Land Surveyor

Job Description:

Land Surveyor

Description

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Under direction, leads a survey crew engaged in making a variety of field engineering surveys; performs related work as required. The principal function of an employee in this job classification is to conduct a variety of semi-professional surveying tasks, including crew chief, operation of survey equipment, perform calculations and prepare survey documents.

The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
Residency Incentive
Volunteer Time
Parental Leave
Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
12 Paid Holidays
Health/Dental/Life Insurance
Wellness Programs
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit
Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS)
Deferred Compensation Plan matching up to 2.5%
Employee Discounts

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from high school, or possession of a GED, and
• Four years of experience in field survey work. Or
• An equivalent combination in which each two years of additional experience may be substituted for one year of education, or one year of additional technical education may be substituted for one year of experience.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen; and
• Possess a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Knowledge of standard safety procedures employed in survey work;
• Considerable knowledge of accepting surveying methods, practices and instruments;
• Knowledge of the various sources of information concerning previous land surveys;
• Knowledge of reading and interpreting legal descriptions;
• Knowledge of various sources of records and physical evidence concerning previous land surveys;
• Knowledge of basic drafting principles and techniques;
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, geometry, trigonometry and algebra;
• Ability to work out of doors under adverse weather conditions;
• Ability to plan and organize the work of the survey crew.
• Ability to properly operate and utilize surveying equipment or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to plan, directs, and coordinates the work of field Survey party;
• Ability to plan and lay out work for survey parties;
• Ability to complete assigned field projects in required time frame;
• Ability to understand, follow and provide verbal and written instructions;
• Ability to read and understand engineering plans and specification plats, aerial photos, road plans, and land descriptions;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relations with contractors, the general public, and other employees.

Click here for Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 10/2/2025 4:00 PM Central

Salary:

$34.29 - $41.06 Hourly