Survey Technician

Employees in this class are responsible for performing various tasks involving operation of surveying instruments/equipment requiring highly developed skill in making accurate measurements on boundary, control, and topographic surveys. Work is of more than average difficulty and involves applying surveying equipment operation skills in collecting and describing field information to provide adequate coverage. Operates surveying instruments/equipment, such as the total station, level and GPS units, utilizing the correct procedures necessary for the particular surveying assignment, to attain results in the required accuracy and completeness. Under general supervision, employees are required to exercise some initiative in the application of specialized skill and independent judgment in the application of knowledge of surveying methods and techniques when making measurements and operating equipment. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion for technical adequacy and adherence to instructions given.

Operates surveying instruments/equipment in making accurate measurements on boundary, control, and topographic surveys; operates transits, levels and other instruments along clear, accessible routes; runs traverse lines from known points and level circuits between benchmarks of known elevation; measures angles, distances and differences in elevation between points.

Operates total station, level and GPS to establish baselines, measuring straight lines and turning angles, and for measuring angles with the total station between two points; uses level to establish elevations and run level loops, or take profiles and cross sections; uses GPS, total station, or tape measure to determine distances; determines elevation(s) in order to establish benchmarks.

Uses metal detector, shovel and probe rod to locate property corners and underground utilities; uses sledgehammer to drive stakes, hubs, right of way and control markers; prepares non-technical drawings and sketches; locate utility lines as established/delineated by utility engineers/representatives for projects for accurate depiction on boundary, control, and topographic surveys.

Operates cellular telephone, hand held radios to communicate with others; operates a computer to download data files from a data collector; operates a calculator.

Reads and interprets surveying data, technical plans and specifications, blueprints, or diagrams to complete assignments; informs public of location to find city facilities, infrastructure, and other boundary, control, and topographic information from city drawing archives. Conducts site inspections to ascertain correctness of survey information contained in city prepared surveys.

Trains lower level employees in the technical operation and use of various surveying equipment; provides assistance to party chiefs in giving instructions to lower level personnel and checking work product for quality control purposes; takes charge of crew in the absence of and upon the request of party chief and performs requisite duties; drives survey truck to and from job site as required.

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: Operation and use of basic and precision surveying instruments/equipment, including survey grade GPS; basic boundary, control, and topographic surveying techniques, methods, and procedures; work hazards and applicable safety precautions.

Some knowledge of: Basic geometry.

Ability to: Make mathematical computations using basic math; make measurements using GPS, total station, or a steel tape; perform work involving a considerable amount of walking, at times in unpleasant weather or conditions; understand and follow oral and written instructions/ standardized procedures; read and interpret survey and/or engineering drawings; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and the public, use a machete, axe, or chain saw to clear lines for making survey measurements.

Skill in: The operation and care of basic and precision surveying instruments/equipment; personal computer and calculator.

Graduation from an accredited high school and completion of one (1) year of college with coursework in surveying, civil engineering or related subjects with one (1) year of experience in operating surveying instruments/equipment on boundary, control, and topographic surveys; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.