Survey Technician

Santa Fe County; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Fe County is seeking a qualified Survey Engineer/GIS assets technician to support the Public Works Department with field data collection, surveying, and project coordination. You will operate survey equipment, perform staking and topographic work, and ensure data integrity for construction projects.

The role requires proficiency with Trimble/Leica gear, ArcGIS, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD, plus the ability to manage field notes and documentation while maintaining safety compliance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of survey experience in construction layout.
• Knowledge of field survey methods, instruments and civil terminology.
• Ability to read and understand construction plans and legal descriptions.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate County vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain surveying equipment (total stations, GPS, data collectors).
• Perform topographic surveying and construction staking.
• Create and update survey maps, plats and staking docs.
• Process field data in Trimble Business Center, Civil 3D, AutoCAD.
• Review project scope and keep electronic files organized.
• Ensure safety standards and environmental regulations at job sites.

Skills

Field survey methods

Civil engineering terminology

COGO calculations

ArcGIS for survey data

Trimble GPS

Leica GPS

Data collection

Planning and organizing

Written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Total stations

GPS/GNSS receivers

Data collectors (GIS)

Trimble Business Center

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

TBC / ArcGIS for survey data

Job description

Under general supervision of the Roads Maintenance Superintendent, performs a variety of technical and skilled survey engineering and GIS asset collection work in the field; assists field staff; performs related work as required. Provides surveying support and data collection, oversight and coordination for the Public Works Department construction and maintenance projects.

• Operate and maintain surveying equipment including total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, data collectors (GIS, GPS), levels, and drones (if applicable).
• Perform topographic surveying, construction staking layout, elevation grading layout with level, and as-built survey verification.
• Set up and break down equipment for various survey and data collection assignments.
• Use survey control points in accordance with project requirements and known accuracy standards.
• Record survey measurements and field notes accurately and legibly.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations at job sites.
• Process and download field data into survey software (e.g., Trimble Business Center, Civil 3D, AutoCAD).
• Create and update survey maps, plats, and construction staking documentation.
• Collect, correct and manage GPS asset data.
• Review and follow project scope, keeping all project information and electronic files well organized.
• Performs other duties as directed or assigned.
• Must complete all training as designated or assigned.

Knowledge/ Skills:

• Knowledge of field survey methods, techniques and instruments used in the measurement and location of lines, elevations, areas, angles, points, and contours of the earth's surface; civil engineering and survey terminology.
• Knowledge of deed and/or boundary research, for the purpose of identifying County right-of-way (ROW).
• Skill in the use and maintenance of optical and electrical surveying instruments and equipment.
• Ability to perform basic calculations such as area, distance, elevation, and coordinate geometry (COGO).
• Skill in using Trimble and Leica GPS, Trimble Robotic Total Station (SX-10 or pre-Trimble Total Stations), Trimble (TSC3) or other various Data Collectors and Trimble Business Center (TBC); and ArcGIS for survey data and information.
• Ability to learn other computer software as needed
• Ability to independently plan and organize work; to present information clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing; to establish effective and tactual working relationships with County staff, contractors, utility companies and the public.
• Ability to follow instructions/work orders from project managers.
• Ability to read and calculate (perform map check, translate and rotate reference coordinates onto measured field coordinates) a recorded subdivision plat or a metes and bounds legal description.
• Ability to read and comprehend Construction Plans.
• Ability to apply NMDOT Standards/ Code lists and survey requirements.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of survey experience in construction layout.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment and onsite at construction locations in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, excessive noise and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work may require the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs with assistance or equipment. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Early morning, evening and weekend work may be required. May be designated as an essential employee on occasion.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver's License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain certifications required.