Career Opportunity

Survey Assistant I (5310 TPV) - Design & Construction - SFO

Recruitment: RTF0163815-01135022

Published: March 02, 2026

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: PROVISIONAL (TPV)

This is not a permanent appointment. A provisional appointee must participate and be successful in a Civil Service Examination process for this classification and be selected through an open competitive process in order to be considered for a permanent appointment. Provisional appointments may not exceed three (3) years.

Specific information regarding this recruitment process are listed below:

• Application Opening: March 2, 2026
• Application Deadline: Apply immediately. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this announcement may close at any time after 5:00 PM, March 13, 2026.
• Compensation Range: $92,326 – $112,294
• Recruitment ID: TPV-5310-163816

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a world-class, award-winning airport that served more than 54 million guests in Fiscal Year 2025. SFO offers non-stop flights to 60+ international cities on over 40 international carriers. The Bay Area’s largest airport also connects non-stop with 80+ U.S. cities on 10 domestic airlines.

As an enterprise department of the City & County of San Francisco, SFO has a workforce of approximately 1,900 City employees. In Fiscal Year 2021, SFO generated more than 28,000 direct jobs and $6.1B in business activity.

SFO is more than an airport— we are a dynamic organization where employees collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to support global travel, economic development, and public service. We are recognized as a leader in safety, environmental sustainability, and forward-thinking infrastructure, and continue to be at the forefront of transforming the travel experience.

Our Vision, Mission, and Core Values shape our culture and operations as we continue to build a supportive, purpose-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. Our mission is to deliver an airport experience where people and our planet come first.

Learn more about careers at SFO at flysfo.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Bluesky and Threads.

Role description

Under general supervision of a survey party chief or general supervisor, the Survey Assistant I performs entry-level field surveying tasks in support of survey crews, including data collection, instrument setup assistance, and field documentation.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Assists survey crews by measuring horizontal and vertical distances using modern surveying methods including: RTK GPS, total stations, prisms, scanners, and digital levels as required; sets and marks survey control points and monuments.
2. Positions rods, reflectors, or targets at designated locations while survey leads collect elevation, alignment, cross-section, and topographic data, including benchmarks and precise vertical control.
3. Records, reviews, and assists with the processing of field data using data collectors and field notes; performs basic mathematical calculations using arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, and algebra to support survey computations and data verification.
4.  Assists with site preparation by clearing brush, debris, or minor obstructions along survey lines to allow safe and accurate instrument setup and data collection.
5.  Operates, cleans, and maintains surveying tools, instruments, and equipment in accordance with established procedures and manufacturer guidelines.
6. Utilizes an assigned computer and related applications to download, upload, review, and verify survey data, maps, and field files; may assist with CAD-based software such as AutoCAD or similar platforms.
7. Drives company vehicles to and from job sites; performs field work in varying weather conditions and terrain. Possession of a valid California driver’s license or ability to obtain one by time of appointment.
8. Follows all safety procedures, traffic control requirements, and job site regulations; performs related duties as assigned.
9. Performs other functions outlined in the 5310-Survey Assistant I.

Nature of Work: The normal work period is Monday through Friday, however, you will be required to report to work during emergency situations including weekends, evenings, and holidays to facilitate airport emergency support operations.

How to qualify

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Experience: 

One (1) year of verifiable surveying experience (either in the office or field);

OR

2. Education:

An Associate of Science degree with a concentration in Geomatics engineering or a related field (see Notes below).

NOTES:

1. Related educational fields include Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Math, and/or Civil Engineering.

2. Some positions require that the incumbent travel to various work sites.

Desirable Qualifications:
The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.

1. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work effectively as part of a survey crew.

2. Experience assisting with land surveying field work, including construction, topographic, boundary, or control surveys.

3. Familiarity with modern surveying equipment such as RTK GPS, total stations, digital levels, data collectors, and prism/rod systems.

4. Interest in professional development toward land surveying or related technical career paths.

5. Basic understanding of surveying principles and practices such as measurements and accuracy.

One-year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above 40 hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.

Note: Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Verification:

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements.

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education for considerations taken when reviewing applications.  

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements.  Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to interview.  Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates.  If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Department will be invited for an interview.

NOTE:  Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through all of the steps in the selection procedure.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance:
Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening. Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

What else should I know?

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

HOW TO APPLY

All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process. Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110.

Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact Carol Wong at carol.x.wong@flysfo.com.

Recruitment ID: TPV-5310-163816

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.