Job Description

INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE 19060

Effective Date:	12/92A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform technical survey work of average difficulty as part of a survey crew. Instrument Technicians operate electronic measuring and data collecting devices and other survey instruments in the performance of survey work. Work is performed under the direction and training of a Senior Party Chief or Party Chief who checks work for technical accuracy, completeness and production.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Operates various survey engineering instruments such as transit, level theodolite, and electronic distance measuring devices;
• Locates and establishes lines, critical points, and angles;
• Establishes relationship of surface features with each other by angles, elevations, and distances;
• Digs ground using a pick, shovel, and other hand tools to search for and locate survey monuments;
• Cuts and removes brush and undergrowth for line of sight;
• Complies notes for level circuits, traverse closures, precise levels, property corners, topography notes, horizontal and vertical curves, cross-sections for earthwork, calculations, and building grades;
• Holds and plumbs rod in obtaining elevations and distances;
• Holds survey chain in measuring distances;
• Drives stakes to set grades on construction projects;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering and survey terminology.
• Basic construction procedures and techniques.
• Procedures and techniques required for the accurate recording of survey data.

Ability to:

• Read and understand plans, blueprints, and specifications.
• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions in the English language.
• Perform algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric calculations.
• Understand and follow standard surveying practices and procedures.
• Exercise sound judgment in completing assignments.
• Communicate orally with other City employees and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings.
• Travel across rough, uneven or rocky surfaces at construction sites.
• Measure distance using a tape measure or electronic distance measuring device.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language.
• Make precise arm-hand positioning movements and maintains static arm-hand position to operate survey instruments.
• Coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously.
• Drive stakes with up to a 16 pound sledge hammer to set grades on construction projects.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to use survey instruments.
• Make continuous or repetitive hand-arm movement to send signals to a survey crew.
• Move objects between 20-50 pounds long distances (20 feet or more).
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements and dust.
• Review or check the work products of others for conformance with standards.
• Prepare accurate survey notes, records, and sketches on work performed or data secured.
• Use a hand held calculator to perform mathematical calculations.
• Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time.
• Walk distances up to a 1/2 mile at a time; up to five miles per day.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment or shift.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Two years of experience in survey engineering, including one year of field experience providing a knowledge of survey equipment and survey crew activities. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.