Data is as of 6/15/2025.
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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Survey Technician
FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (30) Technicians
Class Code: 18477 Salary Grade: ZK9
Approved: December 01, 2000 Last Revised: February 28, 2025

Purpose:
 

Under general direction, this position is responsible for the collection and analysis of field survey data and general support of surveying related activities on behalf of the City.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Adjusts and operates surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, and data collection devices.
  2. Performs complex mathematical calculations using Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry to determine earth curvature corrections, atmospheric impacts on measurements, traverse closures and adjustments, azimuths, level runs, and placement of markers.
  3. Records survey measurements and descriptive data using notes, drawings, sketches, and electronic data collection devices.
  4. Reads and interprets maps, construction drawings, and legal descriptions.
  5. Researches files and records to determine boundaries and ownership.
  6. Creates maps and files of surveying and/or engineering design projects with the use of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software.
  7. Positions and holds vertical rods, or targets, that operators use to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
  8. Lays out grids, and determines horizontal and vertical controls.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
  None.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods used in the measurement or determination of land boundaries, distances, elevations, areas, angles, and other features of the earth’s surface.
  • Knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
  • Skilled in the collection, analysis, and reporting of complex numerical data.
  • Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
  • Ability to properly maintain complex engineering files and records.
  • Ability to read and interpret maps, plats, sketches, field books, and construction drawings.
  • Ability to adhere to the principles and practices of professional land surveying.
  • Ability to use CAD, GIS, and other survey-related software.
  • Ability to use a hand-held calculator.
  • Ability to conduct research with legal documents.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years experience in a field related to land surveying, environmental science, geography, mathematics, or civil engineering
    OR
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental science, geography, mathematics, or civil engineering.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

May require a valid Texas Driver License.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.