Survey Technician

Employees in this class are responsible for performing various tasks involving operation of sighting instruments/equipment requiring highly developed skill in making accurate measurements on engineering surveys. Work is of more than average difficulty and involves applying sighting equipment operating skill in describing field information to provide adequate coverage. Operates such surveying instruments/equipment as the transit and the level; the type surveying instrument/equipment and procedures utilized in the particular surveying assignment are selected so as to attain results of 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 sighting instruments/equipment in making accurate measurements on engineering 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 transit for running baselines, straight lines and turning angles, and for calculating angles on the vernier between two points; uses level to set grades and line stakes, take profiles and elevations; uses tape measure to determine distances; determines elevation in order to set utilities.

Uses metal finder, shovel and probe rod to locate property corners and underground utilities; uses sledgehammer to drive stakes and hubs; prepares non-technical drawings and sketches; coordinates with utility engineers/representatives to locate utility lines for projects in order to make accurate angle, distance and elevation measurements on engineering surveys and construction surveys.

Operates microfilm/microfiche reader/viewer in order to read microfilm; operates digital paging system, base station, computer aided dispatch system, remotes, medical telephone interconnect, mobile data communications systems, etc. 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 of city facilities, infrastructure, and other engineering information from city drawing archives and aerial photographs to facilitate their understanding and knowledge of same; conducts site inspections to ascertain correctness of information contained in submitted plans; prepares, modifies and maintains wire diagram for relay panels for traffic control systems and controller cabinets.

Trains lower level employees in the technical operation and use of various sighting 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; basic engineering surveying techniques, methods, and procedures; work hazards and applicable safety precautions.

Some knowledge of: basic geometry.

Ability to: make mathematical computations using basic math; take measurements using 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 engineering drawings; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and the public.

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

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

Some positions might require possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

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.

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