Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under direction of the Public Works Supervisor/City Surveyor to perform office and field land surveying and engineering work and assist the engineering staff.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association Bargaining Unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, standby and call back assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Land Surveying Technician I

General supervision is provided by the Public Works Supervisor/City Surveyor. Technical or functional direction/assistance may be received from a variety of para-professional or professional personnel.

Land Surveying Technician II

General supervision is provided by the Public Works Supervisor/City Surveyor. Responsibilities may include functional supervision of subordinate paraprofessional positions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Land Surveying Technician I

This is the entry-level class in the paraprofessional land surveying series. Incumbents in this class perform routine office and field land surveying and engineering related work. Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion, and changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise until competency is established, then work is performed with greater independence.

Land Surveying Technician II

Positions in this class perform complex and technical surveying work approaching that of the professional land surveying series. Work involves the application of precise para-professional surveying knowledge and techniques. It is performed under the general supervision of a Public Works Supervisor/City Surveyor who makes general assignments and inspects work to ensure that it is conducted according to instructions and in conformity with accepted surveying standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Land Surveying Technician I:

• Assisting and/or leading the survey crew in the field performing surveys; Control Surveys; Boundary Surveys; Topography Surveys; Construction staking.
• Schedule and prioritize the field surveying activities to ensure that deadlines are met.
• Operate Optical, Robotic and GPS surveying instruments with modern technology in a variety of field survey work, conducting preliminary location, construction, property and topographic surveys; keep field notes and make sketches and computations; plot profiles and cross-sections, reduce field notes and compute grades.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on the surveying equipment and other tools.
• Perform necessary routine calibrations on the surveying instruments.
• Assist the Public Works Inspectors during construction inspections verifying horizontal and vertical locations of improvements.
• Assist with reviewing maps and survey documents.
• Assist in preparing legal descriptions and plats.
• Research current technology and assist in determining the need for potential upgrades.
• Perform drafting and design work on computer aided drafting software and other related computer design equipment.
• File and retrieve surveying and engineering plans, maps, exhibits and various documents; update files and keep reference system current.
• Prepare drawn sketches and permanent plans, diagrams and maps for street, water and sewer improvements using CAD software.
• May draft (by hand or CAD software) maps, surveying and engineering plans, charts, diagrams, graphs, tables and sketches for the City-wide projects.
• Reduce field notes for application to drafting assignments.
• Operate copiers, scanners and printers to reproduce engineering plans and maps for staff and public.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Land Surveying Technician II:

In addition to duties of a Land Surveying Technician I:

• Leading the survey crew in the field performing a variety of surveys.
• Prepare legal descriptions and plats.
• Research current technology and assist in determining the need for potential upgrades.
• Assist the public at the counter; provide information on surveying requirements; inform the public of application and checking procedures and related questions.
• Prepare reports and keep accurate record and research records; maintain surveying files.

• Assist staff; prepare special reports; create exhibits.
• Respond to citizen complaints and maintain records.
• Provide information to other divisions.
• Perform complex land surveys and assist with the boundary resolution.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Land Surveying Technician I

Knowledge of:

• Terminology, methods, practices and techniques of both standard conventional drafting and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
• Control Survey datums utilized for horizontal and vertical data collection.
• Computer software and electronic field devices used to collect, transfer and manipulate survey data.
• Proficient operation of Optical, Robotic and GPS surveying instruments with modern technology.
• Proficient operation of a Virtual Reference Station.
• Mathematics as applied to computation of angles, areas, volumes and distances.
• Surveying practices.
• Surveying maps and records.
• Modern office methods and practices.

Ability to:

• Utilize surveying instruments with modern technology.
• Determine the appropriate control survey datum for a variety of surveying projects.
• Determine the necessary accuracy required for a variety of surveying projects.
• Identify the methods and techniques required for the surveying and mapping projects.
• Coordinate with the construction project team to complete the required construction staking.
• Utilize the computer for internet for research and email for communication.
• Interpret City policies and standards.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions and sketches.
• Demonstrate advanced computer skills relevant to land surveying.
• Use and care for drafting, surveying and mechanical instruments and tools.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.

Land Surveying Technician II

In addition to required skills of a Land Surveying Technician I:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of surveying.
• Methods and materials in the construction of public works and utilities facilities.
• Advanced operation of Optical, Robotic and GPS surveying instruments with modern technology.
• Advanced operation of a Virtual Reference Station.
• Policies and regulations governing the construction, extension and maintenance of public works systems and facilities.
• Advanced methods and techniques of surveying and mapping projects.
• Conducting research of necessary land records for surveying, mapping and documents.

Ability to:

• Perform technical research and provide reliable advice on surveying problems.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Perform complex surveying calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Prepare technical reports.
• Complete calculations and staking plans for public works and utility projects.
• Use and care for surveying and computer equipment.
• Read and interpret land title documents.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Land Surveying Technician I

Experience:

One year of paraprofessional field and/or office experience performing routine surveying work utilizing modern technology and procedures. Qualifying experience shall be within five years of applying for this position.

Education:

High School diploma or GED certificate, supplemented by college level courses or equivalent vocational/technical institutional coursework in mathematics, engineering, surveying and computer aided drafting.

Land Surveying Technician II

Experience:

Two years of experience as a Land Surveying Technician in a position comparable to a Land Surveying Technician I with the City of Turlock. Qualifying experience shall be within five years of applying for this position.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of an Associate of Science Degree from an accredited college or vocational/technical institution in an engineering or surveying related field.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE

License:

Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to operate vehicles and survey equipment, read instructions and follow directions; hear well enough to distinguish mechanical noises, to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; bodily mobility to walk, bend, stand, crouch or climb for extended periods of time; ability to operate survey equipment; use hands and fingers for writing, typing, drafting, manipulating precision tools and equipment and other computer related functions; able to lift equipment as necessary; able to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions and be able to lift equipment as necessary.