Survey Technician 1

Designation Status

WHEN APPLICABLE This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as [enter the applicable groups - Indigenous Person, African Nova Scotian or Other Racially Visible Person, Person with a Disability, Women in Occupations or Positions where they are Under-represented].

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources - including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Lands and Forestry is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, mineral, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province's Crown land. Together we are working with Nova Scotians to build a better future through sustainable natural resource management as we all benefit from the natural health and wealth of the province.

About Our Opportunity

Under the direct supervision of the Crown Land Surveyor and/or the Senior Survey Technician, the Survey Assistant works as a member of the survey team responsible for: assisting the team in field survey assignments; routinely performing land survey work in the field; working as a rod person or instrument person locating, searching for and verifying corners, lines, boundaries, and monuments of real property; and collecting, compiling and recording field data. The Survey Assistant ensures the safe and proper function of equipment, tools and supplies needed for field work. When called upon in emergency situations, participates in forest fire suppression and search and rescue operations.

Primary Accountabilities

• Assist cutting lines, clearing underbrush, limbing, felling with power saws and other tools for boundary survey and maintenance as primary chain saw operator for the survey crew; uncover survey evidence using a metal detector, pick, shovel, spade or other tools; set wooden stakes and iron pins into ground as directed.

• Perform a variety of technical activities related to legal and technical land survey projects that define the boundaries or area of real property. Assist with the maintenance; verification of location; and relocation of property corners, boundaries and land monuments through use of surveying equipment. Serve as rod person on surveys, set up tripods, GPS equipment and operating prism pole/ GPS rover; operate total station; establish reference points (benchmarks, monuments) for surveying and mapping purposes

• Assist the survey team with the analysis of survey data through mathematical methods, survey processes and utilizing physical evidence of boundary lines such as survey monuments, fences, blazes and aerial photography. Read, review, interpret and compute survey data from a variety of survey plans, aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, charts, other maps and physical evidence to assist in the verification of the integrity and accuracy of data. Keep notes and use computer software to locate land boundaries, help prepare maps, and compute the total acreage of a piece of property. This includes recording field information (e.g. elevation, distance, types of trees and buildings) into field books for precise location of property monuments and/or As-Built information (i.e., length of sewer lines, water lines, and storm drains; station to sewer and water services; and tie downs [locations] of monuments) for site and surveys and/or legal descriptions.

• Equipment Maintenance and Supplies- calibrate, adjust, and install precision equipment and measuring instruments according to manufacturer specifications to operate and measure distance with a total station. Inspect and test the operation of basic instrument components and systems. Check and maintain instruments including power saws, axes, tripods, rods, poles, GPS equipment and prisms to ensure all are in good working order; sharpen cutting tools; inspect and recharge equipment batteries. Check the general operative condition of assigned vehicle, including gas, oil and tire pressure; secure vehicle and equipment at the end of the work day, remove and secure instruments for transport or storage.

• Participate in fire suppression and search and rescue operations as required.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful completion of a one-year course in survey technology or acceptable equivalent of training and experience.

Must have basic knowledge of land surveying practices, methods, and field techniques along with a working knowledge of modern survey devices, conventional equipment and other electronic surveying equipment and tools. Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the workplace is an asset.

This position requires the ability to follow written and verbal instructions, be attentive to detail, to read, interpret and work from survey plans, sketches, maps, and aerial photographs. Must be able and prepared to perform manual labour such as cutting lines, clearing brush, digging, or shoveling and to safely and efficiently operate and use associated tools and equipment (e.g., power saws, shovels, etc.).

The successful candidate will require the ability to work cooperatively in a team environment as a survey team member and to maintain effective working relationships with project managers, senior survey technicians and contractors. It requires good communication skills with colleagues and the public.

Possessing training certificates in the following would be considered assets: Canadian Safety Council ATV Safe Rider Course, Canadian Safety Council UTV (Side by Side) Safe Rider Course, and Snow Mobile Operation; Recognized Chain Saw Training, Canadian Safety Council (CSC) Snowmobile Rider Course (or equivalent); Boating and/or Canoe Operation; Standard First Aid.

A valid driver's license is required.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Salary Information

TE 16 -

$1,735.60 - $2,020.82

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Working Conditions

Additional Information

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.