Engineering & Land Surveying (UELS) is a major provider of land surveying, drafting and civil engineering services mainly for the Oil & Gas industries. UELS specializes in the layout and design of well-locations, roads, pipelines, evaporation ponds, compressor sites and all related facilities. UELS prepares field maps, documents used in the APD, access permits, stream crossing applications, floodplain studies, structural designs, and design plans and specifications. Our Surveyors use mostly Trimble GPS Surveying products. Work Remotely - Work in the field most of the time, frequently reports to a main office.
Crew Chief / Party Chief / Surveyor:
  • Stake well locations
  • Survey section corners
  • Establish section corners
  • Stake access roads (which may include slope staking access roads and well location pads).
  • Stake pipelines and right-of-ways
  • Perform topographic surveys and x-sectioning.

Pre-employment and random drug testing is required and all applicants must have a valid driver's license with an MVR that meets the company's requirements.
Excellent opportunity to work for a company that has been providing services since 1964!
Junior Crew Chief / Party Chief / Surveyor Qualifications:
  • Surveyor needs a minimum of 6-12 months of experience as a Survey Assistant or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Crew Chief / Party Chief / Surveyor Qualifications:
  • Surveyor needs a minimum of 2 years' experience with Trimble GPS Surveying Products, boundary staking, stake corners, stake well locations, etc.
  • Surveyor needs experience in in Cadastral Surveying, Oil & Gas and Construction Staking

Benefits:
  • 401(k) match
  • Health Insurance (Currently 100% Employer-paid)
  • Dental insurance (Currently 100% Employer-paid)
  • Health savings account
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program

Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift (M-F)

Must be able to reliably commute to or willing to relocate to Sidney, Montana, with an employer-provided relocation package
UELS, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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