Instrument Operator

Position Overview

Works as a member of a Survey Field Crew under the direct supervision of the Survey Party Chief. Performs boundary, topographic, and other land surveys for Harris County properties and rights-of-way.

Job Duties

• Maintains ample quantities of supplies, as well as loading and maintaining equipment for the assigned survey crew
• Operates, handles, and maintains survey equipment, including GNSS receivers, Robotic and Conventional Instrumentation, levels, etc.
• Gets to and works at jobsites that are not easily accessible either by vehicle or on foot
• Reports survey measurements (angles, distances, coordinates, etc.), and their accuracies to the Survey Crew Chief
• Aids with traffic control around the survey area
• Maintains harmonious relationships and communicates effectively with co-workers, supervisors, clients, and the general public
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Rod Person working on boundary and topographic surveying projects, with experience in other types of surveying
• Must have verifiable experience in operating field instrumentation and equipment, including but not limited to conventional levels, total stations, GNSS rovers and receivers, and data collectors
• Valid Texas Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Basic knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions that include the practical use of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as they apply to surveying
• Physical strength and stamina to work as a member of a survey crew, which includes but may not be limited to measuring with a survey chain, chopping brush and trees, holding prism poles and level rods for long periods of time, learning to keep field notes, using and learning to use different types of surveying equipment, and potentially leading a survey field crew
• Willingness to work in various weather and working conditions

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement

• In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols
• The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:
• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity

Preferences

• Some college coursework or higher
• Progressive experience in surveying crews, from Rodman to Instrument Man or higher, with verifiable efficiency and production in all roles
• Experience in construction surveying and in using other field equipment is also preferred
• Strong, progressive experience with an understanding of the use of field instrumentation (Trimble and Leica), GNSS, robotic total stations, total stations, data collectors, levels, and other equipment

General Information

• Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work: Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week
• Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload
• Salary: Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods
• This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs.; frequent walking, standing, and sitting; reaching; ascending/descending stairs; ascending/descending channel slopes; and walking across uneven terrain
• Subjected to outdoor environment situations and inclement weather conditions on a daily basis
• Occasional driving of a vehicle with automatic and four-wheel drive controls

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Wellness
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible spending accounts
• 457 deferred compensation plans
• Retailment pension (TCDRS)
• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program)
• Disability and life insurance
• Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)