Directing Personnel

Overview

Effective personnel management is critical for survey project success. Licensed surveyors are responsible for directing field crews and office staff while maintaining quality and professional standards.

Learning Objectives

• Understand supervisory responsibilities
• Delegate tasks appropriately
• Provide effective training and feedback
• Maintain quality control through supervision

Key Concepts

Supervisory Responsibilities

Licensed surveyors must:

• Maintain responsible charge of survey work
• Ensure staff qualifications match assigned tasks
• Review and verify work products
• Provide clear instructions and expectations
• Document supervision activities

Responsible Charge

California law requires licensed surveyors to maintain responsible charge, meaning:

• Direct control over the professional aspects of work
• Personal involvement in critical decisions
• Review and approval of final products
• Availability for consultation on technical matters

Delegation Principles

Effective delegation requires:

• Matching task complexity to staff capabilities
• Providing clear instructions and expectations
• Establishing check-in points
• Reviewing completed work before finalization

Training and Development

Investment in staff development through:

• On-the-job training
• Formal education support
• Professional development opportunities
• Mentorship programs

Key Terms

• Responsible Charge: Direct control and personal involvement in professional work
• Delegation: Assigning tasks while retaining ultimate responsibility
• Chain of Custody: Documentation of who handled survey data

Practice Questions

1. What does "responsible charge" mean under California law?
2. What factors should a surveyor consider when delegating tasks to field crews?