Instrument Operator

Position Overview

Works as a member of a Survey Field Crew under the direct supervision of the Survey Party Chief. Performs boundary, topographic, and other land surveys for Harris County properties and rights-of-way.

Works as a member of a Survey Field Crew under the direct supervision of the Survey Party Chief. Performs boundary, topographic, and other land surveys for Harris County properties and rights-of-way.

• Responsible for maintaining ample quantities of supplies, as well as loading and maintaining equipment for the assigned survey crew
• Operation, handling, and maintenance of survey equipment, including GNSS receivers, Robotic and Conventional Instrumentation, levels, etc.
• Responsible for getting to and working at jobsites that are not easily accessible either by vehicle or on foot
• Responsible for reporting survey measurements (angles, distances, coordinates, etc.), and their accuracies to the Survey Crew Chief
• Assists with traffic control around the survey area
• Responsible for maintaining harmonious relationships and communicating effectively with co-workers, supervisors, clients, and the general public
• Performs other duties as assigned

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Rod Person working on boundary and topographic surveying projects, with experience in other types of surveying. Must have verifiable experience in operating field instrumentation and equipment, including but not limited to conventional levels, total stations, GNSS rovers and receivers, and data collectors.

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.

• Must possess the skills to work effectively and efficiently within a team.
• Basic knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions that include the practical use of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as they apply to surveying.
• Must have the physical strength and stamina to work as a member of a survey crew, which includes but may not be limited to measuring with a survey chain, chopping brush and trees, holding prism poles and level rods for long periods of time, learning to keep field notes, using and learning to use different types of surveying equipment, and potentially learning to lead a survey field crew.
• Must be willing to work in various weather and working conditions.

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities. Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation, but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications.

• Some college coursework or higher.

• Progressive experience in surveying crews, from Rodman to Instrument Man or higher, with verifiable efficiency and production in all roles. Experience in construction surveying and in using other field equipment…