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  • Survey Party Chief

    Sacramento, California United States Sacramento County, CA $86,965.20 - $105,715.44 Annually Apr 22, 2025
    County of Sacramento Employer:

    Sacramento County, CA

    The County of Sacramento is a great place to work, grow and thrive professionally. We are an equal opportunity employer of more than 12,200 people dedicated to providing a variety of services for a diverse and vibrant County. Services include public safety and protection, community and municipal services, health services, voter registration, and many more. 

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    The Position

    This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

    5/5/25, 5/19/25, 6/16/25 (final)

    Under direction, Survey Party Chiefs perform advanced journey level work and/or act as leadworkers for a field survey crew performing paraprofessional land and engineering surveys. Responsibilities include the location of boundaries, rights of way and easements, establishment of horizontal and vertical control, topographic mapping and construction surveying for the purposes of constructing public works projects. The projects include but are not limited to highways and bridges, storm water drainage facilities, water conveyance systems, sanitary sewer conveyance and treatment facilities and various other public works structures and projects.

    Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

    Knowledge of
    • Public works surveying principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques.
    • California Coordinate System, Land Surveyor's Act, Subdivision Map and other statutes related to land surveying.
    • Engineering, surveying, and mathematics concepts and practices as applied to office and field survey work.
    • Use and application of survey instruments for measurements of public works facilities and projects.
    • Basic principles of leadworker responsibilities and training methods.
    • Acceptable safety standards safe work practices.
    Ability to
    • Plan and provide lead direction to assigned staff.
    • Prepare detailed technical documentation and survey notes.
    • Configure and operate automated and electronic survey instruments and equipment.
    • Interpret legal descriptions of real property.
    • Maintain sets of survey field notes and prepare reports to document project progress.
    • Maintain cooperative relationships with coworkers and the public.
    • Read, write and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory work performance.


    Employment Qualifications

    Minimum Qualifications

    Either: 1. Two years of full-time experience in Sacramento County Service in the class of Survey Technician (Level II).

    Or: 2. Three years of paraprofessional surveying experience involving public works facilities or structures.

    Note: Completion of 36 semester units or 45 quarter units of coursework in surveying, engineering or related field at an accredited college or university may substitute for up to one year of the required experience.

    General Qualifications

    Driver's License : Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher. Failure to maintain a valid California Driver’s License, Class C or higher constitutes cause for termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

    Physical Requirements :
    • Must be physically capable of performing manual labor including the lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
    • Perform a variety of physical tasks in inclement weather and in a variety of difficult locations and conditions.
    • Must possess sufficient eye-hand coordination to utilize a variety of hand and power-driven tools.
    Working Conditions : Incumbents are subject to emergency and on-call work in all kinds of weather, and under hazardous conditions, at other than normal duty hours.

    Probationary Period

    The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

    Application and Testing Information

    APPLICATION

    Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here to apply.

    County of Sacramento

    Department of Personnel Services

    Employment Services Division

    700 H Street, Room 4667

    Sacramento, CA 95814

    Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

    Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.net

    Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

    www.SacCountyJobs.net

    • Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
    • Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
    • Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
    • Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
    • A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.


    SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

    Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

    Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

    • Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
    • The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
    • Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
    • If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
    • Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
    • If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
    • For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
    • If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed , therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.


    FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

    All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

    This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

    All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

    For information regarding County jobs:

    www.saccountyjobs.net

    Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

    We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at dco@saccounty.gov or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711.

    EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

    As an employee of the County of Sacramento, there will be a variety of benefits available to you. These benefits currently include: health, dental and life insurance; flexible spending account options for dependent care and unreimbursed dental and/or medical cost; and an employee assistance program (EAP).

    GENERAL BENEFITS:
    Most employee benefits are similar to the following for all County employees. However, some benefits differ, depending on the employee representation unit to which the employee's job classification is assigned. Information about the exact benefits applicable to a particular job classification may be obtained from the Sacramento County Department of Benefits or by visiting www.saccountyjobs.net.

    TEMPORARY POSITIONS:
    Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions. The explanations of benefits applies to employees in regular positions.

    SALARY STEP INCREASES:
    The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% are given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

    PAY:
    All employees are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit into the employee's bank account. The pay period covers fourteen (14) calendar days, starting on a Sunday and ending on the second Saturday thereafter. Salaries are generally paid on the Friday following the end of the pay period. Employees can set up their direct deposit and access their pay information via Employee Self Service in MySacCounty.

    VACATION:
    Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

    HOLIDAYS:
    14.5 holidays per year as recognized.

    SICK LEAVE:
    Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation. Upon retirement, unused sick leave is converted to retirement service credit.

    PARENTAL LEAVE:
    Entitles a regular County employee, with at least one year of continuous employment, to schedule a paid parental leave of up to 160 hours upon the birth or during the process of an adoption of a minor child. Parental leave shall be approved by the employee's appointing authority, except where the granting of the parental leave request would unduly interfere with or cause severe hardship upon department operations.

    TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:
    Dependent upon union agreements, regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies are eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

    RETIREMENT:
    Social Security and Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System coverage.

    HEALTH INSURANCE:
    The County offers a variety of health plan design options to fit individual needs.

    DENTAL INSURANCE:
    The County provides a comprehensive dental benefit program for regular full-time and part-time employees and their eligible dependents. This plan pays on a set fee schedule that varies by procedure. Any amount over the fee schedule is the employee's responsibility. The yearly maximum is $2,000 per person, not including orthodontia. The orthodontic benefit is 50% of covered charges with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 per person.

    LIFE INSURANCE:
    The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit of $15,000 to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

    DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
    The County offers a Deferred Compensation Program which enables employees to save in a systematic way without paying income tax on either the payroll deduction or the earned interest, prior to withdrawal.

    EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
    The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:
    • Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions
    • Marriage or Family Relationships
    • Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care
    • Alcohol and Drug Abuse


    WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
    The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.

    FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:
    The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

    • DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
      Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.

    • MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
      The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.


    WORKERS' COMPENSATION:
    In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.

    SACRAMENTO CREDIT UNION:
    The credit union offers loan facilities and systematic saving plans through payroll deduction.

    SELECTION AND PLACEMENT

    Sacramento County encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, gender, disability, political affiliation, or age.

    Certain age limits may be required by law, ordinance, or Civil Service direction for specific classifications such as those identified with hazardous occupations.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
    Please read carefully the "Minimum Qualifications" section of your announcement. You must meet those qualifications by the application deadline date unless otherwise specified. Your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications by the application deadline date, or it will not be accepted. All statements are subject to verification.

    "Experience" means full-time paid experience unless the announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

    PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS:
    If the announcement indicates the examination is given on a promotional basis, candidates must hold permanent status in Sacramento County Civil Service by the application deadline date and must meet the minimum qualifications.

    OPEN EXAMINATIONS:
    Any person who meets the minimum qualifications may apply.

    CONTINUOUS FILING EXAMINATIONS:
    Applicants are eligible to reapply to and retake a continuous filing exam after 6 months from the date the previous exam results was received.

    ELIGIBLE LISTS:
    Names of qualified persons who made a passing score on an examination are entered, in order of their final grades, on an eligible list. To fill each vacancy, the hiring department will make a selection from among the top three ranks on the employment lists.

    EXAMINATION RATINGS:
    Unless otherwise stated on the announcement: To be successful, candidates must obtain a rating of at least 70% on each part of the examination. This may be an adjusted score or an arithmetic 70% of the total possible score as determined by the Director.

    APPEAL PROCESS:
    Persons who believe their applications have been improperly rejected may request the Employment Services Division to review its decision to reject the application. If the applicant desires to submit additional proof of qualifications, such proof must be received by Personnel Services not less than two (2) calendar days prior to the scheduled date for the examination.

    Persons who are disqualified in any phase of the examination may appeal such adverse action, in writing, to the Civil Service Commission, 700 H Street, Room 2640, Sacramento, CA 95814, telephone: (916) 874-5586. Such appeals must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of the adverse action was mailed to the candidate.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): https://personnel.saccounty.net/Pages/EmploymentServicesFAQs.aspx

    OTHER INFORMATION

    VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
    Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.

    "Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.
    Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.

    CITIZENSHIP OR AUTHORIZED ALIEN REQUIREMENT:
    As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all County employees must be United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Proof of citizenship or authorized status will be required prior to appointment.

    CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE:
    Some County Civil Service positions are covered by financial disclosure requirements intended to identify potential conflicts of interest.

    CONCURRENT EMPLOYMENT:
    No employee may concurrently occupy more than one County position.

    SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE APPLICATION):
    Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:

    Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and
    The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

    PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION & DRUG TESTING:
    The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment to positions must pass a medical examination and a drug test, administered by the County at no cost to the applicant.

    DRIVER LICENSE:
    Possession of a valid California Driver License may be required for some positions.

    PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
    Regular positions are subject to a probationary period which is an extension of the selection process. Unless otherwise indicated on the announcement, the probationary period is six (6) months.

    AGENCY SHOP/FAIR SHARE FEE:
    Some positions require, as a condition of continued employment, that the person either:
    1. Become a union member;
    2. Pay a fair share fee to the union; or,
    3. Meet specific requirements under which an equivalent amount must be paid to a charity.

    FINGERPRINTING AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS:
    Fingerprinting and criminal record checks are required for some positions.

    Closing Date/Time: 6/16/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Gain A Bird's Eye View Of The World With Government Survey Jobs

Gain A Bird's Eye View Of The World With Government Survey Jobs
 

The World of Government Survey Jobs

Not to be confused with the surveying done by the Census Bureau, land surveying forms the heart of urban planning, environmental conservation, and national security. Government surveyors are the ones who climb mountains, wade through swamps, and navigate dense urban jungles – all in the name of accurate measurement and mapping.

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But don’t be fooled; this isn’t just about trudging through wilderness with old-fashioned equipment. Modern government surveyors are as likely to be piloting drones or analyzing satellite data as they are to be pounding stakes into the ground.

Imagine starting your day by calibrating a high-precision GPS unit, then heading out to review and map the erosion of a coastline that could affect thousands of homes. Or picture yourself using cutting-edge LiDAR technology to create 3D models of a city, helping urban planners design more efficient and sustainable communities. These are just glimpses of what a career in government surveying can offer.

 

The Impact of Survey Work on Communities

When you think of community heroes, surveyors might not be the first profession that comes to mind. Yet, the work of government surveyors touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives, often in ways we don’t even realize. Let’s peel back the layers and explore how these precision professionals make a tangible difference in our communities.

Safeguarding Lives and Property

Did you know that accurate flood mapping can mean the difference between life and death? Government surveyors play a crucial role in creating and updating flood maps. These aren’t just lines on paper – they’re vital tools that:

  • Help communities prepare for potential disasters
  • Guide emergency response plans
  • Inform insurance rates and building codes

By precisely measuring land elevations and water flow patterns, surveyors provide the data needed to protect lives and property from devastating floods. When was the last time you checked your area’s flood map? It might just save your life one day.

Shaping Livable Cities

Ever wondered how cities decide where to place new parks, schools, or transportation hubs? Government surveyors are often the unsung heroes behind urban planning decisions. Their work:

  • Determines land use and zoning regulations
  • Identifies suitable locations for public facilities
  • Helps plan efficient transportation routes
Imagine a new light rail system that cuts your commute time in half, or a neighborhood park within walking distance of your home.

Chances are, a government surveyor’s data played a role in making these amenities possible.

Resolving Boundary Disputes

“Good fences make good neighbors,” as the saying goes. But what happens when those fences are in the wrong place? Government surveyors are often called upon to settle boundary disputes, ensuring that:

  • Property lines are accurately defined
  • Land ownership is clearly established
  • Conflicts between neighbors are resolved fairly

Their precise measurements can prevent costly legal battles and maintain community harmony. Have you ever had a fence dispute with a neighbor? A government surveyor might be the peacemaker you need.

Protecting Natural Resources

In an era of climate change and environmental concerns, the role of government surveyors in conservation efforts is more critical than ever. Their work contributes to:

  • Mapping and monitoring protected habitats
  • Tracking changes in coastlines and forests
  • Planning sustainable resource management

From helping track endangered species to measuring glacial retreat, surveyors provide the data needed to make informed environmental decisions. How might your local ecosystem benefit from this precise monitoring?

Supporting Infrastructure Development

Roads, bridges, water systems – the infrastructure we rely on daily often begins with a surveyor’s measurements. Government surveyors:

  • Determine optimal routes for highways and pipelines
  • Ensure buildings and bridges are constructed on stable ground
  • Help plan efficient water management systems

That smooth new highway or reliable clean water supply? Thank a surveyor for laying the groundwork.

Preserving History and Culture

Surprisingly, government surveyors also play a role in preserving our cultural heritage. They:

  • Map and document historical sites and artifacts
  • Provide data for archaeological excavations
  • Help in the restoration of historical buildings and monuments
The next time you enjoy a walk in a local park, drive on a well-planned road, or feel secure in your home during a rainstorm, take a moment to appreciate the surveyors who helped make it all possible.

Their work may often go unnoticed, but its effects are felt every day in communities across the nation.

 

Technology in Modern Surveying

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Gone are the days when surveyors relied solely on chains and transits. Today’s government surveyors are at the forefront of technological innovation, wielding an impressive array of high-tech tools that would make any gadget enthusiast green with envy. Let’s look into the exciting world of modern surveying technology and how it’s revolutionizing the field.

LiDAR: Illuminating the World in 3D

Imagine being able to create a highly detailed 3D map of an entire city in a matter of hours. That’s the power of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology.

  • How it works: LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances and create point clouds.
  • Applications: From mapping flood plains to planning urban developments, LiDAR is changing the game.
  • Accuracy: It can detect differences in elevation as small as a few centimeters.

Did you know that LiDAR technology recently uncovered hidden Mayan ruins in the jungles of Guatemala? Just think of the potential applications in your own community!

Drones: The Surveyor’s Eye in the Sky

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones have become indispensable tools for modern surveyors. They offer:

  • Efficiency: Cover large areas quickly and access hard-to-reach locations.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Reduce the need for ground crews in many situations.
  • Versatility: Equipped with cameras and sensors for various data collection needs.
Imagine surveying a sprawling construction site or monitoring coastal erosion without ever leaving the ground.

Drones make it possible, providing a bird’s-eye view that was once the domain of expensive aerial surveys.

GPS and GNSS: Precision at Your Fingertips

Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology have revolutionized surveying:

  • Accuracy: Achieve centimeter-level precision in positioning.
  • Speed: Collect data points rapidly and efficiently.
  • Integration: Combine with other technologies for comprehensive surveys.

Remember when you had to unfold a giant paper map to navigate? GPS has come a long way since then, and surveyors are using its most advanced forms to map our world with incredible precision.

3D Laser Scanning: Capturing Reality in Detail

3D laser scanning technology allows surveyors to create highly detailed models of buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure:

  • Speed: Capture millions of data points in minutes.
  • Detail: Create accurate 3D models for analysis and planning.
  • Versatility: Useful for everything from historic preservation to crime scene investigation.

Imagine being able to virtually walk through a building that hasn’t been constructed yet, or preserve the exact dimensions of a historic structure for future generations. That’s the power of 3D laser scanning.

Mobile Mapping Systems: Surveying on the Move

Mounted on vehicles, mobile mapping systems combine various sensors to collect data while in motion:

  • Efficiency: Survey long stretches of road or rail quickly.
  • Comprehensive: Collect multiple data types simultaneously.
  • Safety: Reduce the need for surveyors to work in dangerous roadside conditions.

Think about the last time you used a street view feature on a digital map. Mobile mapping systems take this concept to the next level, providing detailed data for infrastructure planning and management.

GIS and Big Data: Making Sense of It All

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and big data analytics are transforming how survey data is processed and utilized:

  • Integration: Combine data from various sources for comprehensive analysis.
  • Visualization: Create intuitive maps and models for decision-makers.
  • Predictive Analysis: Use historical data to forecast future trends and needs.
This technological revolution not only makes surveying more efficient and precise but also opens up new possibilities for how we understand and interact with our environment.

From virtual reality simulations of proposed developments to real-time monitoring of environmental changes, the future of surveying is limited only by our imagination.

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How to Land a Government Survey Job

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So, you’re intrigued by the world of government surveying and ready to take the plunge into this rewarding career. But where do you start? Let’s map out your path to landing that coveted government survey job.

Education: Building Your Foundation

The first step on your job search journey is getting the right education:

  • Aim for a bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, or a related field.
  • Look for programs accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
  • Consider taking courses in GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis to boost your tech skills.

Pro tip: Many schools offer internship programs with government agencies. These can be golden opportunities to get your foot in the door!

Licensure: Becoming a Professional Surveyor

Most government surveying positions require professional licensure:

Requirements vary by state, but typically include:
  • A degree from an accredited program
  • Several years of work experience under a licensed surveyor
  • Passing the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam
  • Passing the Professional Surveyor (PS) exam

Becoming licensed is a journey. Start early by taking the FS exam soon after graduation.

Gain Experience: Learning the Ropes

While working towards licensure, gain valuable experience:

  • Look for entry-level positions or internships with private surveying firms.
  • Volunteer for local conservation projects that involve surveying work.
  • Consider starting as a survey technician in a government agency to learn the ropes.

Did you know? Many government agencies offer trainee programs that can lead to full surveyor positions upon licensure.

Develop Technical Skills: Mastering the Tools of the Trade

In today’s high-tech surveying world, technical skills are crucial:

  • Become proficient in CAD software like AutoCAD or Microstation.
  • Learn to use GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.
  • Familiarize yourself with data processing software for various surveying instruments.
  • Get comfortable with drone operation and data processing if possible.

Tip: Many software providers offer free or discounted licenses for students. Take advantage of these to build your skills!

Network: Building Professional Connections

Networking can open doors in the government sector:

  • Join professional organizations like the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS).
  • Attend industry conferences and workshops.
  • Participate in online forums and social media groups for surveyors.
  • Connect with alumni from your school who are working in government surveying.

Sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can make the difference.

Search for Opportunities: Finding Your Dream Job

When you’re ready to apply, know where to look:

  • Check our website regularly for federal positions.
  • Look at state and local government job boards for opportunities closer to home.
  • Set up job alerts on professional surveying websites and job boards.
  • Don’t overlook temporary or contract positions – these can often lead to permanent roles.
Tips:
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
  • Try to respond on the same date the job was posted.

The application will ask for sensitive information, so don’t forget to check your connection and click save when you’re done.

Prepare for the Application Process: Standing Out from the Crowd

Government job applications can be detailed and competitive:

  • Carefully read job announcements and address all required qualifications.
  • Be prepared to take written tests or demonstrate practical skills.
  • For federal jobs, familiarize yourself with the GS (General Schedule) pay scale and qualifications.
  • Highlight any specialized skills or experiences that match the job description.

Patience is key. Government hiring processes can be lengthy, but the wait is often worth it.

Continuous Learning: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Even after landing your job, continue to grow:

  • Take advantage of professional development opportunities offered by your agency.
  • Stay updated on new technologies and methodologies in the field.
  • Consider pursuing advanced certifications or even a master’s degree to boost your career prospects.

Landing a government survey job is more than just finding employment – it’s embarking on a career path filled with purpose, challenges, and opportunities to make a real difference. By proceeding with these steps and staying persistent, you’ll be well on your way to joining the ranks of professional government surveyors.

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