Job Summary

Functions as survey lead worker/project supervisor conducting skilled surveying work, including but not limited to, challenging boundary and location surveys, General Land Office (GLO) section resurvey and Public Land Survey System (PLSS) corner maintenance, horizontal and vertical control surveys, set and maintain County Benchmarks, and similar related duties which are heavily relied upon by other County departments, governmental bodies, private surveyors and the general public and control the location of public and private property boundaries. Responsibilities include mentoring County Surveyor Division technical staff as to proper surveying procedures and methods. Establishes land boundaries in accordance with federal regulations, state statutes and common law. Constructs or rehabilitates land corner monuments where previously set corners are lost or do not exist, to verify that previously set corners and accessories are present and in their proper location, and to perform other land survey related duties. Reports to the County Surveyor, directs the work of project survey crews and reviews the work of assigned staff for quality control purposes.
 

Supervision Received

Employees in this role work under general supervision with broad objectives and expected outcomes provided. Use of independent judgement and the ability to exercise independent decision making is required. Work is reviewed on completion or when outcomes are achieved. Is often physically removed from supervisor and is only subject to periodic supervisory checks. 

This position reports to the County Surveyor. 
 

Supervision Exercised

Serves as a work leader for the Land Survey and Mapping Technician and other technical staff and occasionally for seasonal survey crew or equipment operators. Elements of direct control over these positions include assigning tasks, monitoring progress and workflow, checking the product for timeliness and correctness or soundness, and providing input into supervisor’s actions.  
 

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

1.    Designs and prepares detailed survey plans. Acts independently or leads others during design activities. Interprets and reduces field survey data. Using computer aided drafting system and complicated surveying software, applies complex surveying and mapping design principles, standards and calculations to surveying and mapping projects according to practices recognized by the State of Minnesota.
2.    Performs preliminary surveys for highway construction projects. Acts independently or leads others during vital preliminary land surveying activities. Research existing survey data for known horizontal and vertical control points and locate them in the field. Collects data for the design of road and bridge construction projects.  Performs complex surveys for geodetic control, boundary surveys, Public Land Survey monument perpetuation and maintenance, preliminary, route, topographical, hydraulic and construction using the following or combination thereof: conventional survey equipment, a Robotic Total Station, Data Collector, Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Bridge and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS/GPS). Responsible for equipment, staff and performing research relative to field crew operations.
3.    Provides assistance and leads technical staff for geodetic control and survey workload related to highway construction and the Public Land Survey System perpetuation for the Division.
4.    Provides assistance and leads technical staff as to proper surveying procedures and methods to deliver efficient and successful survey projects.
5.    Responsible for survey data management, analysis and interpretation for the Division. 
6.    May be the lead preparer of right of way plats and other highly technical drawings of surveying projects using CADD software (AutoCAD/MicroStation) or GIS Software (ESRI ArcMap).
7.    Perform intricate mapping and analysis of land descriptions and tax parcels. 
8.    Works closely with contractors, the public and other public agencies and acts as the County Surveyor’s authorized representative in the field.
9.    Provide assistance, training, advice and guidance to technical staff in advanced and complex land surveying principles, procedures, accepted industry standards and best management practices.
10.    Perform detailed mapping updates of all County tax system parcels as more accurate survey data becomes available.
11.    Acts as main technical support for County Surveyor.
12.    Works with computer related items such as the Internet, Microsoft Office programs, ESRI GIS software, Trimble Business Center, Trimble Access, AutoCAD Civil 3D and other software as needed or instructed.
13.    Prepare and/or assist with reports on projects.
14.    Provide training and work direction to seasonal interns.
15.    Inspection and field collection of the location and attributes of the assets maintained by Aitkin County.
16.    Work with the County Surveyor to build and maintain a strong Division team environment and effective working relationships with other public officials, staff and the general public. The employee is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for self and others and is accountable for such as described in the Aitkin County Personnel Policy. Regular attendance is essential to the maintenance of a smooth and consistent workflow of the employee’s responsibilities and the functions of the department as a whole 
17.    Attends certification classes, trainings and meetings for the highly specialized programs including, but not limited to State of Minnesota surveying statutes, methodology and technical certification as needed and all required advanced knowledge and skill to ensure the successful achievement of Division objectives.
18.    Recommends purchase of equipment and supplies needed.

•    Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent that are reasonably related to this position and qualifications. In emergency situations, duties which might not be reasonably assigned to an employee’s position may have to be assigned.  

Minimum Qualifications

AAS Degree in Land Surveying, Civil Technology, or related field and a minimum of five (5) years related and progressive work experience with a Governmental agency or private consulting firm. 

Or

High School Diploma/GED and a minimum of ten (10) years related and progressive work experience with a survey agency or private consulting firm.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks, a criminal background check, and pre-employment physical will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

Skill in:

Ability to:

Language Skills

High Skills - Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write technical reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
 

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.  Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

Reasoning Skills

Very High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

Ability to Travel

Daily travel required, approximately 100 miles per day on highways and forest roads.
 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, problem solving, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, and initiative.
 

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Works primarily outside and is exposed to very hot summer and extreme cold winter temperatures, depending on the weather. Hazardous terrain must be negotiated while transporting moderate to heavy loads.  Exposure to industrial accidents caused by vehicles and sharp cutting tools, as well as environmental hazards such as animals, wood ticks, biting and stinging insects, poison ivy and other noxious plants. Remote work areas susceptible to illegal activities. Fumes from welding and petroleum products along with hearing protection required for several activities. One other hazard is people who perceive they are being cheated or deprived of some aspect of their land or ownership rights may become verbally aggressive or violent.

Equipment and Tools

Surveying equipment - transit, total station, GPS sensors and receivers, RTK Bridge, computer, copier, telephone, printer, county-owned vehicles, trailers, snowmobiles, ATVs, snowshoes, chainsaws, brush axe, axe, hatchet, shovel and metal detector. 

Physical Activities/Requirements

Physical Activities/Requirements
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 70 pounds on a regular basis.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Position requires walking long distances while carrying work related equipment in frequently difficult terrain.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.
 

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
 

01/24/2023

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism