County Surveyor

Job Summary

Performs highly professional land survey work as determined by federal and state laws and County Board actions. Fulfills the roles and responsibilities of the appointed County Surveyor as dictated by MN Statutes. Directs and administers all land survey program activities within the county. Provides overall planning, direction, administration, and coordination of staff programs and projects in the department. Most work is performed in the office, but field work is necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position. This position is appointed every four years with the incumbent serving at the pleasure of the County Board per Minnesota Statute Chapter 389.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Plans, directs, and coordinates all activities of the County Surveyor; supervises, oversees, and reviews the work of staff. 
• Directs all land survey activities within the county as required by law, the courts, and/or public boards or officers.
• Keeps a fair and accurate record of each survey made and maintains these records in a system provided by the County Board. 
• Prepares annual department budgets and administers the budgets as approved by the Community Services Director and the County Board. 
• Preserves and updates the existing Federal Monument System (PLSS) by establishing, re-referencing, and resetting monuments that are presently in place or unknown and by reestablishing monuments that have been destroyed. 
• Reviews and approves proposed subdivision plats. 
• Establishes property corners and boundaries for county-owned properties; directs field crews in making establishment of property lines; provides technical guidance to all county departments on writing and interpreting legal descriptions of property. 
• Writes and reviews legal descriptions for county owned properties and land acquisitions. 
• Reviews Land Registration Applications, inspects subject properties and prepares reports for Torrens Examiner and District Court. 
• Prepares and administers contracts with private consultants for projects requiring specialized expertise and knowledge. 
• Provides County Administration and/or the County Board with information of a varied nature as requested to assist them in their decision making.
• Assists the County Ditch Inspector as needed. 
• Directs and supervises County Road Right-of-Way platting program. 
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires licensure as a Land Surveyor in the State of Minnesota or as otherwise specified in MN Statutes, and seven years of progressively responsible land surveying experience; including two years supervisory experience. Must possess a valid Driver's License and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Preference given for experience with land records.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The incumbent is under broad policy guidance and direction from the Community Services Director and the County Board. Broad discretion is used in the operation of the departments within statutory provisions and administrative requirements.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge and experience in the principles and practices of land surveying.

Knowledge of the principles of mathematics, especially geometry and trigonometry.

Knowledge of the Federal system of the Public Land Survey System and PLSS Corner Restoration.

Knowledge of GIS development and operations.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities – Ability to analyze project needs and in preparing and directing staff in response to those needs.

Ability to manage and prepare comprehensive department budgets.

Ability to perform professional, land surveying work, including legal description writing and interpretation, section subdivision, and property boundary location.

Ability to direct and supervise the work of subordinate employees.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, other agencies and departments, developers and the public.

Ability to make firsthand accurate judgments which usually will not be reviewed.

Ability to prepare scale drawing and maps from field notes.

Ability to perceive relationships of objects in space or to envision objects of two or three dimensions on flat surfaces.

Ability to use a computer and related technology for the performance of work.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.