Senior Instrument Operator / Assistant Party Chief

Senior Instrument Operator / Assistant Party Chief Construction Surveying | Field-Focused |

Growth-Oriented Role Location:

Newtown, PA (projects throughout Eastern PA, New Jersey, and Delaware - typically within a 1.5-hour radius) About the Company We are a well-established, employee-owned construction firm generating approximately $120M annually, with a strong presence in bridge, transit, marine, and heavy civil construction. Our surveying group is a critical part of project execution, supporting complex foundation work, specialty construction, and marine operations. More than half of our full-time employees are owners, and our culture is built around teamwork, accountability, and shared success. Survey crews work closely with project managers and construction teams to plan work efficiently and support one another in the field. The Opportunity We are seeking a Senior Instrument Operator / Assistant Party Chief to serve as a key bridge role within our survey team. This position sits between our experienced Party Chiefs and a developing Apprentice, providing critical field support while also handling independent responsibilities. This role is ideal for an experienced Instrument Operator or junior Party Chief who enjoys being in the field, wants increased responsibility, and values working as part of a tight-knit, construction-focused team. Current Team Structure Two highly experienced Party Chiefs leading complex construction survey work One Apprentice / Instrument Operator (early-career) This role acts as a go-to support resource for Party Chiefs while providing additional field capacity Key Responsibilities Operate and maintain survey instruments (total stations, GNSS, levels, etc.) Support Party Chiefs on larger and more complex construction projects Independently handle simpler monitoring, layout, and as-built tasks as assigned Serve as a reliable second-in-command on major jobs Assist with job setup, control, and verification in the field Communicate effectively with Party Chiefs, Project Managers, and construction crews Help mentor and support the Apprentice as needed Ensure accuracy, safety, and efficiency on active job sites

Ideal Candidate Profile Experience:

3+ years of construction surveying experience preferred Strong background as an Instrument Operator, with exposure to layout and monitoring Experience working on bridge, transit, marine, or heavy civil projects is a plus

Skills & Traits:

Comfortable working independently on straightforward assignments Confident supporting Party Chiefs on technically demanding work Strong understanding of construction workflows and jobsite coordination Reliable, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious Team-first mindset with a willingness to step in where needed Why This Role Stands Out Clear step-up role without full Party Chief pressure Mix of independent responsibility and team-based fieldwork Opportunity to learn from highly experienced Party Chiefs Exposure to complex, high-profile construction projects Stable workload with multiple active projects Strong internal support and collaboration Ownership & Compensation Highlights Employee-Owned company Opportunity to participate in ownership after a qualifying period via a $10K buy-in funded through payroll contributions Competitive compensation based on experience Long-term financial upside tied to company performance Work Environment & Culture Field-based role with consistent local/regional work Projects typically within 1.5 hours of the Newtown, PA office Collaborative, in-person culture (not a remote role) Leadership prioritizes planning jobs efficiently and keeping work close to employees' homes when possible Growth Path This role offers a clear path for advancement, including: Senior Instrument Operator Party Chief Support toward long-term surveying career development for motivated individuals If you are an experienced Instrument Operator looking for more responsibility, autonomy, and a long-term home within an employee-owned construction firm, this role offers stability, growth, and challenging field work.