Hiring.Camp

Survey Instrument Operator

City of Fremont

·

1 week ago

Salary
$99k – $120k/yr
Location
Fremont, CA, CA, US
Education
High School
Source
GovernmentJobs

Description

The City of Fremont's Public Works Department is recruiting for the position of Survey Instrument Operator.

20251223080323_Niles Town Plaza.jpg

The Department
The Public Works Department consists of Design Engineering, Development Engineering, Construction, Civic Facilities, Transportation, Survey, and Real Property sections. The department reviews all proposed land development projects in the City and executes the design and construction of public projects such as streets, parks, and public buildings. 
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate should be comfortable operating modern survey instruments including total stations, GNSS/GPS receivers, digital levels, and data collectors, and should be able to read and interpret plans, maps, and construction documents with accuracy. The role also values familiarity with digital workflows, GIS/CAD environments, and field-data collection technologies. While not required, possession of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 UAS license and demonstrated drone-based mapping experience is highly desirable, as aerial data collection is an increasingly valuable component of the City’s surveying and mapping operations.
First Review of Applications
The first review of applications is Monday, August 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (PT). This recruitment may close without notice after this date so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume and supplemental questionnaire (part of the online application) must be submitted with the completed City application.

To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please complete an application online by clicking "Apply" just above this box.

Selection Process
The process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, pre-employment medical exam and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing [email protected]

Contact Us
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: [email protected]

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
              _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Class Specification
Definition


Under general supervision, sets up and operates an electronic total station instrument and level on construction and engineering survey assignments; performs related duties as required. 

Class Characteristics

This journey level technical classification performs field and office survey work under the direction of the Chief of Party.  The employee's assignments, objectives, work methods, and sequence of steps are explained in general terms.  Work review is not constant, but checks are integrated into the work process.  It is distinguished from the next higher classification of Chief of Party by the latter's responsibility to plan, organize, and lead the work of a survey crew.

Essential Functions
  • Operates survey instruments including electronic total stations, theodolites, levels, transits, drones, and GNSS/GPS receivers for field data collection. 
  • Supports USA811 utility locating by identifying, marking, and mapping underground utilities using approved locating equipment and GPS tools.
  • Assists with drone (UAS) operations for aerial mapping, site documentation, topographic surveys, and project monitoring, including field setup and ground control placement.
  • Maintains survey equipment, GPS units, drones, electronic field books, and related tools to ensure proper functionality. 
  • Clears vegetation or brush to establish line of sight for survey operations. 
  • Reads, interprets, and reviews maps, engineering plans, utility diagrams, and construction drawings. 
  • Creates accurate field notes, sketches, and digital recordings of survey observations using manual methods or electronic field book systems. 
  • Operates and maintains survey vehicles, ensuring safe transport of equipment. 
  • Collaborates with surveyors, inspectors, utility companies, and engineering staff to support project coordination.
  • Helps process drone imagery into orthomosaics, point clouds, or terrain models as directed.
  • Provides support for asset management mapping, GIS updates, and utility system documentation.
Marginal Functions

  • Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Knowledge of:  Mathematics through algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; modern and office engineering terminology, equipment, practices and principles; survey theory, including slope reduction and differential level. 

Skill in:  Setting up, operating, cleaning, adjusting, and maintaining survey instruments and equipment; making field notes, sketches and calculations either manually or using electronic equipment; driving on paved and unpaved surfaces. 

Ability to:  Operate survey instruments and equipment including total station, USA locating equipment, and mapping tools; understand and follow written and verbal instructions and manuals; make accurate mathematical calculations; prepare accurate and legible field notes and drawings; develop and maintain cooperative work relationships with individuals from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; demonstrate good judgment and exercise initiative; operate EDM and other survey instruments and equipment; perform basic drafting; log and edit GIS features; work safely in traffic; work accurately with details. 

Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position. 

Education/Experience 

Any combination of education and/or experience which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: graduation from high school with course work in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and drafting, and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience with a field survey crew. 

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements 

Positions in this classification require possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License by the time of appointment.  Failure to possess or maintain the valid required license shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.  This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside of City limits. 

Possession of or the ability to acquire a Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 license is desirable.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Rare = < 10%, Occasional = 11-33%, Frequent = 34-66%, Constant = >66%

Sitting:  Occasional
Walking:  Frequent
Standing:  Frequent
Bending (neck):  Frequent
Bending (waist):  Occasional
Squatting:  Rare
Climbing:  Rare
Kneeling:  Rare
Crawling:  Rare
Jumping:   Rare
Balancing:  Rare
Twisting (neck):  Occasional
Twisting (waist):  Occassional
Grasp - light (dominant hand):  Occasional
Grasp - light (non-dominant):  Occasional
Grasp - firm (dominant hand):  Rare
Grasp - firm (non-dominant):  Rare
Fine manipulation (dominant):  Occasional
Fine manipulation (non-dominant):  Occasional
Reach - at/below shoulder:  Rare
Reach – above shoulder level:  Rare

Push/pull:
up to 10 lbs.  Rare
11 to 25 lbs.  Rare
26 to 50 lbs.  Rare
51 to 75 lbs.  Never
76 to 100 lbs.  Never
over 100 lbs.  Never

Lifting:
up to 10 lbs.  Rare
11 to 25 lbs.  Rare
26 to 50 lbs.  Frequent
51 to 75 lbs.  Never
76 to 100 lbs.  Never
over 100 lbs.  Never
 
Carrying:
up to 10 lbs.  Frequent
11 to 25 lbs.  Rare
26 to 50 lbs.  Rare
51 to 75 lbs.  Rare
76 to 100 lbs.  Never
over 100 lbs.  Never
Coordination:  
Eye-hand:  Required
Eye-hand-foot:  Not required 
Driving:  Required

Vision: 
Acuity, near:  Required
Acuity, far:  Required
Depth perception:  Required
Accommodation:  Required
Color vision:  Required
Field of vision:  Required

Talking:
Face-to-face contact:  Required
Verbal contact w/others:  Required
Public:  Required

Hearing:
Normal conversation:  Required
Telephone communication:  Required
Earplugs required:  Not required 

Work environment:
Works indoors, works outdoors, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature, being around moving machinery, exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, mists, or other irritating particles, exposure to radiation or electrical energy, exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces, using computer monitor, exposure to vibration, works around others, works alone, works with others.

Supplemental Information


Class Code: 5465
FLSA: Non-exempt
EEOC Code: 3
Barg.  Unit: OE3
Probation: 12 Months
Rev.:  07/26

Similar Jobs

30

Survey Instrument Operator

Timmons Group · Richmond, VA, United States

2 weeks ago

Survey Instrument Operator

George F. Young, Inc. · Gainesville, FL, US

3 weeks ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Wood · Houston, TX, United States · Onsite

3 weeks ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Timmons Group · Newport News, VA, United States

3 weeks ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Timmons Group · Raleigh, NC, United States

3 weeks ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Timmons Group · Ellicott City, MD, United States

3 weeks ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Arcadis · Atlanta, GA,US, US · Remote

1 month ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Arcadis · Atlanta, GA, United States, US · Remote

1 month ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Nobis Group · Concord, NH · Hybrid

1 month ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Wood · Houston, TX, United States · Onsite

1 month ago

Instrument Operator - Survey

DCCM · New Braunfels, TX

1 month ago

INSTRUMENT OPERATOR - SURVEY

Emh & T · Columbus, OH

1 month ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Fleming Engineering Inc · High Point, North Carolina

3 months ago

Survey Instrument Operator

KCI · Frederick, MD, US

4 months ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Woolpert · Austin, TX; Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX +1

4 months ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Stvinc · Three Galleria Tower, Dallas, Texas, United States of America +2

5 months ago

Survey Instrument Operator

DGT Associates Inc · Worcester, MA

9 months ago

Survey Instrument Operator

Default · Danville, VA, US

1+ year ago

Land Survey Instrument Operator

Default · Baltimore, MD, US +2

1 week ago

Land Survey - Instrument Operator

"Control Point Associates, Inc." · Newark, NJ

1 month ago

Traveling Land Survey Instrument Operator

PS&S

2 months ago

Traveling Land Survey Instrument Operator

PS&S

2 months ago

Traveling Land Survey Instrument Operator

PS&S

2 months ago

Traveling Land Survey Instrument Operator

PS&S

2 months ago

Traveling Land Survey Instrument Operator

PS&S · Wall Township, NJ

2 months ago

Survey Instrument Operator III

King Engineering Associates · Nashville, TN

2 months ago

Land Survey - Instrument Operator

"Control Point Associates, Inc." · Virginia Beach, VA · Onsite

4 months ago

Land Survey - Instrument Operator

"Control Point Associates, Inc." · Albany, NY

4 months ago

Land Survey - Instrument Operator

"Control Point Associates, Inc." · Rochester, NY · Onsite

4 months ago

Survey Instrument Operator/Civil Engineering Technician

DGT Associates Inc · Boston, MA

9 months ago