Surveying Technicians :: Job Description

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Surveying Technicians

Careers / Surveying Technicians

Summary Description


	Adjust and operate surveying instruments, such as the theodolite and electronic distance-measuring equipment, and compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Assistant Surveyor

2.	C Level Crew Chief

3.	CAD Technician (Computer Assisted Design Technician)

4.	Chain Carrier

5.	Chain Person

6.	Chain, Rod, or Ax Survey Worker

7.	Chainman

8.	Compass Operator

9.	Engineering Assistant

10.	Engineering Physical Science Technician

11.	Engineering Technician

12.	Field Crew Chief

13.	Field Supervisor

14.	Geophysical Party Chief

15.	Instrument Man (I-Man)

16.	Instrument Operator

17.	Instrument Person

18.	Land Survey Technician

19.	Land Surveying Party Chief

20.	Land Surveying Survey Worker

21.	Land Surveyor

22.	Levelman

23.	Marine Surveyor

24.	Party Chief

25.	River and Harbor Soundings Group Leader

26.	Rodman

27.	Stake Driver

28.	Stake Setter

29.	Staker

30.	Survey CAD Technician (Survey Computer-Aided Design Technician)

31.	Survey Crew Chief

32.	Survey Crew Member

33.	Survey Instrument Operator

34.	Survey Manager

35.	Survey Party Chief

36.	Survey Rodman

37.	Survey Technician

38.	Surveying Crew Rodman

39.	Surveying Crew Stake Runner

40.	Surveying Technician

41.	Surveyor

42.	Surveyor Chain Helper

43.	Surveyor Helper

44.	Surveyor Instrument Assistant

45.	Surveyor Rod Helper

46.	Transit Man

47.	Transit Survey Worker

48.	Transit Worker

Job Tasks

	Perform calculations to determine earth curvature corrections, atmospheric impacts on measurements, traverse closures and adjustments, azimuths, level runs, and placement of markers. Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

	Adjust and operate surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, and electronic distance-measuring equipment. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Record survey measurements and descriptive data using notes, drawings, sketches, and inked tracings. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Search for section corners, property irons, and survey points. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Lay out grids, and determine horizontal and vertical controls. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data. Verify mathematical calculations.

	Set out and recover stakes, marks, and other monumentation. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Conduct surveys to ascertain the locations of natural features and man-made structures on the Earth's surface, underground, and underwater using electronic distance-measuring equipment and other surveying instruments. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Direct and supervise work of subordinate members of surveying parties. Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.

	Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans. Gather physical survey data.

	Prepare topographic and contour maps of land surveyed, including site features and other relevant information such as charts, drawings, and survey notes. Create maps.

	Place and hold measuring tapes when electronic distance-measuring equipment is not used. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Collect information needed to carry out new surveys using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, and other relevant information. Gather physical survey data.

	Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports. Operate computer systems.

	Run rods for benches and cross-section elevations. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Perform manual labor, such as cutting brush for lines, carrying stakes, rebar, and other heavy items, and stacking rods.

	Maintain equipment and vehicles used by surveying crews. Maintain mechanical equipment.

	Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys. Assist engineers or scientists with research.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Surveying and Mapping Technicians
	Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface. Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land. Mapping technicians use geographic data to create maps. They both assist surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Surveying and Mapping Technicians
	Surveying technicians work outside extensively and can be exposed to all types of weather. Mapping technicians work primarily indoors on computers. Most surveying and mapping technicians work for firms that provide engineering, surveying, and mapping services on a contract basis. Local governments also employ these workers in highway and planning departments.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

Before becoming an actor, Harvey Keitel was a shoe salesman and a courtroom stenographer.

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