Survey Instrument Operator

City of Fremont•Fremont, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

Mathematics through algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
Modern and office engineering terminology, equipment, practices and principles
Survey theory, including slope reduction and differential level
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
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
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.
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.
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License by the time of appointment.
Ability to travel independently within and outside of City limits.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with digital workflows, GIS/CAD environments, and field-data collection technologies.
Possession of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 UAS license
Demonstrated drone-based mapping experience
Ability to acquire a Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 license

Responsibilities

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.
Other duties as assigned.