Surveyors

17-1022.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
• 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.
• Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
• Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
• Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
• Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
• Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
• Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
• Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
• Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
• Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
• Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
• Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
• 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.
• Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
• 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 photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
• Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
• 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.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Carlson SurvCE; CE SURVEYOR III; Geocomp Systems GeoNav; Geodetic software; HYPACK HYSWEEP; HYPACK MAX; MicroSurvey FieldGenius; Sokkia Spectrum Survey Suite; Surface modeling software; Survey software
• Application server software - CloudWorks
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD ; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D ; Autodesk AutoCAD Land Desktop; Bentley MicroStation ; Carlson SurvCADD; CMT Incorporated CogoCAD; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD; MicroSurveyCAD; Trimble Terramodel
• Data base user interface and query software - Data logging software
• Data conversion software - Cyclone
• Document management software - Data transfer software
• Geographic information system - Cadcorp desktop GIS; ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Bentley GeoPak Bridge
• Information retrieval or search software - Topographic database software
• Internet browser software - Internet browser software
• Map creation software - Bentley Systems InRoads Suite; Carlson Survey; Drafting software; Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; PC-Mapper software; Sokkia Imap; Trimble HYDROpro
• Mobile location based services software - Global positioning system GPS software
• Office suite software - Latitude software; Microsoft Office software
• Project management software - Crones & Associations Project Tracker Pro; Project analysis and costing software; Project data integration software
• Route navigation software - NOAA Shoreline Data Explorer
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥; Spreadsheet software
• Time accounting software - Sharetech Tabs Plus
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• 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.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Direct surveying activities.
• Create maps.
• Document technical design details.
• Verify mathematical calculations.
• Gather physical survey data.
• Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
• Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
• Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Determine operational criteria or specifications.