Surveying Occupations Job Description

Surveying in Underground Mines

Over the decade, about 4,000 openings for surveyors are projected each year. Most of the openings are expected to be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire. Many jobs can be performed by just one person, but other jobs can be performed by a crew consisting of a licensed surveyor and trained surveying technicians.

The party chief is a person who is either a surveying technician or a surveyor. The party chief leads the work. Fieldwork and office work are involved in surveying.

Fieldwork involves working in all weather and standing for long periods while taking measurements. Heavy packs of surveying instruments are used by the Surveyors. When working near traffic, a surveyors wears brightly colored or reflective vests so they can be seen more easily.

Surveyers work in enclosed spaces when working in underground mines. After working for 10 years under a licensed surveyor, some surveying technicians can become licensed. The amount of work experience varies by state

Surveyors: A Fieldworker'S Perspective

Work environment involves both office and fieldwork. Sometimes in bad weather, a surveyors will walk long distances when working outside. Most people work full time.

The employment of a surveyors is projected to grow at a slower rate than the average for all occupations. Boundary lines, work on resource extraction projects, and review sites for construction will all require a Surveyors. The job opportunities are expected to be good, but those with a bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited school will have the best opportunities.

Job opportunities for traditional surveying services are dependent on local economic conditions and are often not available in the same geographic region. When real estate sales are slow, there may be more competition for jobs. When construction slows, it's possible that the work of the surveyors will be steadier than others in the industry.

Data is collected and maps are made. The technicians visit sites to take the land measurements. Mapmakers use geographic data to create maps.

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Over the decade, about 7,000 openings for surveying and mapping technicians are projected. Most of the openings are expected to be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire. Data is collected and maps are made.

The technicians visit sites to take the land measurements. Mapmakers use geographic data to create maps. They help with surveys, maps, and photogrammetrists.

Survey parties are teams of technicians that help with surveying. A typical survey party has a party chief and a few surveying technicians. The party chief is the leader of the day-to-day work activities.

Survey technicians help process the data after it is collected by the survey party. The technicians can be exposed to all types of weather. They can stand for long periods, walk a long distance, and have to climb hills with heavy packs of surveying instruments.

Sometimes traveling is part of the job, and sometimes surveying technicians may commute long distances, stay away from home overnight, or temporarily relocate near a survey site. During the summer, when weather and light conditions are most suitable for fieldwork, mapping and surveying technicians may work additional hours. Construction work may be limited during times of harsh weather.

Surveyors: Opportunities for the Next Generation of Surveying Services

The employment of surveyors is projected to grow by 6 percent from the year of 2018) to the year of 2028. Boundary lines, work on resource extraction projects, and review sites for construction will all require a Surveyors. The job opportunities are expected to be good, but those with a bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited school will have the best opportunities.

Job opportunities for traditional surveying services will vary by region and depend on local economic conditions. When real estate sales are slow, there may be more competition for jobs. When construction slows, it's possible that the work of the surveyors will be steadier than others in the industry.