Surveyors

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.

Tasks

Verify the accuracy of survey data including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
Record the results of surveys including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods using knowledge of techniques of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
Determine specifications for photographic equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.

Knowledge

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Skills

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Management of Personnel Resources: Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

Far Vision: The ability to see details at a distance.
Oral Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Number Facility: The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Mathematical Reasoning: The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Near Vision: The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Flexibility of Closure: The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Written Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning: The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Work Activities

Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Work Context

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate: How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Telephone: How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Electronic Mail: How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions: How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather: How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment: How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
Work With Work Group or Team: How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks: How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
Frequency of Decision Making: How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results: How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?

Interests

Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Style

Attention to Detail: Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity: Job requires being honest and ethical.
Analytical Thinking: Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Dependability: Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative: Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Persistence: Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Leadership: Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Cooperation: Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Achievement/Effort: Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Self Control: Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Work Values

Relationships: Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence: Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Achievement: Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Recognition: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Related Occupations

Appraisers, Real Estate

Landscape Architects

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Electrical Drafters

Mapping Technicians

Range Managers

Geophysical Data Technicians

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Lay Titles

City Surveyor

County Surveyor

Engineer

Engineering Technician

Geodesist

Geodetic Surveyor

Geophysical Prospecting Surveyor

GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist)

GIS Technician (Geographic Information Systems Technician)

Land Examiner

Land Measurer

Land Surveyor

Land Surveyor Manager

Licensed Land Surveyor

Mine Surveyor

Mineral Surveyor

Photogrammetric Engineer

Photogrammetry Flight Operations Director

Port Surveyor

Professional Land Surveyor

Professional Surveyor

Railroad Surveyor

Registered (Public) Surveyor

Registered Land Surveyor

Registered Public Surveyor

Survey Coordinator

Survey Engineer

Survey Manager

Survey Party Chief

Survey Project Manager

Survey Superintendent

Surveyor

Topographical Surveyor

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):: $27.04 hourly, $56,230 annual.

Employment (2008):: 40,190 employees