Surveying Technicians

Wages
In 2015, the average annual wage in a Alabama was $36,610 with most people making betweeen $22,070 and $62,890
Wages by Industry
  • Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services $37,740.00
  • Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution $49,770.00
  • Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services $45,700.00
  • Natural Gas Distribution $57,200.00
Education Required
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Common Majors
  • Surveying Technology/Surveying
About the job

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

What you'll do
    • Collect information needed to carry out new surveys using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, and other relevant information.
    • Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.
    • 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.
    • Maintain equipment and vehicles used by surveying crews.
    • Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
    • Perform manual labor, such as cutting brush for lines, carrying stakes, rebar, and other heavy items, and stacking rods.
    • Place and hold measuring tapes when electronic distance-measuring equipment is not used.
    • Prepare topographic and contour maps of land surveyed, including site features and other relevant information such as charts, drawings, and survey notes.
    • Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.
    • Run rods for benches and cross-section elevations.
Things you need to know
    • Collect information needed to carry out new surveys using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, and other relevant information.
    • Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.
    • 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.
    • Maintain equipment and vehicles used by surveying crews.
    • Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
    • Perform manual labor, such as cutting brush for lines, carrying stakes, rebar, and other heavy items, and stacking rods.
    • Place and hold measuring tapes when electronic distance-measuring equipment is not used.
    • Prepare topographic and contour maps of land surveyed, including site features and other relevant information such as charts, drawings, and survey notes.
    • Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.
    • Run rods for benches and cross-section elevations.
Abilities you'll need to have
    • Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
    • Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
    • Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
    • Mathematics – Using mathematics to solve problems.
    • 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.
    • Time Management – Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
    • Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.