Survey Party Technician (Instrument Operator)

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chesapeake Public Works Engineering invites applicants for a Survey Party Technician (Instrument Operator) to join the Survey and Drafting team in Chesapeake, VA. You’ll conduct topographic, boundary, property line, and construction surveys, collect and summarize data, and prepare drawings to support engineering and construction projects that improve local infrastructure.

We seek a dependable, detail-oriented professional with at least two years of survey experience, a high school

Qualifications

• Requires HS diploma or GED and completion of one year of college in land surveying/engineering or related field.
• Minimum two years of related full-time surveying experience.
• Valid driver's license and driving record meeting City standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct topographic, boundary, property line, and construction surveys.
• Collect, document, and summarize survey data using modern surveying equipment.
• Prepare drawings, profiles, and field notes that support engineering and construction projects.
• Compute survey data, including coordinates and curve calculations.
• Research property boundaries and provide technical support to engineering staff.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate surveying instruments.
• Assist with training team members and maintaining surveying equipment.

Skills

Land surveying

Two years experience

Detail-oriented

Outdoor work

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

One year college in land surveying/engineering

Job description

Survey Party Technician (Instrument Operator)

Medical Marijuana: In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Working Title of Vacant Position Survey Party Technician (Instrument Operator)

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Department

Department PUBLIC WORKS

Division

Division PUB WORKS ENGINEERING

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026335

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (1/2 hour lunch); Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement R - Routine

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE06

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

$43,645 – $60,000; Depending on qualifications and experience.

Do you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems, and seeing the direct impact of your work on your community? Are you looking for a career that offers meaningful projects, a supportive team, and a healthy work life balance?

The City of Chesapeake Public Works Engineering Division is seeking a dependable, detail oriented Survey Party Technician to join our Survey and Drafting team. As a Survey Party Technician, you’ll play a vital part in collecting the data that serves as the foundation for storm drainage, transportation, and infrastructure projects that improve the safety and quality of life for Chesapeake residents.

If you’re ready to step away from the pressure of a fast paced consulting environment and into a stable career where quality, teamwork, and public service come first, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct topographic, boundary, property line, and construction surveys.
• Collect, document, and summarize survey data using modern surveying equipment.
• Prepare drawings, profiles, and field notes that support engineering and construction projects.
• Compute survey data, including coordinates and curve calculations.
• Research property boundaries and provide technical support to engineering staff.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate surveying instruments.
• Assist with training team members and maintaining surveying equipment.

What We’re Looking For

• Two years of experience in land surveying or a closely related field.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Dependable work ethic and commitment to teamwork.
• Interest in building infrastructure that benefits the Chesapeake community.

Why Choose the City of Chesapeake?

At the City of Chesapeake, you’ll enjoy meaningful work, outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative team environment built on respect, integrity, accountability, and service. Your work won’t just support projects. It will help shape the future of our city.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : Requires high school diploma or GED / HSE and any combination of education and experience equivalent to satisfactory completion of one year of college education in land surveying, engineering, or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/08/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 09/22/2026

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands M=Medium - Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly

Physical Demands C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Handling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crouching

Crouching Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Crawling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Bending Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Climbing

Climbing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Balancing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Protective Equipment Required

Hard Hat, Work Boots, Reflective Vest

Health and Safety D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards N = Never

Electrical Hazards N = Never

Fire Hazards N = Never

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases N = Never

Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never

Other

If Other, Description

D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never

Dirt and Dust W = Several Times Per Week

Extreme Temperatures S = Seasonally

Noise and Vibration N = Never

Fumes and Odors N = Never

Wetness/Humidity W = Several Times Per Week

Darkness or Poor Lighting N = Never

Primary Work Location

Non-Physical Demands C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

No