Tree Surveyor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are
Atwell, LLC is a bold leader in the consulting, engineering, and construction services industry, delivering a broad range of creative solutions to clients in the real estate & land development, and energy markets. We have a strong national presence and a diverse, award-winning project portfolio. Atwell is a privately owned company, with 2,000+ passionate team members across 75+ locations and growing!
Atwell, LLC is a proud recipient of the following 2025 awards:

• Ten consecutive years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" by Zweig Group (#11)
• Recognized as #70 in the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, ranked in every region
• Recognized in Crain's "Fast 50" as one of the fastest-growing companies (#14)
• Recognized as the 2025 ENR Design Firm of the year for the Southeastern US

Job Summary
We're looking for an experienced and driven Survey Crew Chief who thrives in the field and takes pride in delivering high-quality work. In this role, you'll lead field survey operations, direct instrument personnel, and perform a wide range of surveying services including houseline, topographic, tree, wetland, boundary, ALTA, control surveys, bench loops, and construction staking. You'll play a critical role in ensuring projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with Atwell's quality standards.
What You'll Do
As a key field leader, you'll oversee daily survey activities from start to finish-coordinating crews, managing equipment, and serving as the on-site point of contact for clients and project teams. You'll interpret engineering plans, identify potential field issues, and make sound decisions within the scope of each project.
You'll be responsible for executing a full range of survey services with precision, including commercial building column staking, record drawings, and as-constructed surveys. You'll also perform control surveys, bench loops, and construction staking while ensuring all data is collected, recorded, and transferred accurately using field equipment and software such as Trimble Business Center.
In addition, you'll maintain clear and consistent communication with Survey Project Managers, staff surveyors, clients, and site superintendents. This includes daily check-ins on-site, providing updates on workload or scope changes, and ensuring projects stay on track.
Operationally, you'll manage field logistics-maintaining equipment and vehicles, stocking supplies, uploading and downloading data and calibration files, and keeping detailed, organized field notes and sketches. You'll also be responsible for accurate time tracking and reporting.
Leadership is a key part of this role. You'll mentor and train instrument personnel, survey interns, and team members cross-training in the field, while also helping develop other crew chiefs. You'll continuously look for ways to improve field processes, equipment usage, and overall quality standards.
What You Bring
You have a strong foundation in surveying with 5+ years of experience and either a high school diploma or a surveying degree. You're confident leading field crews, working independently, and making decisions that keep projects moving forward.
You bring excellent communication skills-both verbal and written-and a strong sense of accountability when it comes to deadlines, accuracy, and client service. You're comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, putting in overtime when needed, and handling physically demanding tasks.
You're highly detail-oriented, technically capable with survey instruments and software, and motivated to continuously learn and improve your craft.
Requirements

• High school diploma and/or surveying degree with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Valid driver's license
• Proven ability to lead field survey crews and direct instrument personnel
• Strong technical, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and meet project demands
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency and ownership
• Fluent in English

Why This Role Stands Out
This is more than just a field position-you'll have true ownership of your projects, the opportunity to lead and develop teams, and the ability to make a visible impact on every job site you work on. If you're someone who takes pride in precision, leadership, and getting the job done right, this is your opportunity to grow with a company that values your expertise.
WORK ENVIRONMENT OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The employee will:

• perform work primarily outdoors at construction sites, landfills, and in traffic. Work may be performed for extended periods of time in various terrains, climates, and possibly in adverse weather conditions.
• perform moderately strenuous tasks, such as lifting and carrying survey equipment/instruments weighing up to 75 pounds over rough terrain.
• climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• clear vegetation, dig holes, and pound stakes with hand tools
• stand; walk; use hands to finger, reach with hands and arms, or feel and talk or hear

Employer's Disclaimer:

• This job description is meant to describe the general nature of work performed. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.
• The Firm reserves the right to add or revise an Associate's job duties at any time at its sole discretion.
• This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

Pay Range
$40.22-$47.02 USD
Atwell Benefits: To attract and retain the best professionals in the industry, we aim to provide an excellent working environment and a progressive benefits program designed to support your personal and professional needs.
Work/Life:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible work schedules are available for some positions
• Tenure Awards - Travel Vouchers to see the world based on your travel preferences

Compensation:

• Competitive Compensation packages
• Annual bonuses, spot bonuses and peer recognition awards
• 401K match - 1:1 up to 4% of compensation
• Tuition Assistance
• Student Loan Repayment
• Paid Licensing / Certification Fees and Renewals
• Financial Rewards for Obtaining Licensure
• Employee Referrals
• Annual Wellness Reimbursement for anything wellness related (Gym memberships, fitness tracker, home gym equipment, etc.)
• Dependent Care Match

'Atwell'ness:

• Medical (BC/BS), Dental (Delta), and Vision (VSP)
• Family Planning & IVF Benefits
• Pet Insurance
• Health Savings Account & Flex Spending Account options
• Employer paid LTD, STD, and life insurance
• Metlife Supplemental Benefits covering accident, hospitalization, and critical illness
• Member Assistance Program (MAP) with complimentary counseling sessions, legal benefits, financial consultations, and work/life referral services