Survey Crew Chief

A Survey Crew Chief at Westwood Professional Services, Inc. leads a survey team to collect data critical for design activities and construction projects. This role involves conducting boundary surveys, construction staking, and topographical surveys while ensuring adherence to safety and quality control standards. Team members effectively organize field materials, operate various surveying equipment, and maintain communication with office teams to report status and address any issues.

To qualify for the Survey Crew Chief role at Westwood Professional Services, Inc., candidates should possess experience leading survey crews and operating surveying equipment such as total stations and GPS. Basic office computer skills are necessary, and having an Associate’s degree in Surveying or Engineering Technology is preferred. Candidates must also be physically fit for fieldwork and capable of lifting equipment as needed.

Essential skills for a Survey Crew Chief at Westwood Professional Services, Inc. include strong leadership abilities to guide team members, problem-solving aptitude, and technical expertise in surveying tools and methods. Additionally, excellent communication skills are crucial for maintaining partnerships with clients and coordinating with office staff. A commitment to safety and a dedication to quality workmanship also play a vital role in ensuring project success.

As a Survey Crew Chief at Westwood Professional Services, Inc., you can expect a dynamic work environment that primarily involves fieldwork in various outdoor settings. This role requires mobility around construction sites and the ability to adapt to different weather conditions. While much of the work is done in the field, good collaboration with office personnel is also key for successful project management.

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is committed to the growth and development of its employees, including Survey Crew Chiefs. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and learning, encouraging team members to continually expand their skills. Mentorship opportunities exist within the team, and employees are often given access to training programs for professional development, ensuring they stay at the forefront of industry trends and technologies.

To ensure accurate data collection, it’s important to implement a clear protocol and checklists for each survey task. Regularly training your team on the use of equipment like total stations and GPS, alongside conducting spot-checks during data gathering, can also reinforce accuracy and reliability in results.

When discussing a challenging project, focus on specific obstacles you faced, such as adverse weather or equipment malfunctions. Outline the steps you took to resolve these issues, such as adjusting project timelines or troubleshooting equipment failure, while emphasizing teamwork and communication with your crew.

In your answer, detail previous experiences with construction staking, including the methods used and technologies employed. Explain your approach to validating lines and grades, and how you ensure that the staked points meet design specifications accurately.

Highlight the importance of following established safety protocols and conducting regular safety briefings with your team. Mention how you ensure that all team members are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and how you handle any safety hazards that arise.

Explain your preferred communication channels and tools, such as project management software or regular check-ins. Emphasize the importance of clear reporting on project status, challenges faced, and any support needed from office personnel to maintain project momentum.

Discuss your familiarity with a range of surveying equipment, including total stations, GPS units, and data collectors. Be ready to explain how you've utilized these tools for specific projects and any specialized techniques or settings that maximize efficiency.

Share your approach to mentorship, highlighting teaching techniques such as hands-on training, checking-in on their progress, and offering constructive feedback. Exceptional mentorship fosters a supportive environment for learning and growth within the crew.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to outline a specific situation where you had to think on your feet to address a challenge. Discuss the actions you took and the outcome, emphasizing your ability to remain calm and resourceful.

Share personal motivators that align with the role, such as the satisfaction of completing accurate work, contributing to impactful projects, or the opportunity to lead and train a team. This helps interviewers see your passion for the field.

Be prepared to outline your knowledge of current trends in surveying technologies, such as UAS (drone) surveying or advancements in data processing software. Talk about how you stay informed and integrate new technologies into your work to enhance productivity.