HomeMy WebLinkAboutSurvey Party ChiefUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Survey Party Chief
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Supervisor: City Engineer
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 13
Job Number: 1309
Job Summary
Under general direction, directs and participates in obtaining necessary field data needed to
design Public Works projects. Directs and participates in the layout of construction sites of
Public Works projects. Prepares easement plats and other related drawings.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Directs survey party crew in obtaining necessary field data for Public Works
improvement projects.
• Performs and directs survey crew in layout of construction sites of Public Works projects
for alignment, grades of paving, storm sewer, right-of-way, sanitary sewers and water
main.
• Instructs and trains part time survey crew members in correct use of survey instruments
and equipment.
• Operates survey and drafting equipment, including total station, GPS (global positioning
system) and AutoCad.
• Assists with utility mapping, easement platting and topographical mapping.
• Maintains database of benchmarks.
• Collects as-built data.
• Reduces and reviews field data notes, computes elevations and grades to be used for
design of projects.
• Researches and collects legal deeds for property and easement descriptions for Public
Works projects.
• Performs drafting work and design layout for some Public Works projects.
• Conducts field inspections when needed for paving, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and
water main projects.
• Adjusts and maintains survey equipment, and schedules routine servicing of equipment.
• Designs and prepares plans, specifications, and cost estimates for basic Public Works
projects.
• Responds to information requests from the public and other City departments and
divisions.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all
community members and coworkers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Additional training beyond high school in surveying and
math. Experience in civil engineering design and survey work.
• Valid State of Iowa driver's license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of
age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in
written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situations.
• Ability to make and interpret survey calculations.
• Ability to prepare accurate field notes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and profile drawings, safety rules,
operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to use drafting tools and related software.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Knowledge of civil engineering design as related to surveying.
• Knowledge of engineering construction layout.
• Knowledge of proper use and maintenance of survey instruments and equipment.
• Skill in establishing effective working relationships with subordinates, other employees,
contractors and the general public.
• Skill in math, geometry and trigonometry related to engineering, construction, and
survey methods.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook) and various engineering design software.
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee
regularly lifts and/or moves 25 pounds and will occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving
mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock,
vibration, and traffic hazards. The employee is regularly exposed to outside weather condition,
dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen, insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work
environment is usually loud. Involves moderate exposure to dangerous situations. Involves
moderate exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Ron Knoche, Public Works Director (4/2024)
of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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