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.

  • Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
  • 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.
  • Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
  • Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
  • Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
  • 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.
  • Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
  • Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
  • Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
  • Record the results of surveys including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
  • Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
  • Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
  • Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
  • Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.
  • Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
  • 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.
  • Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
  • Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods using knowledge of techniques of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
  • 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.
  • Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
Work Context
  • Telephone — 94% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 91% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 81% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 68% responded "Extremely important".
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 62% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 49% responded "Very important".
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 59% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
  • Create maps.
  • Verify mathematical calculations.
  • Direct surveying activities.
  • Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
  • Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
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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.
Law and Government
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Skills

Mathematics
  • Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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Abilities

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.
Mathematical Reasoning
  • The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design and drafting software CADD Hot Technology
  • Trimble Terramodel Hot Technology
  • MicroSurveyCAD Hot Technology
  • Carlson SurvCADD Hot Technology
  • CMT Incorporated CogoCAD Hot Technology
  • Bentley MicroStation Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Land Desktop Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Hot Technology
Map creation software
  • ESRI ArcGIS software Hot Technology
  • Geographic information system GIS software Hot Technology
  • PC-Mapper software
  • Trimble HydroPro
  • Sokkia Imap
  • Drafting software
  • Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
  • Carlson Survey
  • Cadcorp desktop GIS
  • ESRI ArcView
  • Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
  • Spreadsheet software
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