- Salary
- $71k – $152k/yr
- Location
- Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County, CA, CA, US
- Workplace
- Remote, Hybrid
- Education
- Bachelor
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description
WHAT WE OFFER
THE POSITION
Under general direction of a Surveyor III or IV, Surveyor I/II performs the analysis of parcel maps, records of survey, subdivision tract maps, county field surveys and/or performs geodetic survey calculations; and performs other related duties as required.
Under general direction, Surveyor III/IV, may assist in the supervision of a section in the analysis, investigation, research and checking of parcel maps, records of survey, tract maps and County field surveys; may supervise or assist in the supervision of several survey parties engaged in field engineering surveys and boundary retracements; may supervise or assist in the supervision of the office staff who perform geodetic and photogrammetric calculations, mapping and legal description writing or a variety of land and construction layout surveying; and performs other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Surveyor I differs from Surveyor II in that Surveyor I is the entry-level of the job series. Incumbents are expected to develop a variety of land surveying skills and abilities and are gradually given more responsible assignments under less supervision as they progress to the higher land surveying levels. Surveyor III differs from Surveyor IV in that the latter makes daily assignment of projects to staff, supervises the section in the manager's absence and takes charge of survey projects requiring professional license.
PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE SALARIES
Surveyor I: $2,713.53 - $4,087.86/biweekly
Surveyor II: $3,224.59 - $4,850.99/biweekly
Surveyor III: $3,523.02 - $5,293.02/biweekly
Surveyor IV: $3,912.47 - $5,862.61/biweeklyDuties for SURVEYOR I/II may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Duties for Surveyor III/IV may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Surveyor I, II, III and IV are represented by the Ventura Employees Association (VEA) and are not eligible for overtime compensation.These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE
Some (I/II) to considerable (III/IV) experience in land surveying which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities can be obtained by:
Surveyor I: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in land surveying, civil engineering OR certification as a California Land Surveyor-in-Training.
Surveyor II: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in land surveying or civil engineering OR certification as a California Land Surveyor-in-Training AND one (1) year of professional engineering or surveying experience.
Surveyor III: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in land surveying or civil engineering OR certification as a California Land Surveyor-in-Training AND three (3) years of professional surveying experience including some experience in property title research. For some positions, experience in a specialized field may be required.
Surveyor IV: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in land surveying or civil engineering OR certification as a California Land Surveyor-in-Training AND five (5) years of progressively responsible professional surveying experience including two years at the Surveyor III level or comparable.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
Working (I/II) to thorough (III/IV) knowledge of: the principles and practices of land surveying; general laws pertaining to subdivision of land and boundary location and retracement of surveys.
Thorough (III/IV) knowledge of: state, federal and county ordinances relevant to the County’s surveying functions.
Working (I/II) to thorough (III/IV) ability to: prepare and write technical reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including various governmental agencies, private engineering and surveying firms and the public; operate work-related computer systems and electronic surveying instruments; and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Thorough (III/IV) ability to: supervise and review the work of survey parties and office survey personnel; and prepare and write cost estimates and analysis of survey work.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Work is performed both in an office environment and outdoors. Incumbents may be required to perform moderately strenuous tasks during the course of completing regular job assignments, including digging holes with hand tools; and the handling of material weighing up to 25 pounds, and the carrying of instruments weighing up to 25 pounds over rough terrain and up and down ladders.
Note: If appointed at the lower level, incumbents may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with business needs of the department.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: The selected candidate may be subjected to a thorough post-offer, pre-employment background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record.
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Kelli Fitzgerald by email at [email protected].
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:
- Educational Incentive: An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
- Bilingual Incentive: Incumbents may also be eligible for a bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill. Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I); $1.00 per hour (Level II); or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
- Vacation Accrual: New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
- Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule: We support a work/life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for some positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.
- Vacation Redemption: After 20,800 hours of continuous service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
- Sick Leave: Full-time Regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
- Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
- Health Plans: Full-time employees are given a flexible credit allowance of up to $27,898 annually to offset the purchase of medical insurance for you and your dependents. Employee only - $519.00 per biweekly pay period; Employee plus one dependent - $835.00 per biweekly pay period; and Employee plus family - $1,073.00 per biweekly pay period.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
- Pension Plan: Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems such as PERS.
- Holidays: 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
- Additional Benefits: Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance and Wellness Program.
THE POSITION
Under general direction of a Surveyor III or IV, Surveyor I/II performs the analysis of parcel maps, records of survey, subdivision tract maps, county field surveys and/or performs geodetic survey calculations; and performs other related duties as required.
Under general direction, Surveyor III/IV, may assist in the supervision of a section in the analysis, investigation, research and checking of parcel maps, records of survey, tract maps and County field surveys; may supervise or assist in the supervision of several survey parties engaged in field engineering surveys and boundary retracements; may supervise or assist in the supervision of the office staff who perform geodetic and photogrammetric calculations, mapping and legal description writing or a variety of land and construction layout surveying; and performs other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Surveyor I differs from Surveyor II in that Surveyor I is the entry-level of the job series. Incumbents are expected to develop a variety of land surveying skills and abilities and are gradually given more responsible assignments under less supervision as they progress to the higher land surveying levels. Surveyor III differs from Surveyor IV in that the latter makes daily assignment of projects to staff, supervises the section in the manager's absence and takes charge of survey projects requiring professional license.
PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE SALARIES
Surveyor I: $2,713.53 - $4,087.86/biweekly
Surveyor II: $3,224.59 - $4,850.99/biweekly
Surveyor III: $3,523.02 - $5,293.02/biweekly
Surveyor IV: $3,912.47 - $5,862.61/biweeklyDuties for SURVEYOR I/II may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Performs boundary analysis, investigations, research and mathematical checking of records of survey, parcel maps, subdivision tract maps, various field surveys and special projects for compliance with the Subdivision Map Act, Land Surveyors Act, local ordinances and accepted practices.
- May act as Chief of Party on a survey crew during the absence of the Party Chief.
- Prepares and analyzes preliminary triangulation, trilateration and traverse lines for geodetic surveys and control surveys for aerial mapping; computes geodetic positions, coordinates ground and grid distances; coordinates the preparation of geodetic and photo control diagrams with other sections and mapping consultants.
- Makes mathematical analysis of surveys.
- Performs record searches, boundary analyses, difficult mathematical calculations, and time and cost estimates for right-of-way and surveying projects.
- Performs computer aided drafting in AUTOCAD.
- Advises and coordinates with private engineers, surveyors, developers and other departments and contract cities pertaining to laws, ordinances, and accepted practices for functions under the purview of the County Surveyor.
- Prepares special maps and reports for LAFCO and coordinates with LAFCO for work done for LAFCO.
- Prepares legal descriptions and maps for right-of-way acquisitions; checks legal descriptions and maps prepared by private engineers and surveyors; plans, directs boundary photogrammetric design, precise leveling and construction surveys; and prepares records of survey maps and corner records.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Duties for Surveyor III/IV may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Performs boundary analysis, investigation, research and mathematical checking of tract maps, parcel maps and records of survey.
- Performs quality control checks on tract maps, parcel maps, and records of survey checked by private consultants.
- May supervise subordinate staff, including acting as Party Chief in the field.
- Establishes priorities, schedules and assigns projects.
- Prepares legal descriptions and maps for right-of-way acquisitions; checks legal descriptions and maps prepared by private engineers and surveyors; plans and directs boundary, photogrammetric, geodetic, precise leveling and construction surveys; and prepares records of survey maps and corner records.
- Performs record searches, boundary analysis and difficult mathematical calculations for right-of-way and surveying projects.
- Prepares cost estimates for surveying projects.
- Reviews lot line adjustments, tentative parcel maps, parcel map waivers, conditional certificates of compliance and legal descriptions.
- Coordinates with consultants under contract with the County to check maps and perform right-of-way and surveying projects.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Surveyor I, II, III and IV are represented by the Ventura Employees Association (VEA) and are not eligible for overtime compensation.These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE
Some (I/II) to considerable (III/IV) experience in land surveying which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities can be obtained by:
Surveyor I: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in land surveying, civil engineering OR certification as a California Land Surveyor-in-Training.
Surveyor II: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in land surveying or civil engineering OR certification as a California Land Surveyor-in-Training AND one (1) year of professional engineering or surveying experience.
Surveyor III: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in land surveying or civil engineering OR certification as a California Land Surveyor-in-Training AND three (3) years of professional surveying experience including some experience in property title research. For some positions, experience in a specialized field may be required.
Surveyor IV: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in land surveying or civil engineering OR certification as a California Land Surveyor-in-Training AND five (5) years of progressively responsible professional surveying experience including two years at the Surveyor III level or comparable.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license;
- Possession of a California Land Surveyor's license or California registration as a Civil Engineer authorized to practice land surveying (Surveyor IV only); and
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
- Some field experience using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and total station equipment;
- Possession of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) certification or some professional experience working with UAS;
- Proficient in Computer-Aided Design (CAD);
- Some experience reviewing records of survey, corner records and subdivision tract maps; and
- Some experience performing surveying/engineering job functions at a public sector entity.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
Working (I/II) to thorough (III/IV) knowledge of: the principles and practices of land surveying; general laws pertaining to subdivision of land and boundary location and retracement of surveys.
Thorough (III/IV) knowledge of: state, federal and county ordinances relevant to the County’s surveying functions.
Working (I/II) to thorough (III/IV) ability to: prepare and write technical reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including various governmental agencies, private engineering and surveying firms and the public; operate work-related computer systems and electronic surveying instruments; and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Thorough (III/IV) ability to: supervise and review the work of survey parties and office survey personnel; and prepare and write cost estimates and analysis of survey work.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Work is performed both in an office environment and outdoors. Incumbents may be required to perform moderately strenuous tasks during the course of completing regular job assignments, including digging holes with hand tools; and the handling of material weighing up to 25 pounds, and the carrying of instruments weighing up to 25 pounds over rough terrain and up and down ladders.
FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application must be received by the County of Ventura, Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
FIRST REVIEW: A first review of applications is anticipated to occur on or around Thursday, September 24, 2026 and subsequent reviews will be conducted until sufficient applications are received to meet business needs.
FIRST REVIEW: A first review of applications is anticipated to occur on or around Thursday, September 24, 2026 and subsequent reviews will be conducted until sufficient applications are received to meet business needs.
To apply online, please refer to our website at www.venturacounty.gov/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura, Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualification. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application; however, it/they may not be substituted in lieu of the application.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualification. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application; however, it/they may not be substituted in lieu of the application.
NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download PDF reader) for additional information.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. This questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.
APPLICATION EVALUATION – qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.
TRAINING and EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements. In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even low resulting in them not being advanced in the process.
NOTE: The selection process will likely consist of an Oral Examination, which may be preceded by or replaced with a score from a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool. In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
ORAL EXAMINATION – 100%: A job-related oral examination may be conducted to evaluate and compare participating candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an examination will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.
ELIGIBLE LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future Regular (including Temporary, and Fixed-term), Extra Help and Intermittent vacancies. There are currently two (2) Regular vacancies.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. This questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.
APPLICATION EVALUATION – qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.
TRAINING and EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements. In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even low resulting in them not being advanced in the process.
NOTE: The selection process will likely consist of an Oral Examination, which may be preceded by or replaced with a score from a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool. In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
ORAL EXAMINATION – 100%: A job-related oral examination may be conducted to evaluate and compare participating candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an examination will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.
ELIGIBLE LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future Regular (including Temporary, and Fixed-term), Extra Help and Intermittent vacancies. There are currently two (2) Regular vacancies.
Note: If appointed at the lower level, incumbents may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with business needs of the department.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: The selected candidate may be subjected to a thorough post-offer, pre-employment background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record.
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Kelli Fitzgerald by email at [email protected].
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Skills
AutoCADCompliance