Survey Instrument Operator

The City of Fremont's Public Works Department is recruiting for the position of Survey Instrument Operator. 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). 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. Contact Us For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 = 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 The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance. To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit: City of Fremont Benefits Summary Supplemental Questions 01 Yes No 02 Did not complete high school or equivalent High school diploma or equivalent Some college AA degree Bachelor's degree or higher 03 Do you have course work in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and drafting? If yes, please list where the course work was taken and when. 04 Yes No, but I can obtain one by the time of appointment. 05 None

1. year
2. years
3. years or more

06 Please describe your years of progressively responsible experience with a field survey crew (agency name, dates of employment, duties). If you do not have this type of experience, please enter "N/A". 07 Yes No 08 Yes No 09 Yes No 10 Yes No 11 Yes No 12 Yes No Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Fremont