Surveying Technicians

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.