County Surveyor

Description

The Dane County Planning and Development Department in Madison, WI has a current vacancy for a full-time (1.0 FTE) County Surveyor.

The eligible list created from this posting may be used for future County Surveyor vacancies for the next six (6) months.

Note to applicants – for the 2026 budget year, there is a 1% reduction in wages (already reflected above), an additional 21 holiday hours, and continued earning of longevity and merit steps.

Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

Under general administrative direction, the major purpose of this position is to develop, guide, support and generally maintain Dane County’s land surveying program in accordance with relevant Wisconsin State Statutes, Dane County Code of Ordinances, and the specific needs of Dane County.  The County Surveyor is a senior level position within the Records and Support Division of the Planning and Development Department and it reports directly to the Land Records Administrator.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Developing and maintaining Dane County’s Public Land Survey System (PLSS) program. Providing technical surveying support internally to the Department of Planning and Development (e.g. in the areas of parcel mapping, rural address maintenance, street naming, land division/subdivision, zoning, property listing, etc.) and externally to other County agencies on an as-needed basis as time and resources permit. Assisting the public and local surveying professionals. Conducting condominium and certified survey map (CSM) review. Assisting with complex chain of title analyses. Directing subordinate staff, if present, in carrying out the purposes of the County’s surveying and land information program.

Education, Experience and Special Requirements

Education, Training and Experience:

Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a two (2) year Associate’s degree in surveying, civil technology, drafting or a related field.  Plus, a minimum of seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in field boundary surveying.  Should be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the Public Land Survey System history, section subdivision procedures, and re-establishment of obliterated or lost corners.

Certifications/Licenses:

A Wisconsin Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license is required.  Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Also refer to the “Physical and Environmental Work Requirements” section below.

Special Requirements:

Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Also refer to the “Physical and Environmental Work Requirements” section below.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
2. Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Professional office environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Ability to lift and move a variety of work-related materials weighing up to 25 pounds (with/without assistance).  Ability to conduct site visits and complete sometimes rigorous field surveying work.   Able to operate traditional and contemporary surveying equipment.  Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the theories, practices, laws and regulations pertaining to land surveying, land records management, real estate, property description and mapping.  Knowledge of governmental structure and process. Knowledge of data processing systems, GIS, CAD, and GPS. Possession of effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate and work well with others in a positive, constructive and professional manner. Ability to research issues, define problems, develop recommendations, prepare reports, and implement solutions. Ability to effectively manage and generally direct the work of others; and ability to balance multiple projects and establish priorities.