Job Details

Position Information

TxDOT's Amarillo District is looking for a Survey Specialist I/II to work in our Transportation Planning and Development Department. If you're detail-oriented, analytical, and ready to make a meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to join a team that values your expertise. TxDOT offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a strong focus on work-life balance. Come be a part of a team where your insights help shape smarter decisions.

*The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position offered based on the applicant's work experience, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Job titles, salary groups, and/or salary ranges may change on or after September 1, 2025

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance (ERS.texas.gov)

Position Description

Provides technical expertise and advice on surveying projects and/or performs specialized surveying work under the supervision of a Registered Professional Land Surveyor or licensed Professional Engineer. Work usually requires contact with governmental and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties:

Survey Specialist I:

• Conducts GPS research and development surveys.
• Conducts trigonometric and conventional leveling surveys, including 3-wire techniques, to determine elevations.
• Coordinates with and assists other sections as requested.
• Determines, coordinates, and sets benchmarks or locates those set by previous surveys.
• Ensures safety equipment and traffic control devices are set up correctly.
• Maintains complex electronic equipment.
• Measures distances.
• Meets with property owners and utility companies to brief them on procedures when surveying near or on their property.
• Obtains, processes, and analyzes raw field survey data collected from electronic survey equipment and/or GPS.
• Operates survey instruments such as level, transit, theodolite, electronic distance meter, total survey station and data collector.
• Performs deed research.
• Performs drafting and/or design work.
• Reads and interprets survey maps and construction plans.
• Secures maps, plans and other information for survey projects.
• Sets up instruments; moves survey equipment/instruments as required.
• Traverses horizontal and vertical control points between GPS control points.
• Uses a variety of surveying software and related hardware.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Survey Specialist II include all the above and:

• Coordinates and schedules work for photogrammetry and aerial mapping surveys.
• Conducts trigonometric and conventional leveling surveys, including 3-wire techniques, to determine elevations.
• Coordinates, schedules and/or conducts technical geodetic and satellite surveys which require the use of special high-accuracy techniques for mapping projects and engineering related functions.
• Performs preliminary site reconnaissance to decide project layout.
• Reviews survey job assignments, coordinates information with district/contracted survey parties and monitors survey projects to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general education.

Experience:

Survey Specialist I: 1 year surveying, drafting, cartography, mathematics, geography, GIS, construction, or engineering related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

• Certification as Surveyor in Training (SIT) by the State of Texas may substitute for experience.
• Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basi s. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Survey Specialist II: *2 YEARS surveying, drafting, cartography, mathematics, geography, GIS, construction, or engineering related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

• Certification as Surveyor in Training (SIT) by the State of Texas plus one (1) year surveying experience may substitute for experience.
• Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basi s. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies:

Survey Specialist I:

Considerable knowledge of

• Computer-aided drafting and design systems
• GPS, geodetic and GNSS surveying
• Applicable surveying procedures, standards, and instruments
• Higher mathematics

Proficient skill in

• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Performing design/drafting work and preparing plans
• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps
• Using surveying tools, equipment and instruments
• Prioritizing and organizing work assignments
• Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files, and reports
• Using GPS equipment and software
• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others

Some skill in

• Monitoring the status and progress of projects
• Interpreting applicable information

Ability to

• Work in cramped spaces (bend, stoop, crawl) and at varied heights

Other Attributes

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Survey Specialist II include all the above and:

Considerable knowledge of

• The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Proficient skill in

• Monitoring the status and progress of projects
• Interpreting applicable information
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour
• Subject to noise
• Subject to vibration
• Medium work: Lift up to 50lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25lbs
• Stooping-bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist
• Kneeling-bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s)
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.