Survey Party Chief

Qualus

Survey Party Chief leading land, engineering, drone, and LiDAR surveys for Qualus, a power infrastructure solutions firm. Managing crews, field data, equipment, and construction deliverables.

Posted 9/4/2026full-timeWalnut Creek • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading field survey crews, managing survey operations, and ensuring compliance with surveying standards and regulations. Proficient in operating modern survey instruments and conducting aerial mapping using drones.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Field Surveying ExperienceLeadership/Party Chief RoleProficiency in Topcon InstrumentsFAA Regulations ComplianceDrone Operations and Aerial Mapping

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Field SurveyingSurvey Control EstablishmentGNSS/GPS OperationData Collection and CalculationsLiDAR KnowledgeSLAM KnowledgeEngineering Plans InterpretationConstruction Drawings ReadingBoundary and Topographic SurveysAs-Built Surveys

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsCommunication SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsMentoring Skills

Tools & Technologies

Robotic Total StationsData CollectorsDrone Hardware and SoftwareFirmware UpdatesFlight Logs

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid U.S. Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Surveying StandardsSafety ProtocolsSite ReconnaissanceAerial ImageryTerrain ModelingVolumetric Analysis

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and manage a field survey crew on boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, right-of-way, construction staking, and as-built surveys
Establish survey control, including OPUS solutions, and perform site reconnaissance
Operate, maintain, and calibrate GNSS/GPS receivers, robotic total stations, levels, and data collectors
Perform field calculations, stakeouts, and data collection with preliminary accuracy checks
Maintain detailed field notes, sketches, and digital records
Ensure compliance with surveying standards, safety protocols, and applicable regulations
Plan and execute drone flights for aerial mapping, photogrammetry, and LiDAR surveys
Conduct pre-flight inspections and capture high-resolution aerial imagery and 3D data for terrain modeling and volumetric analysis
Maintain drone hardware and software, including firmware updates, flight logs, and regulatory documentation
Train, mentor, and oversee survey crew members
Communicate with office staff, engineers, contractors, and clients regarding survey requirements and findings
Oversee the care, organization, and maintenance of survey equipment and vehicles

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of field surveying experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership/Party Chief role
Proficiency in modern survey instruments, including Topcon or equivalent
Strong understanding of surveying practices, standards, and field procedures
Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, construction drawings, and legal descriptions
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Valid U.S. driver's license and clean driving record
Physical ability to work outdoors in varying conditions and terrain
Knowledge of or willingness to learn LiDAR, SLAM, or other ground-based 3D scanners
Ability to comply with FAA regulations for drone operations

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) match
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Parental leave
Paid time off
Holidays