County Surveyor

County Surveyor

The County Surveyor for Chelan County performs and oversees all professional land surveying functions, including right-of-way planning, parcel and easement descriptions, boundary and construction surveys, and research for right-of-way vacations used in engineer’s reports. The Surveyor responds to public inquiries regarding public rights-of-way and represents Chelan County to local, state, and federal agencies on technical surveying matters.

This role manages complex surveying projects, directs multiple survey crews, oversees survey contracts and calculations, and produces plans, maps, plats, and Records of Survey. It maintains county property boundary and monument data within the GIS system and develops technical standards, procedures, training, and budget requirements for the survey program.

The County Surveyor is responsible for acquiring, maintaining, and preserving statewide survey records essential for identifying and protecting land boundaries. The position ensures compliance with RCWs and WACs governing surveying and monument preservation and provides technical guidance to county departments, the public, and the surveying community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Right-of-Way & Property Acquisition

• Prepare legal descriptions, exhibit drawings, and Surveyor’s Reports for right-of-way vacations and acquisitions.
• Manage right-of-way acquisition processes in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Coordinate easement and property acquisition, including title research, ALTA commitments, appraisals, and federally approved real estate consultants.
• Develop consultant agreements and prepare public meeting materials.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding right-of-way, property boundaries, and county projects.

Surveying & Permanent Records

• Research and analyze deeds, surveys, plats, and field measurements to establish or reestablish boundaries and right-of-way alignments.
• Prepare and certify right-of-way plans, land surveys, short plats, land corner records, and other documents requiring PLS certification.
• Maintain continuously updated records of county-owned property, easements, and right-of-way.
• Conduct title chain research using county, state, and quasi-public records.

Subdivision / Development Review

• Review subdivisions and short plats under development as submitted by professional surveyors for right-of-way, County Code and applicable State Codes.

Design & Construction Support

• Collaborate with engineering staff to develop road construction plans.
• Process design and survey data for field crews and engineering teams.
• Provide technical guidance on survey methods, construction staking, and project layout.

Administration & Policy

• Prepare reports and recommendations for County Commissioners, community groups, and agencies.
• Participate in public hearings and presentations.
• Recommend updates to county codes, surveying standards, and departmental procedures.
• Develop and manage annual budgets for surveying equipment, software, and program needs.

Management & Supervision

• Direct up to six employees, including the Assistant County Surveyor and survey crews.
• Plan, assign, and oversee field and office survey operations.
• Conduct performance evaluations, hire staff, and address personnel issues.
• Approve leave and manage daily workflow.

Technology, Training & IT Coordination

• Train staff in engineering, drafting, and surveying software.
• Maintain and update engineering software and coordinate with IT for hardware/software support.
• Prepare annual recommendations for computer and software purchases.

Other Duties

• Perform additional related tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Experience

• Washington State Professional Land Surveyor (PLS).

• Experience must align with the scope of duties described.

• Knowledge & Skills

• Professional land surveying principles, including GLO/BLM standards, GPS, right-of-way, construction, and topographic surveying.

• Federal, state, and local laws governing land boundaries, monuments, and right-of-way.

• Strong mathematical proficiency (trigonometry, geometry, geodesy, state plane coordinates).

• Photogrammetry, mapping, and project development.

• Project management, budgeting, scheduling, and interagency coordination.

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment.

• COMPUTER SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows (11), Microsoft Office Suite.

• AutoCAD Civil 3D

• Adobe Professional, ESRI ArcGIS, WinCAMS

• Ability to operate standard office and field equipment.

• COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with the public, elected officials, and agencies.

• Skilled in writing reports, correspondence, and technical documents.

• Strong interpersonal skills for negotiation, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

• REASONING AND JUDGEMENT

• Ability to interpret technical instructions, prioritize tasks, and solve complex surveying problems.

• Exercise independent professional judgment in boundary determinations and survey decisions.

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, stoop, lift up to 50 lbs, and work on uneven terrain.

• Requires manual dexterity, visual acuity, and extended computer use.

• WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily office-based with periodic fieldwork in varied outdoor conditions, including rivers, streams, construction sites, and traffic.

• Occasional travel to meetings or remote work locations.