Survey Party Chief

Company Description

KPFF, a multi-office, multi-discipline engineering firm, champions Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion. With over 60 years of experience, we foster a dynamic environment for creative solutions across diverse projects and scales. Our decentralized structure empowers our 1,300 team members in 27 nationwide offices, offering abundant flexibility and growth opportunities. Rooted in Seattle since 1960, KPFF excels as a collaborative team of consulting professionals driving innovative solutions and sustainable design. Join us to shape the built environment and drive impactful engineering solutions with your creativity and passion.

With over 1,400 professionals across 27 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.

Job Description

KPFF Survey is actively recruiting for a full-time Survey Party Chief position in Portland, Oregon. Our typical projects include control, boundary, topographic, utility, ALTA, verification, and monitor surveying. We collect field data using the latest survey grade equipment, including conventional total stations, digital levels, GPS, 3D scanners, and drone lidar technology. The candidate must possess and accurately represent a minimum of 5 years’ party chief experience. We work with engineers, architects, landscape architects, developers, and public agencies. You may find yourself on a project in downtown Portland one day, followed by something in remote eastern Oregon, and beyond. Travel is required and can vary between 20-45% (depending on the project), but typically the crew is back in Portland for the weekend. 

The successful candidate will work with and lead the survey field team to deliver projects completed safely, accurately, and professionally. Experienced and licensed individuals will actively work with you to further your career path in Land Surveying.

Individuals already working as a crew chief, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience preferred, or someone that can demonstrate multiple years in a senior field technician role are also encouraged to apply. 

Qualifications

Qualifications + Requirements + Party Chief Duties

Candidate must be able to perform field duties in a party chief capacity. The candidate should have knowledge in the maintenance of field equipment, setup, operations, and proper field procedures to ensure efficient and accurate field data collection. Candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and add value to an agile survey team. Candidate must also have the flexibility to travel, a valid Driver's License, and safe driving record. The ability to pass a background check and drug screening may be a requirement to participate in specific projects. Duties will include:

• Lead a field crew safely
• Lead a crew with effective crew resource management
• Lead a crew with appropriate field equipment
• Complete field projects the first time without unnecessary return trips
• Work effectively and maintain a good attitude with our field and office team
• Operate a crew vehicle with current and valid driver’s license
• Operate Trimble S6 robot and GPS with data collection
• Perform efficient, accurate, and complete survey field work
• Take field notes including depiction sketches
• Perform field calculations and construction staking
• Maintain quality field procedures
• Perform equipment calibration and maintenance
• Train/mentor field technicians to effectively and efficiently accomplish the responsibilities described above
• Work Authorization/Sponsorship - At this time, KPFF is unable to provide visa sponsorship or transfer for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Additional Information

Compensation

The base salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and skills. The expected range for a qualified candidate with over 5 years of experience is $31 - $45/hour. Additionally, we offer performance-based bonuses to recognize and reward outstanding contributions in each Reporting Center. During the interview process, we'll provide detailed information and address any questions you may have about the overall compensation package and benefits. KPFF is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Culture and Benefits
At KPFF, we offer a rewarding career path that emphasizes autonomy, innovation, and professional development. Our culture prioritizes employee ownership, teamwork, and shared values, creating an environment where contributions are celebrated, and career growth is encouraged. We aren’t just colleagues; we’re a community dedicated to collaborative innovation, providing you the platform to make a lasting impact on meaningful projects.

KPFF Employee Benefits

• Medical Plan Options: Choice of Traditional PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Dental & Vision: Full preventive care, plus coverage for major dental services and vision allowances.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Company-provided life insurance equal to one year’s salary, plus AD&D.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match needed. 
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term coverage at 60% income, fully covered by KPFF.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays.
• Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay, with options to use PTO for full income.

Additional Perks

• Professional Development: Individual development budget, weekly lunch-and-learns, and monthly social events.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: Options for hybrid work arrangements based on project and office needs.
• Monthly technical educational sessions 
• Mentorship program
• Monthly social events
• Winter parties and summer picnics
• Office committee opportunities 
• Community projects participation 
• Offsite retreats

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.