NPS Essential Compentencies Surveying Technician

SURVEYING TECHNICIAN

Essential Competencies

ENTRY LEVEL

Description: Performs basic field and office (boundary, construction, and topographic) surveying tasks.

I. Technical

A. Mathematics - through trigonometry

B. Computer basics

C. Elementary drafting

II. Surveying

A. Use of surveying equipment

B. Basic survey functions

III. Safety

A. Care and use of 4WD vehicles

B. Care and use of cutting tools

C. First Aid and CPR

D. Environment (urban and rural)

E. Inclement weather and wildlife

IV. Communications

A. Interpersonal

B. Oral and written

C. Customer service

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic knowledge of the use and care of surveying equipment and general tools

Knowledge of math through trigonometry

Basic knowledge of surveying principles/methods/techniques

Skill in assisting higher graded employees conducting field surveys.

DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL

Description: Performs intermediate field and office (boundary, construction, and topographic) surveying tasks.

I. Technical

A. Mathematics - through trigonometry

B. Computer literacy/mapping software

C. Map drafting (manual & computer)

D. Survey Technician Level II certification

II. Surveying

A. Surveying equipment

B. Topographic surveying and mapping techniques

C. Construction surveying techniques

D. Boundary surveying techniques

E. Photogrammetry

F. Field-checking maps

III. Safety

A. Care and use of 4WD vehicles

B. Care and use of cutting tools

C. First Aid and CPR

D. Environment (urban and rural)

E. Inclement weather and wildlife

IV. Communications

A. Interpersonal

B. Written and oral

C. Customer service

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Same as entry level but at slightly more complex level, plus:

Skill in the use and care of different types of surveying equipment and general tools

Knowledge of computer operations relating to map preparation

Knowledge of elementary drafting

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL

Description: Performs advanced field and office (boundary, construction, and topographic) surveying tasks and serve as a assistant crew leader.

I. Technical

A. Math through trigonometry and algebra

B. Computer literacy & advanced knowledge of mapping software

C. GPS technology

D. Advanced map drafting (manual and computer)

E. Problem solving

F. Survey Technician Level IV certification

II. Surveying

A. Surveying equipment

B. Topographic surveying and mapping techniques

C. Construction surveying techniques

D. Boundary surveying techniques

E. Photogrammetry

F. Field checking maps

G. Basics of land law

H. Training of lower graded employees in surveying techniques

III. Safety

A. Care and use of 4WD vehicles

B. Care and use of cutting tools

C. First Aid and CPR

D. Environment (urban and rural)

E. Inclement weather and wildlife

IV. Communications

A. Interpersonal

B. Written and oral

C. Customer service

D. Conflict resolution

E. Legal surveying terminology

V. Leadership

A. Direct crew as needed

B. Team building

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Same as developmental level but at more complex level, plus:

Ability to analyze problems and recommend/facilitate solutions

Advanced technical knowledge of surveying principles, practices, and techniques for various surveying disciplines, particularly land and engineering surveying

Skill in the operation, calibration, and adjustment of precision surveying instruments, such as: theodolites, electronic measuring equipment, data collectors, etc.

Skill in written and oral communication necessary for the preparation of technical reports (field notes) and making personal contacts

Knowledge of computer operations both desk-top and hand held. Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of photogrammetry, control surveys, aerial photo-interpretation and precise point identification.

An elementary knowledge of land law and the rules of evidence

National Park Service
Training and Development Division
Essential Competencies
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