Survey Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:

Job Title: Survey Technician

Department/Location:Business/Stanley or New Town Office

Reports to: Staking Engineer

Position Type:Full-Time, Salary Position

Indirect Supervision: This position may work with all employees at all levels across the organization and may interact with members. Professionalism is required at all times.

Job Summary:

The Survey Technician investigates, surveys, inspects, and stakes electric distribution and transmission lines in accordance with construction specifications and North Dakota boundary laws to support the preparation of staking sheets, engineering plans, easement exhibits, and other project documentation through MWECs service territory. The position provides surveying and construction staking services for utility infrastructure and related property projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Search for and recover section corners, quarter corners, other aliquot PLSS corners, property pins, survey points, stakes, and other monumentation.
• Collect information needed to carry out new field projects using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, corner records, and other relevant information.
• Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction using engineering plans.
• Assist with the design and engineering of proposed projects and coordinate related activities.
• Assist in determining and securing necessary right-of-way and permits for transmission lines, distribution lines, and service facilities to ensure facilities are constructed in the proper location.
• Stake transmission lines, distribution lines, service facilities, line relocations, and underground cable replacements; prepare staking sheets required to initiate construction.
• Create staking sheets required for power line relocations associated with road grading projects and ensure compliance with applicable codes and company construction standards.
• Complete administrative tasks, including staking reports, as-built documentation, and related records in a timely manner for Cooperative personnel, contractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Maintain current knowledge of first aid procedures, attend safety meetings, and participate in specialized training as directed.
• Submit to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with DOT regulations and Cooperative policy.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of North Dakota state boundary laws, the land surveying field, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Global Information Systems (GIS), and electrical utility construction.
  • Knowledge of surveying principles, practices, and procedures related to locating and recovering PLSS corners, property boundaries, and survey monumentation.
  • Knowledge of North Dakota boundary laws and regulations, including requirements related to roadways, section lines, property lines, and electrical utility facilities.
  • Knowledge of right-of-way acquisition processes and permitting requirements for utility construction projects.
• Skills:
  • Skill in operative, adjusting, and maintaining surveying instruments and equipment, including RTK GPS receivers, magnetic locators, robotic total stations, LiDAR equipment, and data collectors.
  • Skill in using computers and technical software, which may include AutoCAD, Trimble Business Center, Global Mapper, GIS applications, and related software.
  • Skill in preparing staking sheets, construction documentation, reports, and as-built records.
  • Skill in calculating pole heights and classifications, pole-top assemblies, conductor capacities, guying requirements, anchor strengths, and other utility design criteria.
  • Skill in interpreting engineering plans, maps, survey records, and construction documents.
• Abilities:
  • Ability to work independently in the field with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to effectively write routine field notes, reports, and correspondence.
  • Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with members, coworkers, contractors, vendors, and landowners.
  • Ability to safely operate pickup trucks, such as side-by-sides (UTVs), and other equipment in various on-road and off-road conditions in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to follow Cooperative policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple projects and activities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
  • Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in the State of North Dakota is preferred.
  • Knowledge of electrical utility design and construction practices for transmission lines, distribution lines, service facilities, and underground cable systems is preferred.
  • Knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), applicable utility construction standards, and regulatory requirements affecting utility installations is preferred.
• Education and Certifications:
  • High School degree or equivalent required.
  • Associates or Bachelors degree in Land Surveying, Engineering Technology or related field preferred.
  • Driving is required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license that meets the company driving standards and successfully pass a motor vehicle record (MVR) check.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• This position requires the employee to frequently stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, handle, talk, hear, and be exposed to dirt, water, and work in all weather conditions. The employee must frequently use hands to handle and manipulate equipment, tools or controls and operate computers inside and outside in all types of weather conditions. The employee may need to lift, push, pull or otherwise move objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. The employee will need to possess specific vision required by the position including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Normal, non-smoking office environment with occasional travel required. Primarily sedentary work performed indoors at a desk, involving prolonged sitting and frequent repetitive hand and finger movements (e.g. typing, dialing). Requires use of standard office equipment, including computers, copier, and printer. Position involves reading, writing, arithmetic, data analysis, research, and development of plans, procedures, and goals. Must effectively communicate and present information to individuals and groups and work under pressure.

Disclaimer:

• This job description is not all-inclusive; employees may be assigned other related duties as needed. The job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to revise job responsibilities, descriptions, or schedules, including accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
• MWEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.