SURVEYING TECHNICIAN

JOB DESCRIPTION

SURVEYING TECHNICIAN
ENGINEERING

Human Resources Department
700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200

Newport News, VA 23606
NEWPORT NEWS, VA Phone: (757) 926-1800

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY Fax: (757) 926-1825

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for technical surveying work in support of
engineering projects. Reports to the Professional Land Surveyor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for plane and geodetic surveys for construction, topographic, right-of-way, and control
survey projects; participates in pre-survey planning meetings with project managers, engineers and
contractor representatives; gathers field survey data through use of conventional and Global
Positioning System (GPS) methods; sets up, adjusts, and operates surveying equipment, including
electronic total station, data collector, and GPS equipment, in order to measure distances, elevations,
and angles; prepares field notes and drawings. Performs field surveying for roadway, bridges, and
flood control projects, including installing surveying construction stakes, placing existing intersection
ties and locating or establishing vertical and horizontal control, right of way, monuments, corners,
boundaries, and property lines.

Performs surveying calculations using engineering calculator, laptop computer, personal computer,
and graphics and coordinate geometry (Cogo) software, such as AutoCAD; analyzes raw data for
mathematical closure and geometric accuracy; provides survey information for Geographic
Information System (GIS); prepares finished grade sheets, topographic maps, records of survey,
corner records, and other reports.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE


Surveying – Knowledge of principles and practices of land surveying, including boundary
determination, preparation of legal descriptions, and Geographic Information Systems and the
Professional Land Surveyors Act. Knowledge of survey instruments including electronic total
station, data collector, network control stations, and GPS measuring equipment. 

Technology – Knowledge of computerized mapping technology and software as it relates to GIS
analysis and map production.

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REQUIRED SKILLS


Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. 

Critical Thinking – Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate a variety of
situations and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative
solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Time Management – Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Ability to establish
priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. 

Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports
and logs. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally
and in writing. 

Mathematics – Knowledge of basic math algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as used in field
survey analysis.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a high school diploma and 3 - 4 years of field surveying experience or an equivalent
combination of education and experience. Licensed Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) designation is
preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort. 

Some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. 

Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (10-20
pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. 

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such
as dirt, dust, pollen wetness, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, or traffic hazards.

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