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Instrument Person - Public Works

The City of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation's best managed cities and one of the top cities in which to live, work, and do business. Moreover, San José is the center of cultural, government and economic activity for the region. The employees of the City of San José have embraced the following values: Integrity, Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect and Celebration. The City's Public Works Department is seeking an individual whose values align with the values of the City's employees.The Department of Public Works is responsible for delivering capital improvement projects for a wide variety of City facilities and infrastructure, maintaining City facilities and fleet assets, facilitating and regulating development activities, and providing animal care and services. The Department is committed to high-quality service, partnering with the community, and providing an excellent environment in which to work.Salary range(s) for this classification is $89,871.60 - $109,156.32. This salary range(s) includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.As part of Engineering Services Division, Survey Section of the Public Works Department, this position is responsible for delivering land surveying services on a variety of City projects including street widening/improvements, storm and sanitary facilities, library/community center/fire station sites, and airfield projects. These land surveying services include, but are not limited to the following: topography, property acquisition, construction staking, pavement marking layout, and monument preservation.The Survey Section is currently recruiting to fill one (1) Instrument Person position. An Instrument Person performs a variety of sub-professional surveying and engineering functions of moderate difficulty either on a survey crew in the field, or in the Survey Section office.Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:• Acts as instrument person on a survey party.• Records field notes and prepares maps and sketches from survey data.• Sets up, adjusts, and operates all types of survey instruments.• Provides lead direction and training to other survey personnel.• Uses modern, survey-grade Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment.• Calculates grades and enters data into field books.• Turns angles and extends horizontal line using a total station.• Uses the level to obtain vertical control.• Uses the level, total station, rod, targets to perform topographic surveying in order to describe the existing features of a piece of land in order that it may be reproduced as a plan map.• Locates survey points by measurement, magnetometer and from maps of former surveys.• Assist with transferring electronic field data to a PC workstation, processing and interpreting the data, and checking for errors.• Assists with producing high-quality, computer-generated topography maps and tables using sophisticated engineering software.This is the journey level class in a four class surveying series. This class differs from the next higher class of Survey Party Chief in that incumbents of the latter perform sub-professional surveying work and are usually responsible for completing only a segment of a surveying program or project.This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.Education: Completion of high school or equivalent (General Educational Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate.Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible sub-professional engineering/surveying work.Acceptable Substitution: Successful completion of two (2) academic years, or sixty (60) semester units, of college level engineering technology, surveying, geography, and/or mathematics courses or related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.ORPossession of a valid Land Surveyor-In-Training (LSIT) license issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.Required Licensing: Possession of a valid State of California driver’s license.The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.Physical/Environmental ElementsThe following is a general statement for the classification. Individual positions may have additional or different physical/environmental elements.Possess ability to:• Move between/within work areas, including but not limited to sitting, walking, and standing on various surfaces, turning, bending, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements;• Maintain professional demeanor during interactions with staff, customers, and the public;• Operate, access, enter, and retrieve data using standard office equipment, including but not limited to a computer or tablet;• Operate varied Survey instruments and equipment;• Read printed materials and a computer screen;• Communicate in person and over the telephone;• Be exposed to moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions;• Work in and inspect changing site conditions and work in progress;• Perform light to medium physical work, including climbing/descending ladders;• Operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites;• Be exposed to unpredictable working conditions including but not limited to loud noise levels, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confined workspaces, toxic or caustic chemicals, hazardous physical substances, fumes, odors, gases, dust, and air contaminants;• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment.Selection Process:The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered, or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Diana Gonzalez at diana.gonzalez@sanjoseca.gov.

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What You Should Know About Instrument Person - Public Works, City of San José

The City of San José, a shining gem in the heart of Silicon Valley, is on the lookout for a talented Instrument Person to join its dynamic Public Works Department. This exciting role is at the intersection of engineering and community service, where your work will support various capital improvement projects around the city—from street enhancements to community center developments. You'll be part of an energized team that places a strong emphasis on collaboration, respect, and innovation. As an Instrument Person, you'll operate various surveying instruments, record and prepare detailed maps, and lead training for fellow survey personnel, all while utilizing cutting-edge technology like GPS equipment. Your responsibilities will involve everything from calculating grades and entering data to producing high-quality topography maps using advanced engineering software. With a salary range between $89,871.60 and $109,156.32, and the opportunity to grow within a supportive, mission-driven environment, this position is perfect for those passionate about making a tangible impact in their community. If you have at least three years of responsible surveying experience or relevant coursework, we’d love to have you on board. Embrace the chance to bring your skills to San José—your city—and help create a better tomorrow!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Instrument Person - Public Works Role at City of San José
What does the Instrument Person role at the City of San José entail?

As an Instrument Person at the City of San José, you will perform various sub-professional surveying and engineering functions, either on-site or in the office. Your main tasks include operating surveying instruments, recording field notes, preparing maps, and leading training sessions for other survey personnel. You will work with modern GPS equipment and help produce detailed topography maps, contributing significantly to various capital improvement projects across the city.

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What qualifications are required to become an Instrument Person for the City of San José?

To qualify for the Instrument Person position at the City of San José, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least three years of responsible sub-professional engineering or surveying experience. Acceptable substitutes include having completed two years of relevant college courses or possessing a valid Land Surveyor-In-Training (LSIT) license, both of which can replace two years of the required experience.

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What is the salary range for the Instrument Person position at the City of San José?

The salary range for the Instrument Person position at the City of San José is between $89,871.60 and $109,156.32 annually. This range reflects the city's commitment to providing competitive compensation for qualified candidates and includes an ongoing non-pensionable compensation of approximately five percent.

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What skills are essential for the Instrument Person position at the City of San José?

Essential skills for the Instrument Person role at the City of San José include a strong knowledge of surveying and engineering practices, effective communication skills (both verbal and written), computer proficiency in applications like Microsoft Office, and the ability to work collaboratively with team members. Additionally, problem-solving skills and a customer-centric attitude are crucial for ensuring quality service delivery in this capacity.

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What is the selection process for the Instrument Person position at the City of San José?

The selection process for the Instrument Person role at the City of San José involves an evaluation of applicants' training and experience as outlined in their applications. Candidates must respond to job-specific questions thoroughly. Those whose backgrounds closely match the position will be invited for an interview. This process may also include additional assessments to further evaluate fit for the role.

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Common Interview Questions for Instrument Person - Public Works
What experience do you have with survey instruments?

In answering this question, it's essential to highlight your hands-on experience with different survey instruments you've used in previous roles or during training. Mention specific tools you've operated, such as total stations or GPS equipment, and describe the types of projects you worked on, emphasizing your role and any relevant challenges you overcame.

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Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a problem on a surveying project?

When discussing problem resolution in a surveying context, pick an example where you identified a significant issue—like measurement inaccuracies or data discrepancies—and outline how you approached fixing the problem. Describe the steps you took, the outcome, and what you learned from the experience to showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

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How do you ensure the accuracy of your survey data?

To effectively answer this, discuss the standard procedures you follow to maintain data accuracy, such as double-checking measurements, using calibration procedures for your instruments, or cross-referencing data with other sources. Highlighting your attention to detail and systematic approach will demonstrate your commitment to precision in surveying.

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What role does teamwork play in your work as an Instrument Person?

In your response, underscore how collaboration is crucial in surveying projects. Share examples of how you've worked with other team members—this could range from sharing responsibilities on-site to providing guidance and training to less experienced personnel. Discuss the importance of collective problem-solving and communication in achieving project goals.

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What software are you proficient in that relates to surveying?

When answering, list the surveying software you've used, such as AutoCAD, GIS applications, or specialized engineering tools. Discuss how you effectively use these platforms to process survey data, create maps, and perform calculations, emphasizing your analytical skills and how technology enhances your work.

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How do you handle adverse weather conditions on a survey site?

Here, you want to illustrate your adaptability and commitment to safety. Discuss specific protocols you follow when encountering challenging weather, such as planning ahead, wearing appropriate gear, or taking measures to protect equipment. Emphasize your ability to stay focused and professional, ensuring the survey's integrity despite external challenges.

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What strategies do you use to prioritize tasks during a busy project?

When responding, convey your organizational skills by describing methods like creating task lists or leveraging project management tools. Explain how you assess urgency, potential impacts on project timelines, and coordinate with your team, ensuring that priorities align with project goals while maintaining productivity.

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Why do you want to work for the City of San José?

Your answer should reflect your knowledge of the city's values and mission, discussing how they resonate with your personal and professional goals. Share your enthusiasm for contributing to community improvement through the Public Works Department and your willingness to grow within a city known for its innovation and excellence.

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How do you keep up with the latest developments in surveying technology?

In your response, demonstrate your proactive approach to professional development by mentioning specific resources you utilize, like relevant industry journals, online courses, or attending workshops. Highlight any recent technologies you've mastered, illustrating your commitment to remaining at the forefront of the surveying field.

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Describe a project where you had to collect and analyze survey data.

When discussing this, provide a specific project example, mentioning the objective, the data you collected, and how you analyzed it. Discuss the tools and techniques used, your role, and the impact your data had on the project’s outcome.

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Do you know the way to San José? If so, you're probably a high tech worker, and hopefully one with a salary to match its real estate prices. The city, with a population of more than one million, is known for its Silicon Valley location and technol...

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
December 17, 2024

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