Surveying Technician

  • CITY OF OAKLAND, CA
  • Oakland, California
  • Mar 19, 2024
Full Time GIS and Surveying
  • Salary: 65,104 USD

Job Description

The Position

***Filing Period Extended***
The filing deadline has been extended
Candidates that previously applied to this recruitment do not need to reapply

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 roots and 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?
The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill two (2) Surveying Technician vacancies in the Department of Transportation (DOT). The ideal candidate is an engineering or surveying student that loves the outdoors and has a flare for technology and a penchant for history. The candidate will be able to develop their surveying skills using modern computer programs and robotic and manual surveying equipment. The aspirant will work on surveying and engineering projects while interacting with other departments and the general public. Under supervision, the Surveying Technician performs technical work in the survey office or with a field crew and performs related duties as assigned.

This is an entry level classification that performs the more routine and basic tasks of surveying duties related to topographic mapping, boundary, control, tentative mapping, monument preservation, and public works construction with survey crews and office personnel. The Surveying Technician receives supervision and training from a Chief of Party, Senior Surveying Technician, and/or the City Land Surveyor.

We are looking for someone who is:
  • A Team Player: You will regularly work in a team environment that is guided by a lead member, all striving towards shared objectives.
  • Adaptable: You thrive in a dynamic work environment where priorities may shift rapidly, demonstrating your ability to successfully handle change and demonstrate flexibility.
  • An Excellent communicator: You will communicate with other departments and the general public regarding routine survey records and archives.
  • Analytically Skilled: You will have proficient understanding of trigonometry and geometry.
  • An Outdoor Enthusiast: You enjoy working outdoors, are not afraid to get a little dirty, and can comfortably walk and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Passionate about History: Your interest and u nderstanding of historical developments and landmarks will help guide your learning about land surveys and assessments.
What you will typically be responsible for:
  • Ordering, maintaining and determining inventory levels for surveying equipment supplies.
  • Responding to Public Records Requests.
  • Assisting with Tentative Map Reviews in conjunction with the Subdivision Map Act and local ordinances.
  • Assisting with utility permit review for monument preservation in accordance with the Professional Land Surveyor Act.
  • Providing field support to the Chief of Party and Senior Surveying Technician, including but not limited to field notes, equipment usage, and other assistance as required.
  • Collaborating with external land surveyors to provide Oakland's Monument, benchmarks, field book, and notes.
A few reasons you might love this job:
  • You will play a crucial role in various industries, including urban planning, construction, and environmental conservation. You will be contributing to the development, and improvement of communities.
  • You will collaborate with engineers, architects, and other professionals, fostering teamwork and camaraderie in achieving common goals.
  • You will have opportunities for career advancement, skill development, and continuous learning.
  • You will be able to work outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, changing scenery, and the opportunity for physical activity.
  • You will function as a detective or fact finder, tasked with exploring Oakland's rich 172-year history.
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
  • Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
  • 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
  • Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
  • Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
  • Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
  • Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
  • Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
  • Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals


Minimum Requirements for Application

This recruitment is restricted to full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City or Port of Oakland employees who meet the minimum qualifications.

Education: Graduation from High School or the equivalent with coursework including trigonometry and geometry.

Experience: None required.

License / Other Requirements:
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 Class C California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment.

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 invited to take an online multiple-choice test. You’ll have 7 days to complete the test once the link is sent to your email. This is tentatively planned to launch at the end of April.

For some recruitments, more than one type of assessment may be used. Depending on the number of candidates who pass the first assessment (multiple-choice test, structured interview, writing exercise, performance exam) you may be asked to complete a secondary assessment before the recruitment is finalized. If a secondary assessment is scheduled, you will be notified by email with specific details. If a secondary assessment is not scheduled, department hiring interviews will occur during this time frame.

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.

The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

What’sinitforyou?
  • Work/Life Balance: 40-hour work weeks
  • 15 paid holidays
  • Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
  • Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
  • Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
  • Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
  • Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
  • Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
  • Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
  • Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.

Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

How to Apply
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm.

If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please
contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Briana Wong at bwong@oaklandca.gov .

The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:

• CalPERS Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
• Pension Benefits
• Deferred Compensation

* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assignedspecific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Employee Benefits Information Current MOUs may be reviewed here: City of Oakland Labor Agreements

Closing Date/Time: 4/28/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Base Pay

65,104

Job Address

Oakland, California United States View Map