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- Field Engineer - SurveyStart Date: 09/02/2026Location: Luray, VA or Roanoke, VASalary: $26 - $34 per hour
Description
This is a field position for someone with an engineering or construction education who wants to be outside on real projects rather than behind a desk drawing them. You do not need survey experience and you do not need an EIT. You need the technical foundation a degree gives you and the willingness to spend your days on active construction sites in every kind of weather.
You will start alongside experienced crew chiefs doing construction layout - roads, bridges, utilities, and site work across the I-81 corridor. Our intent is that inside the first year you are running at least some of your own work, and that within a few years you are a crew chief who also understands the design side of what is being built. Very few people in Virginia can do both. That is the point of this role.
If you came out of a construction management, construction engineering, or civil program and the part you liked best was the site visit, this is the job that is mostly site visit.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Work alongside crew chiefs performing construction stakeout and layout - roadway alignments and grades, structures, drainage, and utilities, from plans and cut sheets.
- Set up and operate robotic total stations, levels, and GPS/RTK with electronic data collection. We will teach you this, and you will be competent within a few months.
- Set and check horizontal and vertical control, and verify calibration before layout begins.
- Read construction plans, profiles, and cross sections, and reconcile them against what is actually in the ground.
- Perform quantity topo and earthwork shots supporting pay quantities.
- Support field observation on active projects - documenting progress, verifying conformance to plans and specifications, and flagging problems early enough to matter.
- Prepare accurate field notes and daily logs, and communicate clearly with contractors, superintendents, and inspectors on site.
- Maintain and inventory assigned equipment, supplies, and vehicles.
- Take on independent assignments as you earn them, working toward running some of your own work inside the first year.
Requirements
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in construction management, construction engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related field. Recent graduates encouraged.
- No survey experience required. No EIT required.
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans, profiles, and cross sections.
- Comfort with coordinate geometry and field mathematics - you will use both every day.
- Willingness to work outdoors for extended periods in all seasons and weather.
- A valid, insurable driver's license with a clean record.
- Ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.
- Ability to pass a drug screening.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship, co-op, or summer work with a contractor, a DOT, or an engineering firm.
- Any exposure to survey equipment, total stations, or GPS - coursework counts.
- EIT designation or eligibility to sit for the FE exam. Welcome, not required.
- OSHA-10 or OSHA-30, MOT, first aid, or CPR certifications.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- An interest in bridge or heavy civil work.
Role Progression Expectations
- First few months: on a crew, learning the instrument, the math, and how a jobsite actually runs.
- Inside the first year: running at least some of your own work, with support close by.
- Two to four years: crew chief, or construction project engineer. Your call, and we will support either.
- Racey reimburses OSHA, MOT, Surveyor-in-Training, EIT, and PE preparation and exam costs.
Physical Requirements, Travel, and Schedule
- Full-time, 8-hour shifts. Overtime is regular on field crews, and it is paid. Per diem paid for overnight stays.
- In person - this is field work, based out of the Luray, VA or Ronaoke, VA office.
- Regular presence on active construction sites and in undeveloped terrain.
- Travel throughout Virginia with frequent overnight assignments.
- Must be able to pass a drug screening.
Compensation
$26.00 - $34.00 per hour, with entry at the bottom of the range and no survey experience required. Overtime is regular on field crews and it is paid, which makes a real difference to annual earnings. Certification and licensure costs are reimbursed.
BeNEFITS
Racey Engineering is a 2026 Best Places to Work in Virginia firm, and we offer a strong and growing benefits package for our employees. A few highlights:
- Health insurance ($0 deductible; 75% paid by employer)
- Group Term Life Insurance paid by employer ($50,000)
- Dental, vision, and other supplemental insurances
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid leave and holidays
- Bereavement, Parental, and Jury Duty Leave
- Education and tuition reimbursement
- Referral bonus program
Opportunity Awaits
At Racey Engineering you will find a family-oriented culture that cares about you (and your family) and about making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. You will work on projects across the Commonwealth while we support you as you learn and grow your technical and professional skills. We are looking for people who share our values and want to contribute to a strong work environment. If you are ready to take on new challenges, grow your skills, and make a meaningful impact, we would like to hear from you.
Racey Engineering, PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
