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Survey Chainman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Survey Chainman information

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$14

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$48

How much do survey chainman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey chainman 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 the typical daily responsibilities of a Survey Chainman on a surveying team?

As a Survey Chainman, your day-to-day responsibilities focus on assisting the survey crew by measuring distances, placing survey markers, and managing equipment in the field. You’ll help set up and maintain surveying instruments, record measurements, and sometimes clear vegetation or obstacles from survey paths. Expect to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, often on construction sites, roadways, or undeveloped land. The role requires strong communication with surveyors and other crew members to ensure that work is completed accurately and efficiently. This experience offers valuable exposure to land surveying practices and can be a great stepping stone for those interested in advancing within the field.

What is a Survey Chainman job?

A Survey Chainman is an entry-level role in land surveying, assisting surveyors in measuring distances, setting markers, and handling equipment. They help with data collection, ensure accuracy in fieldwork, and maintain tools. The position requires physical stamina and attention to detail, as work is often outdoors in various conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Survey Chainman position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Survey Chainman, you need good physical fitness, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with surveying equipment like chains, tapes, total stations, and GPS devices is beneficial, and on-the-job safety training is typically provided. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions accurately are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are important because precise measurements and effective collaboration are critical for supporting land surveyors and ensuring the accuracy of survey data.

More about Survey Chainman jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Survey Chainman jobs? The most popular types of Survey Chainman jobs are:
What states have the most Survey Chainman jobs? States with the most job openings for Survey Chainman jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Survey Chainman jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Survey Chainman jobs are:
Infographic showing various Survey Chainman job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 88% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 42% Hybrid, and 58% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Survey Chainman (Union)

BKF

San Jose, CA • On-site

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction management, environmental, planning, and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you’ll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

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, recording accurate field notes, and supporting safe, efficient completion of survey tasks in accordance with applicable procedures and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

  • At the direction of the Chief of Party or Instrumentman, sets out or observes distances and directions to predefined points or objects using mechanical measurement (e.g., calibrated steel tape) or electronic measurement using prism reflection
  • Records field notes accurately in both written and electronic formats
  • Cares for, maintains, calibrates, and adjusts precision surveying instruments
  • Performs all survey activities in accordance with specific instructions and required safety policies
  • Reads and interprets right-of-way maps, construction plans, survey notes, design plans, and other relevant technical information
  • Maintains assigned vehicles so they are fully operable, safe, and neat in appearance at all times

Requirements

  • Completion of required courses and training hours as stipulated by the Northern California, Local 3 Joint Apprenticeship Party Chief Training Program
  • Minimum of 2 years (4,000 work hours) of qualifying field experience, as defined by the Northern California Joint Apprenticeship Committee
  • Thorough knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to office and field survey analysis; field surveying practices and techniques; and the use, capabilities, and adjustment of modern survey instruments
  • General knowledge of civil engineering plans, maps, and specifications, along with an understanding of land survey maps, topographic maps, and field survey notes
  • Works under total supervision, requiring direct first-line supervision of the steps necessary to perform the work, with periodic progress review. Makes routine survey and mapping decisions, and requires assistance with complex survey problems

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

  • The typical base salary range for this position is $32.57-$54.28 hourly, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly.
  • Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
  • Generous paid time off packages.
  • 9 Paid Holidays.
  • Flexible schedules.
  • Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
  • BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.

BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

BKF does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF, BKF reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.

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