Instrument Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $98,894.93 - $120,217.42 Annually
Location : Fremont, CA
Job Type: Full-time, regular
Job Number: 26PW05
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 12:00 PM Pacific
Description
The City of Fremont's Public Works Department is recruiting for the position of Survey Instrument Operator.
VIEW THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
The Department
The Public Works Department consists of Design Engineering, Development Engineering, Construction, Civic Facilities, Transportation, Survey, and Real Property sections. The department reviews all proposed land development projects in the City and executes the design and construction of public projects such as streets, parks, and public buildings.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate should be comfortable operating modern survey instruments including total stations, GNSS/GPS receivers, digital levels, and data collectors, and should be able to read and interpret plans, maps, and construction documents with accuracy. The role also values familiarity with digital workflows, GIS/CAD environments, and field-data collection technologies. While not required, possession of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 UAS license and demonstrated drone-based mapping experience is highly desirable, as aerial data collection is an increasingly valuable component of the City's surveying and mapping operations.
First Review of Applications
The first review of applications is Monday, August 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (PT). This recruitment may close without notice after this date so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume and supplemental questionnaire (part of the online application) must be submitted with the completed City application.
To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please complete an application online by clicking "Apply" just above this box.
Selection Process
The process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, pre-employment medical exam and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing humanresources@fremont.gov
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: humanresources@fremont.gov
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Class Specification
Definition
Under general supervision, sets up and operates an electronic total station instrument and level on construction and engineering survey assignments; performs related duties as required.
Class Characteristics
This journey level technical classification performs field and office survey work under the direction of the Chief of Party. The employee's assignments, objectives, work methods, and sequence of steps are explained in general terms. Work review is not constant, but checks are integrated into the work process. It is distinguished from the next higher classification of Chief of Party by the latter's responsibility to plan, organize, and lead the work of a survey crew.
Essential Functions
Essential Functions

• Operates survey instruments including electronic total stations, theodolites, levels, transits, drones, and GNSS/GPS receivers for field data collection.
• Supports USA811 utility locating by identifying, marking, and mapping underground utilities using approved locating equipment and GPS tools.
• Assists with drone (UAS) operations for aerial mapping, site documentation, topographic surveys, and project monitoring, including field setup and ground control placement.
• Maintains survey equipment, GPS units, drones, electronic field books, and related tools to ensure proper functionality.
• Clears vegetation or brush to establish line of sight for survey operations.
• Reads, interprets, and reviews maps, engineering plans, utility diagrams, and construction drawings.
• Creates accurate field notes, sketches, and digital recordings of survey observations using manual methods or electronic field book systems.
• Operates and maintains survey vehicles, ensuring safe transport of equipment.
• Collaborates with surveyors, inspectors, utility companies, and engineering staff to support project coordination.
• Helps process drone imagery into orthomosaics, point clouds, or terrain models as directed.
• Provides support for asset management mapping, GIS updates, and utility system documentation.

Marginal Functions

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: Mathematics through algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; modern and office engineering terminology, equipment, practices and principles; survey theory, including slope reduction and differential level.
Skill in: Setting up, operating, cleaning, adjusting, and maintaining survey instruments and equipment; making field notes, sketches and calculations either manually or using electronic equipment; driving on paved and unpaved surfaces.
Ability to: Operate survey instruments and equipment including total station, USA locating equipment, and mapping tools; understand and follow written and verbal instructions and manuals; make accurate mathematical calculations; prepare accurate and legible field notes and drawings; develop and maintain cooperative work relationships with individuals from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; demonstrate good judgment and exercise initiative; operate EDM and other survey instruments and equipment; perform basic drafting; log and edit GIS features; work safely in traffic; work accurately with details.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Education/Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: graduation from high school with course work in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and drafting, and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience with a field survey crew.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements
Positions in this classification require possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License by the time of appointment. Failure to possess or maintain the valid required license shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside of City limits.
Possession of or the ability to acquire a Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 license is desirable.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Rare = < 10%, Occasional = 11-33%, Frequent = 34-66%, Constant = >66%
Sitting: Occasional
Walking: Frequent
Standing: Frequent
Bending (neck): Frequent
Bending (waist): Occasional
Squatting: Rare
Climbing: Rare
Kneeling: Rare
Crawling: Rare
Jumping: Rare
Balancing: Rare
Twisting (neck): Occasional
Twisting (waist): Occassional
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Occasional
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Occasional
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare
Fine manipulation (dominant): Occasional
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Occasional
Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare
Reach - above shoulder level: Rare
Push/pull:
up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Rare
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
over 100 lbs. Never
Lifting:
up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Frequent
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
over 100 lbs. Never
Carrying:
up to 10 lbs. Frequent
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Rare
51 to 75 lbs. Rare
76 to 100 lbs. Never
over 100 lbs. Never
Coordination:
Eye-hand: Required
Eye-hand-foot: Not required
Driving: Required
Vision:
Acuity, near: Required
Acuity, far: Required
Depth perception: Required
Accommodation: Required
Color vision: Required
Field of vision: Required
Talking:
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required
Hearing:
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Not required
Work environment:
Works indoors, works outdoors, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature, being around moving machinery, exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, mists, or other irritating particles, exposure to radiation or electrical energy, exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces, using computer monitor, exposure to vibration, works around others, works alone, works with others.
Supplemental Information
Class Code: 5465
FLSA: Non-exempt
EEOC Code: 3
Barg. Unit: OE3
Probation: 12 Months
Rev.: 07/26
The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance.
To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit: City of Fremont
01
Please be specific in answering the Supplemental Questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02
What is your highest level of education?

• Did not complete high school or equivalent
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Some college
• AA degree
• Bachelor's degree or higher

03
Do you have course work in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and drafting? If yes, please list where the course work was taken and when.
04
Do you currently possess a valid California Class C Driver's License?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain one by the time of appointment.

05
How many years of progressively responsible experience with a field survey crew do you have?

• None
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years or more

06
Please describe your years of progressively responsible experience with a field survey crew (agency name, dates of employment, duties). If you do not have this type of experience, please enter "N/A."
07
Do you have experience operating modern survey instruments including total stations, GNSS/GPS receivers, digital levels, and data collectors?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you have experience reading and interpreting plans, maps, and construction documents?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you have experience with digital workflows, GIS/CAD environments, and field-data collection technologies?

• Yes
• No

10
While not required, possession of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 UAS license and demonstrated drone-based mapping experience is highly desirable, as aerial data collection is an increasingly valuable component of the City's surveying and mapping operations. Do you have a FAA Part 107 UAS license?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you have experience marking Underground Service Alert Utilities?

• Yes
• No

12
Do you have experience managing Underground Service Alert service alert tickets?

• Yes
• No

Required Question