Surveyors :: Job Description

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Surveyors

Careers / Surveyors

Summary Description


	Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

Sample Job Titles

1.	City Surveyor

2.	County Surveyor

3.	Engineer

4.	Engineering Technician

5.	Geodesist

6.	Geodetic Surveyor

7.	Geophysical Prospecting Surveyor

8.	Land Examiner

9.	Land Measurer

10.	Land Surveyor

11.	Land Surveyor Manager

12.	Licensed Land Surveyor

13.	Licensed Surveyor

14.	Mine Surveyor

15.	Mineral Surveyor

16.	Photogrammetric Engineer

17.	Photogrammetry Flight Operations Director

18.	Port Surveyor

19.	Professional Land Surveyor

20.	Professional Surveyor

21.	Project Surveyor

22.	Railroad Surveyor

23.	Registered (Public) Surveyor

24.	Registered Land Surveyor

25.	Registered Public Surveyor

26.	Site Surveyor

27.	Survey Coordinator

28.	Survey Engineer

29.	Survey Manager

30.	Survey Party Chief

31.	Survey Project Manager

32.	Survey Superintendent

33.	Surveyor

34.	Topographical Surveyor

Job Tasks

	Verify the accuracy of survey data including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites. Verify mathematical calculations.

	Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed. Gather physical survey data.

	Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain. Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

	Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed. Create maps.

	Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles. Direct surveying activities.

	Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys. Document technical design details.

	Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents. Document technical design details.

	Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features. Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

	Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS). Calculate geographic positions from survey data.

	Record the results of surveys including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects. Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.

	Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments. Create maps.

	Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps. Train personnel on proper operational procedures. Direct surveying activities.

	Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy. Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.

	Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation. Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.

	Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures. Determine operational criteria or specifications.

	Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products. Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

	Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas. Direct surveying activities.

	Determine specifications for photographic equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain. Determine operational criteria or specifications.

	Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods using knowledge of techniques of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.

	Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments. Determine operational criteria or specifications.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Surveyors
	Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. They provide data relevant to the shape and contour of the Earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, and construction projects.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Surveyors
	Surveying involves both fieldwork and indoor work. When working outside, surveyors may stand for long periods and often walk long distances, sometimes in bad weather. Most work full time.

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