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 of reported job titles:
City Surveyor, County Surveyor, Land Surveyor, Licensed Land Surveyor, Mine Surveyor, Professional Land Surveyor, Registered Land Surveyor, Staff Land Surveyor, State Surveyor, Surveyor
Also see: Geodetic Surveyors
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Tasks
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Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
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Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
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Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
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Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
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Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
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Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
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Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
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Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
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Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
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Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
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Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
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Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
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Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
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Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
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Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
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Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.
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Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
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Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
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Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
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Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
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Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
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Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
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Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
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Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
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Technology Skills
-
Analytical or scientific software — HYPACK MAX; MicroSurvey FieldGenius; Sokkia Spectrum Survey Suite; Survey software
; 6 more
-
Application server software — CloudWorks
-
Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD
![In-Demand Hot technology](/shared/image/logos/hot_demand.svg)
; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
![In-Demand Hot technology](/shared/image/logos/hot_demand.svg)
; Bentley MicroStation
![In-Demand Hot technology](/shared/image/logos/hot_demand.svg)
; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
; 5 more
-
Data base user interface and query software — Data logging software
-
Data conversion software — Cyclone
-
Document management software — Data transfer software
-
Geographic information system — Cadcorp desktop GIS; ESRI ArcGIS software
![Hot technology](/shared/image/logos/hot_tech.svg)
; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems
; 1 more
-
Graphics or photo imaging software — Bentley GeoPak Bridge
-
Information retrieval or search software — Topographic database software
-
Internet browser software
-
Map creation software — Bentley Systems InRoads Suite; Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; PC-Mapper software; Sokkia Imap
; 3 more
-
Mobile location based services software — Global positioning system GPS software
-
Office suite software — Latitude software; Microsoft Office software
-
Project management software — Crones & Associations Project Tracker Pro; Project analysis and costing software; Project data integration software
-
Route navigation software — NOAA Shoreline Data Explorer
-
Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
-
Time accounting software — Sharetech Tabs Plus
-
Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.
In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation.
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Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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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.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Communicating with People Outside the 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.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
-
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
-
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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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 materials.
-
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
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Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
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Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
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Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
-
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.
-
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
-
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
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Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
-
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
-
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
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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.
-
Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
-
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.
-
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
-
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Detailed Work Activities
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Direct surveying activities.
-
-
Document technical design details.
-
Verify mathematical calculations.
-
Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
-
Gather physical survey data.
-
Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
-
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
-
Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
-
Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
-
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
-
Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
-
Determine operational criteria or specifications.
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Work Context
-
Electronic Mail — 100% responded “Every day.”
-
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 79% responded “Extremely important.”
-
Telephone — 75% responded “Every day.”
-
Face-to-Face Discussions — 60% responded “Every day.”
-
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 60% responded “Every day.”
-
Contact With Others — 60% responded “Constant contact with others.”
-
Time Pressure — 70% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
-
Work With Work Group or Team — 45% responded “Extremely important.”
-
Letters and Memos — 45% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
-
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 45% responded “Very important results.”
-
Freedom to Make Decisions — 45% responded “Some freedom.”
-
Frequency of Decision Making — 45% responded “Every day.”
-
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 50% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
-
Duration of Typical Work Week — 55% responded “40 hours.”
-
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 60% responded “High responsibility.”
-
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 35% responded “Very high responsibility.”
-
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 45% responded “Very important.”
-
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 47% responded “Every day.”
-
Deal With External Customers — 40% responded “Important.”
-
Coordinate or Lead Others — 65% responded “Very important.”
-
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 60% responded “Every day.”
-
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 65% responded “Some freedom.”
-
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 30% responded “Every day.”
-
Consequence of Error — 30% responded “Very serious.”
-
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 45% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
-
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — 45% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
-
Physical Proximity — 40% responded “Moderately close (at arm's length).”
-
Level of Competition — 40% responded “Highly competitive.”
-
Spend Time Standing — 45% responded “About half the time.”
-
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 40% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
-
Spend Time Walking and Running — 35% responded “Less than half the time.”
-
Spend Time Sitting — 40% responded “About half the time.”
-
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 35% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Job Zone
- Title
- Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Related Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
- Job Zone Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
- SVP Range
- (7.0 to < 8.0)
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Training & Credentials
- State training
-
- Local training
-
- Certifications
-
- State licenses
-
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Apprenticeship Opportunities
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Skills
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Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
-
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.
-
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
-
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
-
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
-
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
-
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
-
Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
-
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
-
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
-
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
-
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
-
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
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Knowledge
-
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
-
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
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.
-
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.
-
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
-
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.
-
Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
-
Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
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Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
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Abilities
-
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
-
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
-
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
-
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing 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.
-
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
-
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
-
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
-
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
-
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
-
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.
-
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
-
Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
-
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
-
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
-
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
-
Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
-
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
-
Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
-
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
-
Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
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Interests
-
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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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.
-
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.
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Work Styles
-
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
-
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
-
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
-
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
-
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
-
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
-
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
-
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
-
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
-
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
-
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
-
Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
-
Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
-
Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
-
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
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Wages & Employment Trends
- Median wages (2022)
- $30.33 hourly, $63,080 annual
- State wages
-
- Local wages
-
- Employment (2022)
- 50,800 employees
- Projected growth (2022-2032)
-
Faster than average (5% to 8%)
- Projected job openings (2022-2032)
- 3,500
- State trends
-
- Top industries (2022)
-
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data
external site and 2022-2032 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
-
- Local job openings
-
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Professional Associations
Disclaimer:
Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries.
Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
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Accreditation, Certification, & Unions
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