Survey Instrument Operator

Under general supervision sets up and operates an electronic total station instrument and level on construction and engineering survey assignments; performs related duties as required.

Class Characteristics

This journey level technical classification performs field and office survey work under the direction of the Chief of Party. The employees assignments objectives work methods and sequence of steps are explained in general terms. Work review is not constant but checks are integrated into the work process. It is distinguished from the next higher classification of Chief of Party by the latters responsibility to plan organize and lead the work of a survey crew.

• Operates survey instruments including electronic total stations theodolites levels transits drones and GNSS/GPS receivers for field data collection.
• Supports USA811 utility locating by identifying marking and mapping underground utilities using approved locating equipment and GPS tools.
• Assists with drone (UAS) operations for aerial mapping site documentation topographic surveys and project monitoring including field setup and ground control placement.
• Maintains survey equipment GPS units drones electronic field books and related tools to ensure proper functionality.
• Clears vegetation or brush to establish line of sight for survey operations.
• Reads interprets and reviews maps engineering plans utility diagrams and construction drawings.
• Creates accurate field notes sketches and digital recordings of survey observations using manual methods or electronic field book systems.
• Operates and maintains survey vehicles ensuring safe transport of equipment.
• Collaborates with surveyors inspectors utility companies and engineering staff to support project coordination.
• Helps process drone imagery into orthomosaics point clouds or terrain models as directed.
• Provides support for asset management mapping GIS updates and utility system documentation.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Mathematics through algebra geometry and trigonometry; modern and office engineering terminology equipment practices and principles; survey theory including slope reduction and differential level.

Skill in: Setting up operating cleaning adjusting and maintaining survey instruments and equipment; making field notes sketches and calculations either manually or using electronic equipment; driving on paved and unpaved surfaces.

Ability to: Operate survey instruments and equipment including total station USA locating equipment and mapping tools; understand and follow written and verbal instructions and manuals; make accurate mathematical calculations; prepare accurate and legible field notes and drawings; develop and maintain cooperative work relationships with individuals from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; demonstrate good judgment and exercise initiative; operate EDM and other survey instruments and equipment; perform basic drafting; log and edit GIS features; work safely in traffic; work accurately with details.

Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.

Education/Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience which has provided the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge skills and abilities would be: graduation from high school with course work in algebra geometry trigonometry and drafting and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience with a field survey crew.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements

Positions in this classification require possession of a valid Class C California Drivers License by the time of appointment. Failure to possess or maintain the valid required license shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside of City limits.

Possession of or the ability to acquire a Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 license is desirable.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Rare < 10% Occasional 11-33% Frequent 34-66% Constant >66%

Sitting: Occasional
Walking: Frequent
Standing: Frequent
Bending (neck): Frequent
Bending (waist): Occasional
Squatting: Rare
Climbing: Rare
Kneeling: Rare
Crawling: Rare
Jumping: Rare
Balancing: Rare
Twisting (neck): Occasional
Twisting (waist): Occassional
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Occasional
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Occasional
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare
Fine manipulation (dominant): Occasional
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Occasional
Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare
Reach above shoulder level: Rare

Push/pull:
up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Rare
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
over 100 lbs. Never

Lifting:
up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Frequent
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
over 100 lbs. Never

Carrying:
up to 10 lbs. Frequent
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Rare
51 to 75 lbs. Rare
76 to 100 lbs. Never
over 100 lbs. Never
Coordination:
Eye-hand: Required
Eye-hand-foot: Not required
Driving: Required

Vision:
Acuity near: Required
Acuity far: Required
Depth perception: Required
Accommodation: Required
Color vision: Required
Field of vision: Required

Talking:
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required

Hearing:
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Not required

Work environment:
Works indoors works outdoors exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature being around moving machinery exposure to dust fumes smoke gases odors mists or other irritating particles exposure to radiation or electrical energy exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces using computer monitor exposure to vibration works around others works alone works with others.

Class Code: 5465
FLSA: Non-exempt
EEOC Code: 3
Barg. Unit: OE3
Probation: 12 Months
Rev.: 07/26