SURVEY PARTY CHIEF

LAND SURVEYING

Costich Engineering is looking for a Survey Party Chief to lead field operations across boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, utility, construction layout, and as-built surveys. We're a locally rooted, multidisciplinary firm with deep roots in the Rochester region. With a senior Party Chief transitioning toward part-time service and eventual retirement, we're looking for an experienced field leader ready to take real ownership and help carry that legacy forward.

Interested? See below for more detailed information on this open position:

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: 8 Hour Shift (Day shift – Monday to Friday) with overtime

Experience: 5+ Years

Education: Relevant field experience required; formal degree not required

Location: Rochester, NY 14608 (Required)

Work authorization: United States (Required)

Work Location: One location

Work Remotely: No

Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000 (Commensurate with experience)

Key Responsibilities

Field Operations & Data Collection

  • Lead daily field survey operations, including boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, utility, and construction stakeout surveys
  • Operate and oversee the use of total stations, GNSS/GPS equipment, digital levels, data collectors, and related instruments
  • Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all field notes, digital files, and observational data
  • Perform field calculations and verify measurements to maintain high-precision deliverables

Crew Leadership & Mentorship

  • Supervise, train, and mentor field crew members, promoting professional growth and strong technical habits
  • Coordinate daily work assignments, equipment preparation, transportation, and site logistics
  • Uphold Costich’s safety standards, ensuring safe work practices in varied conditions and environments

Client & Project Coordination

  • Communicate with project managers, office survey staff, contractors, and clients to clarify scope, resolve issues, and maintain smooth project execution
  • Represent the firm professionally on job sites and ensure field operations reflect Costich’s service standards and responsiveness

Equipment & Quality Control

  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure proper calibration of all survey instruments and tools
  • Review field data for accuracy before submission to office staff
  • Assist in developing and improving field workflows, checklists, and QA/QC processes

Note: This job description is not all encompassing; more responsibilities may be granted as deemed appropriate based on abilities and experience.

Qualifications

Required

  • 5+ years of professional land surveying experience, including at least 1–2 years leading field crews
  • Strong proficiency with total stations, GNSS receivers, data collectors, and digital leveling equipment
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering plans, plats, deeds, and construction drawings
  • Solid understanding of survey principles, boundary analysis concepts, and construction layout methods
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to work outdoors in varying site conditions

Preferred

  • Familiarity with New York State surveying standards and local municipal requirements
  • Experience with Carlson, Civil 3D, Trimble, Leica, or comparable survey and data management systems
  • LSIT certification or interest in pursuing licensure (PLS)
  • Experience mentoring junior surveying staff

Costich Engineering Employees Enjoy the Following Benefits:

  • Health Benefits – including cafeteria allowance ($8,458.84 annually)
  • Matching 401k – 4.5% firm match with minimum 6% employee contribution
  • Opportunity for career advancement and professional growth
  • Summer Fridays (bi-weekly leave at 11 AM on Friday – Memorial Day through Labor Day)
  • Typical 40-hour work week – hourly pay, anything over 40 hours at 1.5x hourly rate
  • Flexible hours (start/end time); remote work opportunities (2 days max) once established in role
  • Expenses paid for continuing education, professional licensure exams, etc.
  • Annual rate increases & bonus (based on employee and firm success)

** Costich Engineering will not accept applications of candidates who require visa sponsorships now or in the future. Local candidates preferred. Costich Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. **

Please be aware that by submitting an application through the Company’s website or through a third party website, the applicant certifies that the information given by the applicant is true and complete to the best of their knowledge. The applicant understands that if they are employed, the discovery that they gave false information during the application process may result in immediate dismissal. By submitting an application, the applicant authorizes the Company to which they are providing this application, Costich Engineering, Land Surveying & Landscape Architecture, D.P.C., to investigate all statements contained in this application and to request information about the applicant from previous employers, educational institutions, and references. The applicant expressly authorizes their previous employers to provide information and opinions concerning their work and work habits. Further, the applicant releases all parties (including the Company) and persons connected with any requests for information. If employed, the applicant releases Costich Engineering, Land Surveying & Landscape Architecture, D.P.C. from any liability for future references it may provide regarding the applicant’s work history with Costich Engineering, Land Surveying & Landscape Architecture, D.P.C. Due to the large number of applications that Costich Engineering, Land Surveying & Landscape Architecture D.P.C. receives, the applicant understands the Company cannot guarantee that their application will be considered for any or all open positions they may have or that their application will be considered for any specific time. In the event of employment, the applicant understands that they are required to abide by all current and subsequently issued rules and regulations of the Company and that the applicant’s employment may be terminated, at any time, with or without notice, by either party. By submitting an application, the applicant understands that this application is not a contract, offer or promise of employment and that if hired, the applicant will be an at-will employee. As such, the applicant will be able to resign at any time for any reason. Likewise, Costich Engineering, Land Surveying & Landscape Architecture, D.P.C. can terminate the applicant’s employment at any time with or without cause, unless otherwise required by law. The applicant further understands that no one other than Costich Engineering, Land Surveying & Landscape Architecture, D.P.C. has the authority to enter into an employment contract or agreement with the applicant and that the applicant’s at-will employment can be changed only by a written agreement.