Surveyors
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
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.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
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.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $37K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $49K
Median Salary: $65K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $87K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $109K
Demand
Core Tasks
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.
Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
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.
Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
Determine specifications for 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.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mathematics
91%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
80%
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.
Customer and Personal Service
77%
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.
English Language
77%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Geography
77%
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.
Law and Government
77%
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Computers and Electronics
76%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design
74%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Administration and Management
73%
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.
Building and Construction
71%
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Top 10 Skills
Mathematics
80%
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
78%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
78%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
78%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
75%
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.
Writing
73%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination
70%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management
70%
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning
65%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving
65%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
80%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Mathematical Reasoning
80%
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Written Comprehension
80%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Number Facility
78%
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Oral Comprehension
78%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
78%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity
78%
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition
78%
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Near Vision
75%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
75%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Top 10 Work Activities
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
93%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information
89%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Interacting With Computers
89%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Documenting/Recording Information
87%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Processing Information
87%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
85%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing Data or Information
84%
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
82%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Scheduling Work and Activities
81%
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
80%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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.
Document technical design details.
Gather physical survey data.
Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
Determine operational criteria or specifications.
Work Context
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Education
Majors
Major
Interests
Realistic
96%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
72%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
72%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
48%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
29%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social
19%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Integrity
95%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Attention to Detail
94%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
91%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Analytical Thinking
90%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Cooperation
82%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Initiative
80%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Adaptability/Flexibility
78%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Leadership
78%
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
78%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Achievement/Effort
77%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Work Values
Relationships
77%
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
72%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Achievement
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Support
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
