Survey Instrument Operator

Job Closes: 12/2/2023

GENERAL SUMMARY

Assists the Party Chief/Surveyor in a variety of engineering survey functions, including boundary and construction surveys with the use of various surveying instruments. Ensures accuracy of field data.

Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Operates Leica Survey Instruments such as Total Station with a data collector, Robotic total station with data collector, GPS Rover connected to the area Leica Network, all with Leica software. Operates an optical level, and/or a construction laser to obtain and check elevations.
• Maintains responsibility for the setup, takedown, maintenance and storage of Survey Instruments. Ensures the survey vehicle and other survey equipment and instruments are maintained and in good condition.
• Checks instrument operation by providing check shots and notifying the Party Chief/Surveyor when shots are out of tolerance.
• Ensures accuracy of survey field work and the observance of safe work practices. Clears survey lines using hand instruments (i.e., machete, brush ax, and chain saw). Serves as the River Authority representative for property owners when performing surveys on private property.
• Assists with checking field notes and data for accuracy; and with the performance of mathematical calculations required to reduce and check survey data.
• Converts locations between various coordinate systems.
• Assists in retracing a boundary from field notes, plats, or other descriptions and utilizes working sketches, plats, and plans.
• Assists in acquiring data for boundary, profiles, topography, as built and tree location surveys from previously established base lines.
• Performs construction staking involving park trails and amenities, water lines, storm sewers, sanitary sewer lines and manholes, wastewater plant development, paving, and other utility applications from construction plans and coordinate sheets.
• Uploads survey data into the data collector for boundary recovery, construction staking and route survey staking.
• Exports survey point data to create surfaces, deed tract lines, and plats onto a location on the Department drive location, and Boundary Surveys for property transfer and easement creation.
• Establishes and monitors construction elevations.
• Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

• This position does not directly supervise any employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required. College courses in surveying technology or three (3) to five (5) years of experience as an Instrument Operator providing survey support or experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is preferred.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• None

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• A variety of survey functions including boundary and construction surveys; surveying principles and practices
• The use of modern surveying equipment
• Surveying and coordinating geometry software
• Operating a Total Station with a data collector and TDS software, rover, optical level, and a Construction Laser
• Algebra, trigonometry, and geometry
• Autodesk Civil 3D with Survey and DTM
• Microsoft Office Suite

Skills and Abilities:

• Organization, with a high degree of attention to detail
• Oral and written communication to include technical writing and report preparation
• Read, analyze, and interpret documents, instruction manuals, policies, and procedures
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and SARA Core Values of Stewardship, Integrity, and Excellence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment and Physical Effort: (check the appropriate box:)

Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Medium: Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Heavy: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS continued

Work Locations: (select one frequency choice for each location listed:)

Exposures: (select one frequency choice for each exposure listed:)

San Antonio River Authority is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.