Survey Technician

Selective Placement Factors: This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified:

• Driver's License

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

For GS-04: You must possess 6 months of general experience -AND- 6 months of specialized experience.

General Experience include, but not limited to:

• Working in any professional, technical, or other field that provided you with a familiarity of land surveying techniques.

Specialized Experience include:

• Serve as rodman on surveys requiring special rodding procedures, using any of various types of rods, and selecting measuring or turning points in consideration of terrain and demands of the type of survey involved; and
• Serve as pacer of a leveling party, going ahead of the party and determining in advance the positions the road crew will occupy so that shots will be balanced, and instruments can be kept level.

-OR- 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation, if required.-OR- Combination of experience and education.

For GS-05: You must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade (GS-04) to be creditable.

Specialized Experience include:

• Conduct surveys, typically with an assistant, using hand instruments such as hand levels and compasses.
• Make simple traverse surveys using compass and tape, measuring small land areas, using rod, tape, and hand level, to obtain rough estimates of yardage to be excavated.
• Perform recording assignments which require concentration and specialized skill such as that required in making manual computations that involve elementary arithmetic processes made complex by virtue of the number and variety of manipulations involved and the speed with which successive readings are called.

-OR- 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, if required.-OR- Combination of experience and undergraduate education.

For GS-06: You must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade (GS-05) to be creditable.

Specialized Experience include:

• Knowledge and experience of survey methods, techniques, and procedures sufficient to carry our survey assignments of substantial variety and complexity.
• Plan survey assignments of limited scope and to serve as party chief.
• Knowledge of fundamental trigonometry and algebra sufficient to prepare field notes and check accuracy of survey.
• Knowledge of the operation, adjustment and maintenance of surveying equipment and instruments (transits, theodolites, EDMs, Global Positioning Systems) sufficient to operate, take measurements and conduct training.
• Knowledge of computer capabilities sufficient to produce reports with graphics, produce simple maps, develop spreadsheets, and enter, retrieve, and manipulate data.

-OR- Graduate education related to Survey. Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position.-OR- Combination of graduate education and experience.

For GS-07: You must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade (GS-06).

Specialized Experience include:

• Knowledge and experience of survey methods, techniques, and procedures sufficient to carry our survey assignments of substantial variety and complexity including those that require deviation from standard methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of survey methods, techniques, and procedures to plan nonroutine survey assignments, develop revisions to standard work methods and procedures, and redirect crew efforts to adapt to field conditions.
• Knowledge of fundamental trigonometry and algebra sufficient to prepare field notes and check accuracy of survey.
• Knowledge of the operation, adjustment and maintenance of surveying equipment and instruments (transits, theodolites, EDMs, Global Positioning Systems) sufficient to operate, take very exacting measurements, and conduct training.
• Knowledge of computer capabilities sufficient to produce reports with graphics, produce simple maps, develop spreadsheets, and enter, retrieve, and manipulate data.

-OR- One full year of graduate education related to Survey. Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. One full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-7.-OR- combination of graduate education and experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands: Work requires some physical exertion such as bending and walking in terrain that is rough, rocky, mountainous, and densely vegetated. Required to lift and carry equipment necessary to efficiently perform the work of the position, and to provide for personal comfort and safety (i.e., tools, personal protective equipment, food, and water for extended periods of work away from vehicles).

Work Environment: Office work is performed in a setting that is adequately lighted, ventilated, cooled, and heated.
When doing fieldwork incumbent is subject to cuts and bruises, extreme and adverse weather conditions, and injuries and discomforts from pests or animals. Employee will adhere to all safety rules