SURVEY INSTRUMENT OPERATOR

SURVEY INSTRUMENT OPERATOR
FUNCTION
Performs journey level survey work involved in performing preliminary topographic and construction field engineering
surveys and other surveys required for County property and right-of-way determinations and for establishing and
maintaining benchmarks and monumentations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level class in the Surveying series. Positions at this level require prior survey instrument operation or
related experience involving the accurate and precise measurement of land areas, boundaries and topographical features
using optical electronic measuring devices. Appointment to this level requires that the incumbent be performing the full
range of duties and meet the qualification standards for the class.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work is performed under general supervision of a higher level of authority and work requires the exercise of initiative and
independent judgement in setting up and operating survey instruments and in interpreting survey data.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises technical supervision over assigned subordinates.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Operates and maintains various surveying instruments such as transits, level, theodolite, and electronic distance
measuring equipment to measure and verify elevations, angles and distances.
2. Performs mathematical calculations to establish and locate reference points, property corners, vertical and horizontal
reference points, and line staking for construction projects.
3. Interprets maps, plats, blueprints, and specifications.
4. Cleans, checks and adjusts survey instruments to assure accuracy of measurements.
5. Oversees the work of assigned Survey Aides in clearing survey areas, locating markers, setting pins, benchmarks and
monuments, and other survey tasks.
6. Instructs Survey Aides in instrument operation and survey techniques.
7. Oversees surveying activities in the absence of Survey Party Chief.
8. Performs related work as required.
WORK CONTACTS
Frequent contact with associate personnel, other County Departments, private surveyors, and the general public to obtain
and exchange information.
CONDITIONS OF WORK
Work is subject to varying post or job site assignments and may be subject to call-back or on-call status and irregular
schedules including completion of work assignments on weekends. During performance of surveys and related surveying
tasks, frequently requires a variety of motions to include standing, walking, bending, and stooping. Exposure to varying
weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures and depending upon location of survey site, isolated,
remote areas. Requires frequent lifting and carrying of objects up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting and carrying of
objects of 25 - 50 pounds.
All employees of Mohave County are subject to immediate callout when an emergency, disaster or breach of homeland security
occurs. All employees are considered to be available for these types of events and will immediately respond, in accordance with
County Emergency Operations Plan, when directed by the Chairman of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors, County
Manager, the Homeland Security/Emergency Management Coordinator, or when directed by their department director/elected
official and/or immediate supervisor. Such call to respond and assist may involve those activities assigned to their regular job
responsibilities and incorporate other non job related duties as necessary and required of an employee to respond to the
emergent matter at hand. An employee’s response to these matters may require the working of unusual, long hours over a
possibility of an extended period of time with infrequent breaks or rest periods. An employee who is working with an
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accommodation must meet with their supervisor and department director/elected official to discuss their requirement for
response.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Specialized knowledge of:
--surveying instrumentation including optical, electronic and magnetic devices.
Practical knowledge of:
--land and construction survey methods and procedures.
Basic knowledge of:
Skill in:
Ability to:
--mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
--civil engineering and survey terminology and descriptive materials including maps, plats, drawings, and
specifications.
--the operation and maintenance of surveying instrumentation and related equipment.
--train, direct, and effectively evaluate work activities and the performance of subordinates.
--interpret maps, plans and specifications for survey factors.
--perform algebraic, geometric and trigonometric calculations.
--establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, personnel of other County Departments,
private surveyors, and the general public.
--fulfill all physical requirements of the class.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Any acceptable combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school with completed
courses in algebra, geometry and trigonometry preferably supplemented by courses or training in survey principles and
techniques. One (1) or more years of actual surveying work to include instrument operation and survey calculations OR an
equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must provide acceptable driving history at no cost to the County.
DISCLAIMER
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by
employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all
duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY: Clerical/Technician/Paraprofessional
FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt (Classified)
CLASS CODE: 3510
RANGE: 02-Rg 11
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 1991
CLASS SYSTEM MAINT REV: April 6, 1998
REVISION DATE: October 25, 1999
02/03 Class Validation Study Review: June 28, 2003
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