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Survey Chainman Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 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)

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)

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)

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)

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 ...

Sandis

Chainman

Oakland, CA · On-site

$54.28/hr

Bryant Surveys, Inc (BSI), Part of the Sandis Family of Companies, is a professional services ... BSI has an opening for a Survey Chainman to join our growing team in Oakland, CA. If you love ...

All JobsSurvey Chainman JobsSurvey Chainman Jobs in California

Survey Chainman information

See California salary details

$14

$30

$48

How much do survey chainman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey chainman in California is $30.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a survey chainman?

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 typical daily responsibilities of a survey chainman?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Survey Chainman jobs in California?

The most popular types of Survey Chainman jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Survey Chainman jobs in California?

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

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

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

Survey Chainman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Survey Chainman job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $63,756 per year, or $30.7 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

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

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.