Land Survey Field Technician (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist)

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is hiring an experienced land survey  field technician to join the Land Survey Section as a Senior Civil Engineering Specialist. If you enjoy solving boundary puzzles, running control networks, and mentoring field crews on work that shapes the City’s infrastructure, this is a role where your technical judgment carries real weight.

You will manage surveying projects from scope through delivery — controlling budget and schedule, performing and overseeing field survey work, researching records for boundary determination. You will also serve as a technical resource to the section: mentoring surveyors and field staff, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and helping evaluate new survey technology and internal group programs. The position reports to the Chief Surveyor in the Engineering and Technical Services Division of the Project Delivery & Engineering Branch.

The Land Survey Section performs boundary, construction, topographic, and as-built surveys for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), the Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle City Light, and other City departments, as well as dam deformation surveys, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recertification surveys, Records of Survey, Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lease surveys, and Global Positioning System (GPS) / Geographic Information System (GIS) surveys. The Section is equipped with robotic total stations, precise digital levels, 3D laser scanning equipment, precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) / Drone Technology equipment, and hydrographic equipment

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:  

• SPU Website 
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment 
• Generous benefits package 
• Free public transportation options 
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions 
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Survey project management

• Manage surveying projects for scope, budget, and schedule; keep clients informed of progress and of any changes or complications affecting scope, budget, or schedule  Assist in providing estimates

Field survey work

• Perform all aspects of field surveys using total stations, Global Navigation Satellite System/Global Positioning System (GNSS/GPS) equipment, digital levels, and 3D laser scanning equipment, including cadastral retracement, route layout, control traverses, structure deformation verification, topographic surveys,  building and project site layout, and project as-built surveys
• Prepare field notes, maintain pertinent survey data, and make the independent professional judgments required to establish control networks

Technical analysis and deliverables

• Calculate and draft survey information using Autodesk Civil 3D and other surveying software; process, analyze, and present field data to clients in formats including Excel, Word, and Civil 3D
• Research survey records and documents for boundary determination; review and interpret plans, legal descriptions, plats, short plats, General Land Office (GLO) notes, cut sheets, and field notes
• Perform error analysis, quality control, and quality assurance on completed field work
• Maintain records databases related to equipment inventory, project tracking, and equipment maintenance

Technical leadership and section support

• Train and mentor  field staff, providing direct instruction and coaching to develop crew survey skills and knowledge
• Serve as a technical resource on field procedures, field equipment, and data collection; troubleshoot survey software and hardware problems, evaluate work-related software, and carry internal group program responsibilities
• Ensure crew work assignments are performed within project specifications and in alignment with SPU survey and safety standards 

Client and stakeholder engagement

• Provide technical guidance and strategic input on land surveying to help the City make timely, effective decisions on property improvement projects, right-of-way, property lines, and easements
• Coordinate with clients, other departments and agencies, consultants, and field staff, and promote land surveying services within the City of Seattle for business development

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Experience: Four (4) years of civil engineering experience.

Education: Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, or two (2) years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology.

Education/Experience Equivalency: Combinations of appropriate education, training, and/or experience that provide an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class will be evaluated on an individual basis.

License, Certification and Other Requirements: Current Washington State driver's license, or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• The majority of work is anticipated to occur in the field; remaining work is performed in a normal City work/office environment
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, and work in or near construction sites
• Required to wear personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time
• Overnight travel is required; the position may work out of town for a week at a time for up to six (6) weeks per year

Desired Qualifications

• Experience performing professional land surveying work in a public agency or consulting environment, including leading or directing a field crew and performing boundary, topographic, American Land Title Association/National Society of Professional Surveyors (ALTA/NSPS), as-built, construction staking, and control surveys, as well as topographic and right-of-way surveys on city streets
• Experience researching and interpreting plats, short plats, legal descriptions, GLO notes, records of survey, and other public records for boundary determination
• Experience using Autodesk Civil 3D in a production drafting environment for topographic and boundary surveys, along with survey data collection and processing software
• Experience with 3D terrestrial laser scanning collection, registration, and processing, and with static and real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS observation, network adjustment, and error analysis
• Experience managing survey project scope, budget, and schedule, preparing estimates or service agreements, and administering or supporting land survey consultant contracts
• Experience training others on field procedures, equipment operation, and data collection standards, and troubleshooting survey software and hardware issues
• Registration as a Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) or licensure as a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in Washington State
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for working with clients, other departments and agencies, consultants, and field staff
• A positive, collaborative approach in a matrix management organization, with the ability to lead and motivate staff, and a commitment to crew safety, public response, and responsive, equitable service to internal and external customers

Application Requirement(s):

1. A complete NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application 
2. Attached Resume & Cover Letter describing your skills and experience in relation to this position.
3. Supplemental Questions Responses 

*** You must include both a resume and cover letter. If you do not submit these documents, your application will not be considered. Please ensure that BOTH documents have successfully been uploaded before submitting your application. ***

The salary range for this position is $62.79 - $70.35 hourly. 

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits 

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 

If you have any questions, please contact Erika Monroe at [email protected].

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/