Now Hiring

Survey Party Chief / Instrument Man — San Antonio

San Antonio, TX (field) 1099 Contractor Per-survey + bi-weekly pay Full-time, part-time, or weekends
The Role

What You'll Do

Alliance Land Surveyors operates one-man crews. As a Survey Party Chief or Instrument Man, you'll work independently in the field — collecting data, setting monuments, and executing surveys across San Antonio and Bexar County. You partner directly with our project manager via phone and email to coordinate each job.

This isn't a traditional crew-based role. You run the field yourself, submit data, and get paid a percentage of each survey's contracted rate. No office politics, no crew drama — just surveying.

  • Execute field surveys independently: boundary, property, lot, form, as-built, fence, TABC, tree, topographic, construction staking, and ALTA surveys
  • Collect and record field data using total stations, GPS/GNSS, and digital levels
  • Set iron rods, caps, and property corner monuments
  • Submit completed data via email or Buildertrend for drafting
  • Communicate with the project manager on scheduling, scope, and field conditions
  • Submit bi-weekly invoices for completed work
Growth Path

How You'll Advance

New instrument men typically start with straightforward surveys — lot surveys, form surveys, as-builts, and TABC surveys. As you demonstrate competence and reliability, you'll advance to more complex projects including boundary surveys, topographic surveys, ALTA surveys, and commercial construction staking. Your workload and complexity grow with your skills.

Requirements

What You Need

  • Experience as a Survey Instrument Man or Party Chief (Texas field experience preferred)
  • Proficiency with total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, and digital levels
  • Reliable personal vehicle for getting to job sites (jobs assigned close to your location when possible)
  • Ability to work independently without direct supervision
  • Strong communication skills — phone and email responsiveness matters
  • Attention to detail and accurate data collection habits
  • Physical ability to work outdoors in Texas heat, traverse rough terrain, and carry equipment
Compensation & Details

Pay & Structure

  • Pay structure: Percentage of each survey's contracted rate (flat rate per survey). Hourly arrangements available in specific situations.
  • Pay schedule: Bi-weekly. You track hours/jobs and submit invoices using our documentation templates.
  • Employment type: 1099 independent contractor. Alliance does not provide W-2 employment, benefits, or insurance for this role.
  • Equipment: Alliance provides total stations and survey equipment as needed. You supply your own vehicle, rebar, and basic consumables (reimbursed).
  • Schedule: Flexible — full-time, part-time, or weekend-only. We welcome experienced surveyors looking to supplement their income.
  • Location: San Antonio and surrounding areas. Jobs assigned close to your location whenever possible.
Common Questions

Party Chief FAQ

Instrument men typically start with straightforward jobs — lot surveys, form surveys, as-builts, and TABC surveys. As you gain experience (or if you already have advanced skills), you'll move to more complex surveys including boundary, ALTA, and topographic.
Alliance provides total stations and major equipment. You'll need your own vehicle to get to job sites. You also purchase consumables (rebar, caps, flagging) which are reimbursed.
Pay is a flat percentage of each survey's contracted rate, paid bi-weekly. You track your work and submit invoices using documentation we provide. Hourly arrangements can be made in specific situations.
Yes. We welcome weekend-only workers and those looking to take on a few jobs outside their regular employment. Flexible scheduling is one of the advantages of this contractor-based role.
This is a 1099 contractor role. Alliance does not provide health insurance, retirement benefits, or workers' compensation. As an independent contractor, you're responsible for your own insurance and tax obligations.

Apply for This Position

Send your resume to aaron@alliancelandsurveyors.com with your experience level, equipment familiarity, and availability. Include sample surveys if you have them (not required).

Prefer to talk first? Call (210) 369-9509 to discuss the role before applying.