Party Chief

Job Summary:

Under direction, supervises the work of a field survey party making preliminary location, construction, property, topographic and other engineering surveys; and performs related work as required.

The Survey Party Chief is a journey level class distinguished from other engineering classes in that the Survey Party Chief is primarily responsible for the field survey party. Incumbents work with only occasional instruction or assistance. Work is reviewed upon completion and for overall results. Work involves frequent interpretation of policies, procedures and guidelines and may involve the development of recommendations consistent with directives, policies and regulations.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises a field survey party engaged in establishing property lines as well as line and grade for new streets and other public improvements.
• Makes topographic surveys and supervises a field survey party in staking out streets and grades.
• Performs and checks calculations and keeps field notes and records; computes quantities.
• Reviews plans and specifications related to surveying.
• Ensures that the survey party observes departmental safety rules and regulations.
• Makes detailed sketches to aid drafting personnel in preparation of plans and drawings.
• Conducts land surveys to determine right of way lines, boundary lines, location of easements and encroachments.
• Keeps abreast of current codes and regulations affecting City projects.
• Attends division and department meetings as required.
• Serves on various committees as appropriate.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Field survey methods, materials, instruments, equipment and procedures.
• Construction methods, materials and equipment.
• Principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
• Basic construction safety practices.
• Ability to keep and maintain accurate field survey records, make sketches and compile reports.
• Make fair and impartial decisions.
• Perform complex computations and measurements involving formulas and using advanced applications of algebra, trigonometry and geometry; interpret graphs.
• Compile, analyze and apply engineering data.
• Operate office and other equipment including a computer, radios, camera, measuring devices and surveying equipment.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with City employees, other City departments, public officials, contractors, outside agencies and the public.
• Read and understand technical reports, maps, drawings, specifications, plans, codes, etc.
• Learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• City codes and ordinances, rules and regulations affecting field survey operations.
• General City operations.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee primarily works in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity, and exposure to dust and asphalt and may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.
• The employee is exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.
• Potential for extended travel to remote job sites working extended workdays.

Education, Certification and Experience:

• Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid Texas driver's license.
• Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying.
• Equivalent to graduation from high school preferably supplemented by vocational/college coursework related to this field and three years of experience utilizing survey instruments.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires the ability to perform field work involving exertion of a moderate amount of physical effort to stoop, crouch and lift in the performance of duties.
• Ability to work around traffic and construction sites in a safe manner.
• Sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform skilled repetitive movements such as adjusting and operating surveying instruments, sketching, and using office equipment and supplies.
• Ability to drive motor vehicles.
• Tasks require color and visual perception and discrimination, as well as oral communications ability.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, and physical demands and may change at any time with or without notice.