SURVEY TECHNICIAN

Applications available online from Tuesday, August 4, 2026 through 11:59 pm, Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine surveying work on a survey crew under immediate supervision.
• Provide surveying support using various types of survey equipment.
• Select suitable positions for intermediate instrument points to expedite survey progress.
• Set out and remove traffic warning flags and barrier cones.
• Clear obstacles from the line of survey as directed.
• Operate survey instruments and set/mark grade stakes, hubs, turning points, and recover survey monuments.
• Perform construction staking, design surveys, monitoring surveys, monument perpetuation, and other types of surveys.
• Make survey calculations, sketches, and field notes.
• Download, process, and upload survey data.
• Use other survey equipment or CAD/computer programs.
• Clean and care for instruments, tools, vehicles, and office spaces.
• Operate City vehicles incidental to primary assignment.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the requirements of Option A or Option B:

• Option A: Six months of paid, full-time equivalent work experience on a survey party engaged in land surveying and/or civil engineering, plus six or more units of coursework in land surveying or related fields such as civil engineering, geology/earth science, construction management, or Geographic Information System (GIS). Proof of coursework is required.
• Option B: Any combination of the aforementioned experience or education totaling one year. Proof is required.

Proof of required documents (e.g., degree or transcripts) must be uploaded with the online application. Documents must include the applicant's name or other identifying information. Degrees must indicate the field of study, and transcripts must show the field of study and degree conferral date. Candidates with degrees from outside the U.S. must provide proof of educational equivalence at the time of filing.

Skills

• Knowledge of basic survey methods, terms, engineering terminology, and mathematical computations such as geometry and trigonometry.
• Proficiency with computer programs related to surveying.
• Ability and willingness to work in and around heavy traffic and construction sites.
• Ability to pass a TSA background check to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) and/or Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge within the probationary period.
• Physical ability to perform surveying tasks, including repetitive or continuous stooping, twisting, kneeling, walking, standing, and lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs in mild to harsh weather conditions.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• A valid driver’s license must be submitted to the hiring department at the time of the selection interview.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with preliminary, topographic, construction, boundary, and control surveys.
• Familiarity with total stations, data collectors, computers, and software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, Trimble Business Center, MicroStation/InRoads, or other related applications.
• Experience with global positioning system (GPS) receivers, construction staking, design surveys, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and other surveying systems.
• Possession of California Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) or California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.

Selection Procedure

• Application and Supplemental Application: Qualifying.
• Written Exam: 100% of the overall score. A minimum rating of 70 is required to pass.

Certification by score bands may be considered based on exam results. The eligible list will remain in effect for at least one year. Screening of applicants will be based on the application and required supplemental application. Only candidates with the strongest backgrounds will be invited to the examination process. The selection procedure may change based on the number of applications received, and affected candidates will be notified.

Eligible veterans who qualify on open-competitive examinations receive an additional 10 points added to their passing score. Disabled veterans receive an additional 15 points. A copy of the DD-214 (Member 4 form) indicating honorable discharge must be attached to the application at the time of filing.

This position is eligible for Local Hiring Preferences and Veterans Preference Points. Bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer, and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.