Survey Party Chief

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

  A skilled position responsible for performing surveying and mapping duties under the direction of the County Surveyor, to obtain data used for construction plans, routes, boundary location or other purposes. May calculate information and create maps from source data such as surveying notes, aerial photography, GPS data or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, rights-of-way, stockpile volumes or other features as directed by the surveyor. May verify accuracy and completeness of topographical maps or recently constructed improvements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The following statements describe the principal functions of the job and its scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

• Provides technical guidance for the field party in topographic land surveying, hydro-graphic surveying and geodetic surveying.  
• Assists the County Surveyor in the review and translation of field survey written notes and sketches as well as digitally collected data, correcting and verifying when necessary.
• Assists the County Surveyor in making preliminary estimates for engineering projects, analyzing data as it comes from the field, and in preparing detailed and specific recommendations for professional engineers.
• Operates GPS equipment, data collectors, theodolite, digital and automatic levels in field survey crews in establishing lines, taking cross sections and running level loops and traverses.  
• Reduces survey notes, plots and checks cross sections, center lines and grade.  
• Computes excavation and fill, percentage of grade and elevations.  Transfers proposed grades to cross section sheets and plots proposed templates.  
• Prepares completed sketches and field notes in connection with the construction, repair and alterations of existing structures.
• Investigates new construction.  
• Makes field inspections of drainage problems.  
• Checks proposed street grades and drainage plans.
• Direct supervisory authority over the Survey Tech I and over the survey operations under direct authority of the County Surveyor.
• Research legal records, look for evidence of previous boundaries and ability to analyze the data to determine the location of boundary lines.
• Maintain a professional and safe unit and work area adhering to established safety policies and the image desired for the organization.
• Follow consistently the Board policies and procedures.
• Responds productively to change and performs all other related tasks as directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, techniques and practices of topographic, hydro-graphic, boundary and land surveying.  
• Skill in the use of land surveying equipment.   
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications.  
• A general working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3-D and data transfer software. 
• Ability to make surveying computations quickly and accurately.  
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
• Ability to apply basic concepts of algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to use deductive reasoning and apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Ability to perform job duties continually in an outdoor environment and in varying weather conditions, including harsh climates.
• Ability to perform job duties in various terrains, including urban environments, swamps, woods, construction sites and sometimes in close proximity to moving traffic.
• Ability to identify and correct conditions which may affect employee safety.
• Ability to pay attention to minute details of a project or task.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, supervisors, directors, elected officials, vendors, and the general public.

Physical Skills: 

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 25% of the time.  The individual in this position frequently communicates with the public and co-workers.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, climb ladders, scaffolding, etc.  Occasionally moves materials and equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.  Consistently works in an outdoor environment.  Occasionally works in inclement outdoor weather conditions.  Frequently operates a motor vehicle or heavy equipment for up to four (4) hours continuously or intermittently. Occasionally works in rugged terrain; to include very steep, wet, muddy, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces. Positions require physical exertions such as bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities. Individuals should be capable of working alone. Use of near and far vision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Four years' experience with surveying operations.  

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

 Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License.  

OTHER JOB-RELATED REQUIREMENTS:

         Disaster Essential.

THE HIGHLANDS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Does not Discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religious belief, color, national origin, disability/handicap, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics or any other legally protected group/class. We are proud to be a drug free workplace. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required as a condition of employment