Job Description — Chief Surveyor, Road Project
Position Summary
The Chief Surveyor is responsible for managing and supervising all surveying and setting-out activities for a road construction project. The role ensures that the road alignment, levels, coordinates, earthworks, structures, drainage, and other works are constructed accurately in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Manage and supervise the surveying team, including surveyors, technicians, and chainmen.
Establish and maintain project control points, benchmarks, reference stations, and survey networks.
Carry out and verify setting-out for:
Road centerline and alignment
Horizontal and vertical curves
Formation and subgrade levels
Embankments and cuttings
Pavement layers
Drainage structures and culverts
Bridges and other structures
Road furniture and ancillary works
Check coordinates, elevations, chainages, offsets, and dimensions against approved drawings.
Conduct topographical, longitudinal, and cross-sectional surveys as required.
Monitor earthwork quantities and assist with measurement and quantity calculations.
Carry out as-built surveys and prepare accurate survey records and drawings.
Review survey data and ensure accuracy before submitting it for approval.
Coordinate with the Project Manager, Construction Manager, Site Engineers, QA/QC team, and consultant's survey team.
Review construction drawings and identify discrepancies or conflicts affecting setting-out.
Ensure that surveying activities comply with project specifications, method statements, quality requirements, and applicable standards.
Operate and oversee the use of total stations, GNSS/GPS equipment, digital levels, drones where approved, and relevant surveying software.
Ensure all surveying equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and in good working condition.
Maintain survey field books, control-point registers, calibration records, level books, calculation sheets, and other survey documentation.
Verify contractor/subcontractor survey work where applicable.
Assist the quantity surveying and commercial teams with measurement and verification of completed works.
Provide technical guidance and training to junior surveyors and survey technicians.
Identify and resolve survey-related technical issues during construction.
Ensure safe working practices are followed during all surveying activities.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or diploma in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
Professional surveying certification or registration is an advantage.
Strong knowledge of land surveying principles and road construction surveying.
Good knowledge of coordinate systems, benchmarks, levels, alignment, and setting-out procedures.
Proficiency with Total Station, GNSS/GPS, AutoCAD/Civil 3D, digital levels, and relevant surveying software.
Experience
Typically 9–12+ years of surveying experience, preferably with significant experience on major road/highway projects.
Previous experience in a Chief Surveyor or Senior Surveyor position is preferred.
Experience in earthworks, pavement construction, drainage, bridges, and road structures.
Experience working with consultants, contractors, and government/road authorities is an advantage.
Key Competencies
Strong technical surveying and analytical skills.
Excellent knowledge of road construction methods and tolerances.
High attention to accuracy and detail.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Strong leadership and team-management skills.
Good communication and coordination abilities.
Ability to work under pressure and meet construction deadlines.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Commitment to quality, safety, and accurate documentation.
Reporting
The Chief Surveyor typically reports to the Project Manager / Construction Manager and coordinates closely with the Consultant/Engineer, QA/QC Manager, Site Engineers, and Quantity Surveyor.
