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Survey Party Chief Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Survey Party Chief

Orange, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Perform medium-scale field surveys for ALTA, engineering design topo and boundary purposes acting in the capacity of the party chief * Prepare field notes and sketches, pre-calc and download field ...

Perform medium-scale field surveys for ALTA, engineering design topo and boundary purposes acting in the capacity of the party chief * Prepare field notes and sketches, pre-calc and download field ...

The Party Chief coordinates with the Survey Chief of Parties to make certain the scope of the job is fully comprehended, and that all aspects of daytoday operations are understood by the survey crew.

Description Enhance your career at raSmith as a Land Survey Project Manager - Crew Chief in our Survey Services division and discover why we're ranked #5 as a Top Workplace. raSmith is a growing ...

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Survey Party Chief information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$32

$50

How much do survey party chief jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey party chief in Riverside, CA is $32.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.34 and $37.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a survey party chief?

Survey Party Chiefs are professionals who lead field survey crews in measuring and mapping land, construction sites, or other areas for engineering, construction, or land development projects. They are responsible for planning survey activities, managing crew members, and ensuring accurate data collection using specialized equipment such as GPS, total stations, and levels. Survey Party Chiefs interpret project plans and specifications, maintain field records, and coordinate with project managers and engineers to ensure survey work meets required standards.

What does a survey party chief do?

As a survey party chief, your job is to oversee land surveys. In this role, you may plan out each study, check the characteristics of the ground and surrounding land, evaluate its potential as a construction site, and manage personnel on a survey team. A survey party chief may lead up to seven other people at a time, ensure measurements are accurate, research information, prepare maps, and present findings to relevant groups or individuals. This is primarily a management role, but many people in this position have experience in other positions and can cover other duties as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a survey party chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Survey Party Chief, you need expertise in land surveying techniques, boundary determination, and a solid understanding of mathematics, typically supported by relevant education or certification. Proficiency with surveying instruments (like total stations and GPS), data collection software, and CAD systems is crucial. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential for managing field crews and collaborating with clients or engineers. These skills and qualities ensure accurate measurements, efficient workflow, and successful project outcomes in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by a survey party chief in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Survey Party Chiefs often encounter challenges such as working in difficult terrain, managing precise measurements under changing weather conditions, and coordinating a team with varying levels of experience. Effective communication, proper planning, and the use of modern surveying equipment can help address these issues. Additionally, adapting quickly to unexpected site conditions and ensuring safety protocols are followed are essential for maintaining project accuracy and team well-being.

What is the difference between Survey Party Chief vs Survey Technician?

AspectSurvey Party ChiefSurvey Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, relevant certifications, experience in surveyingHigh school diploma, technical training or certifications in surveying
Work EnvironmentLeads survey crews in field settings, outdoor environmentsSupports fieldwork, operates surveying equipment, often in the field or office
ResponsibilitiesOversees survey operations, manages team, ensures accuracyPerforms measurements, operates equipment, assists in data collection

The Survey Party Chief typically manages survey crews and oversees field operations, requiring leadership skills and experience. The Survey Technician supports data collection and equipment operation, often with technical training. Both roles work closely in surveying projects, but the Party Chief has more supervisory responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Survey Party Chief jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Survey Party Chief jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Survey Party Chief jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Survey Party Chief jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Survey Party Chief jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Survey Party Chief jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Survey Party Chief jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Survey Party Chief job openings:

Infographic showing various Survey Party Chief job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,397 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Survey Party Chief

Kimley-Horn

Orange, CA • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn is seeking a Survey Field Representative to join the Orange office! This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities
  • Perform medium-scale field surveys for ALTA, engineering design topo and boundary purposes acting in the capacity of the party chief
  • Prepare field notes and sketches, pre-calc and download field data and process conventional and GPS data using Star*Net software.
  • Research boundary and easement title documents and perform boundary analysis.
  • Use AutoCAD Civil 3D software to produce detailed subdivision maps, ALTA survey, topographic surveys and other various survey related maps or exhibits.
  • Prepare legal descriptions and exhibits for right of way, easements, acquisition parcels, etc.
Qualifications
  • Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) Certification and/or Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) Certification desired
  • 10+ year of experience as a Chief of Parties or Party Chief
  • Bachelors in a surveying or engineering curriculum
  • Experience utilizing GPS RTK and static data collection
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Salary Range: 

$80,000 to $120,000

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:High School Diploma/GEDEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967