Senior Surveying Technician (Continuous)

The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical rootsand the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

Why join the City of Oakland Department of Transportation (DOT)?

The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill two (2) Senior Surveying Technician (Field) (SST) vacancies within the Department of Transportation (DOT). The ideal candidate will have experience in land surveying with boundary, topographic, and construction, as well as office related experience. The successful candidate will possess the ability to manage a variety of surveying and engineering projects while interacting with divisions across DOT, Public Works and Planning & Building Departments. This is a classification in the Surveying Technician series. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess the ability to communicate clearly with the general public on matters referencing historical survey documentation specific to the City of Oakland's surrounding areas. The SST manages computer aided design (CAD) drawings, operates survey instrumentation, performs complicated technical surveying work and acts as Chief of Party, as needed. They will provide lead direction to assigned staff utilizing extensive knowledge of surveying principles, operations, and techniques. The SST receives supervision and training from the Chief of Party and/or the City Land Surveyor.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced: You are adept in the art and science of establishing or reestablishing boundaries and monuments based upon recorded documents, historical evidence, and present standards of practice.
• Knowledgeable: You possess an extensive comprehension of boundary control, encompassing legal principles applied to field data collection, computerized integration, and spatial cognition.
• A Collaborative Contributor: You will actively work with colleagues to achieve shared objectives. You are open to guidance and take responsibility for assigned projects and tasks.
• Technically Proficient: You possess an aptitude for engineering and mathematics, with the ability to grasp fundamental trigonometry and geometric concepts.
• Adaptable: You can work at ease with outdoor tasks and are unfazed by dirt, able to sustain long periods of walking and standing, and seamlessly transition to working in an office setting.
• A History Enthusiast: You are fascinated by the past, particularly the 172-year history of the City of Oakland, the Port of Oakland, and its surroundings. This historical backdrop fuels your passion for land surveying within these rich historical contexts.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Compiling topographic surveys, boundary surveys, records of surveys, and exhibits.
• Providing field work and office support to the City Land Surveyor and Chief of Party.
• Reviewing tentative maps and parcel map waivers in conjunction with Subdivision Map Act and local ordinances.
• Reviewing utility permits for monument preservation in accordance with the Professional Land Surveyor Act.
• Responding to public records requests.
• Working with outside land surveyors to provide Oakland's monument, benchmarks, field book, and notes.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have the opportunity to spend time outside, navigating various terrains, and working with cutting-edge equipment.
• You will play a vital role in the development of infrastructure, contributing to the construction of roads, buildings, and other essential projects.
• You will be able to blend artistry with scientific precision to formulate engineering design surveys.
• You will explore new technologies, methodologies, and techniques to enhance your efficiency and the accuracy of your work.
• You will continue your education as there is always more to learn in the ever-evolving field of surveying.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You may have to undertake tasks that may not fall within regular workflows to adapt to potential staff shortages when necessary.
• You may have difficulty locating and accessing historical survey records, maps, and documents due to varying accessibility, storage methods, and potential gaps in documentation.
• You may encounter public scrutiny when providing surveying project timelines, status, outcomes, and impacts.

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Mathematical Facility: Performing computations and solving mathematical problems
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Design Sense: Creating work products that are functional, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Learning Agility: Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to one's work
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

Minimum Requirements for Application

Education and Experience: Two years college course work in civil engineering or related discipline including course work in surveying and two years of experience in field surveying. OR Three years of experience in field surveying with a high school diploma or equivalent. License or Certificate/Other Requirements: Successful incumbents in this position are expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be a cost effective or efficient method for traveling to the various locations required. Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties. Possession of a Certificate as a Land Surveyor In Training issued by the State of California or one issued by another state of the United States and which is acceptable by the State of California for admission to the Land Surveyor examination.

Supplemental Information

The Recruitment Process:

The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the "minimum qualifications" listed for each position. Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas. Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications. In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final. For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be sent a writing exercise, which will then be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts. The date that the writing exercise will be sent to you for completion is tentative.

Candidates requesting reasonable accommodations for the examination process must request accommodations no later than one week before they are scheduled to take the exam; otherwise, it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Please complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation in Testing form by clicking on this link or by copying and pasting the link into your browser to open it: (Download PDF reader)

Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you're applying to a "restricted" posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.