This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Location: Rapid City, SD
Job Summary: City Surveyor staff perform professional land surveying work in support of City infrastructure, engineering, and development projects. Responsibilities include boundary, right-of-way, topographic, and construction surveys; preparation of legal survey documents; and collection and management of geospatial data. Positions are distinguished by level of technical expertise, independence, licensure, and leadership responsibility.
- Assistant City Surveyor performs professional and technical surveying work under the direction of a licensed surveyor while developing skills toward licensure.
City Surveyor performs advanced surveying duties, leads projects, and provides technical guidance across departments.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Level I – Assistant City Surveyor (Full Salary Range: $67,500 – $87,750)
- Conduct surveying activities under direction, including control point setup, preliminary and final surveys, and construction staking
- Assist with boundary and right-of-way surveys, including courthouse research and preparation of base maps, plats, and easement exhibits
- Create and maintain digital survey files, machine control data, and as-built records
- Operate GPS, total station, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to collect geospatial and 3D data
- Assist in maintaining the City’s survey control network, benchmarks, and Continuous Operating Reference Station (CORS)
- Provide surveying support to City departments, including boundary staking and GIS integration
- Assist with archiving plats, project documentation, and survey records
- Perform legal research and support preparation of survey documents for certification
- Follow established procedures and safety practices
Perform related duties as assigned
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Level II – City Surveyor ($79,980 - $103,974)
- Conduct complex surveying activities including control, boundary, right-of-way, and construction surveys
- Prepare, certify, and seal legally enforceable plats, easement exhibits, and survey documentation in accordance with state statutes
- Operate and oversee GPS, total station, and UAS equipment to collect geospatial and 3D data
- Lead survey projects, coordinating field and office work and scheduling resources
- Supervise and provide direction to survey staff and assistants
- Maintain and manage the City’s survey control network, benchmarks, and CORS infrastructure
- Review engineering and construction plans for accuracy and completeness
- Provide technical guidance to consultants, contractors, and City departments
- Maintain survey records, plats, and data for GIS integration and legal compliance
- Mentor and train lower-level staff
Serve as a technical resource across departments
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Qualifications:
All Levels: Valid South Dakota driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
Assistant City Surveyor
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in surveying or related technical program with at least 18 semester credits in surveying
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam
- Working knowledge of surveying principles, equipment, and data collection methods
- Proficiency with Autodesk Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, GPS, total station, and UAS equipment
- Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
City Surveyor
- Meets Level I requirements; AND
- Minimum 3 years of professional surveying experience beyond assistant-level duties
- Demonstrated experience in legal surveys, construction staking, and project leadership
- FCC Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) certification preferred.
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Work Environment:
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. Frequent interruptions may occur. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May require working in adverse weather conditions and requires the ability to navigate rugged terrain.
