As a surveyor, you are part of a larger process and your primary role is to collect geographic data that will be utilized by other experts in the field. You will also need to have excellent math skills and be confident with recording data with accuracy and clarity. You should be able to clearly see distance and size in a landscape. You will often be working with other surveyors or in a team, so you also need to be able to work and communicate effectively with others.
Occasionally, you may need to travel quite a far distance and stay overnight to access certain sites. However, you can also be an office-surveyor, where you spend more time in the office preparing incoming data from surveyors in the field. [3] X Research source The pay scale for surveyors averages $57,000 a year or $27 an hour. Most surveyors are paid a stable salary wage for their work and receive employee benefits, especially if they work with a large surveying firm. A complete list of average salary for surveyors by state can be found here: https://www. bls. gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/surveyors. htm.
This also means that job opportunities in surveying will continue to grow as there will be a continued need for construction surveying and engineering surveying as the country’s infrastructure continues to expand and grow.
If you enjoyed geometry and trigonometry in high school, land surveying may be right for you. You should also take courses in algebra, drafting, computer aided drafting (CAD), and geography in high school to better prepare for the surveyor role. [6] X Research source
Some states may also require you to complete a degree program that is approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Once you pass this test, you can begin hands on training under the supervision of a licensed surveyor. This hands on training usually lasts about two years. After you have completed the required work experience, you can take the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam, also administered by the NCEES. Some states may also require you to take a state licensing board exam and continuing education courses to maintain your license in the state.
More information on the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) can be found on their website. More information on the Imaging and Geospatial Information Society (ASPRS) can be found on their website.
You should prepare a resume that lists your key skills and your education as well any relevant hands on experience you have. You should also note if you belong to any surveyor associations, as this will show you are active in the community and are interested in expanding your knowledge of the field. In your job interviews, you should highlight your key skills like your strong math and science skills, you ability to process surveyor data and your ability to work well in groups or with a team. It’s important that you display confidence in your knowledge of the position but that you also indicate you are opening to learning and expanding your existing skills.
