05/03/2005 12220

SURVEY TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION: This is advanced technical work performing a full range of interchangeable tasks on a survey corps engaged in the collection, computation and processing of survey data.

Employees in this job, using conventional and state-of-the art surveying equipment, perform a full range of tasks on a survey corps. Work includes performing the technical activities required for measuring the existing field locations of natural and man-made features, the locations of property borders, the dimensions of land areas, and the precise positioning of points, lines and grades. Employees in this job perform all survey tasks which require operating various types of survey equipment including electronic total station survey systems, electronic distance measuring instruments, theodolites, transits, levels, GPS units, elevation rods and chains to obtain survey data. Work also includes using peripheral equipment such as electronic field note data collectors, portable field computers and telecommunications equipment for the recording and transmission of data from the field to the office. Work may involve performing land research in county offices and clearing sight obstructions, driving stakes and flagging traffic. In the absence of the Survey Technician Supervisor, employees may perform lead work duties on routine surveys. Employees in this job work with minimal supervision under general instructions except for the most complex and unusual project assignments. Work is reviewed by a technical supervisor for completeness, accuracy and adherence to established technical and performance standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs all survey corps functions using both conventional and electronic equipment for preliminary, right-of-way, engineering, chain, location, traverse, bridge, construction, borrow pit, final geodetic, topographic, aerial, land and property surveys.

Makes field decisions as to location and recording of traverse points and topography points.

Communicates orally and by hand signals and radio with fellow workers.

Operates both electronic and conventional instruments used by the survey corps to determine elevation, location and distances in the assigned survey area.

Performs electronic downloading and editing of survey data via the Computer Aided Drafting and Design system (CADD) and uses CADD software to plot information.

Calculates grade elevation and set point locations from field or office information using a hand-held computer or calculator.

Oversees the measurements of line topography, cross sections and for layout of line and grade.

Determines the grade elevations and slope of existing or designed construction alignments through trigonometric, geometric and algebraic computations.

Performs operator level instrument calibration checks, adjustments and minor repairs.

Researches land ownership records and mine maps.

Clears sight obstructions, drives stakes and flags traffic.

Operates a vehicle to transport survey corps and equipment.

Lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, plane geometry and coordinate geometry.

Knowledge of surveying principles and methods used in performing field measurements and computations to determine the exact location and dimensions of points, lines, boundaries, contours and areas.

Knowledge of the applications, operation and care of electronic total station instruments, electronic distance measuring instruments, theodolites, GPS units, automatic levels, transits, electronic data collectors, printers, disk drives, computers, two-way radios and related accessories.

Knowledge of the principles and applications of control surveys to photogrammetric mapping.

Ability to apply survey principles in solving surveying problems or collecting data.

Ability to perform trigonometric computations and use geometric and algebraic formulae as they relate to survey work.

Ability to read and interpret engineering design and construction plans, property plans, photogrammetric maps, aerial photographs and other technical and graphic reference documents.

Ability to use calculators and computers to perform complex survey computations including state plan coordinates and spinal curves.

Ability to practice safe working habits under all field conditions.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to deal effectively with the public.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.

Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as an Engineering Technician;

                                                                                                                                                        or

Three years of experience as a member of a survey corps which included duties operating both standard and electronic surveying instruments;

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One year of experience as a member of a survey corps which included duties operating both standard and electronic surveying instruments, and an associate's degree in surveying, drafting, design, civil or any other appropriate field of engineering technology.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions in this job will require possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.