Surveyor Job Description

What does a Surveyor do?

Surveying Engineering is a specialization or sub-discipline of Civil Engineering. Surveyors take exact measurements to determine property boundaries. They provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land. These measurements can be used for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes. 

Duties and Tasks: 

• Prepare sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys 
• Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites 
• 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. 
• Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy. 
• Travel to site locations and select reference points. 
• Search land records, survey records, or land titles 

Technical Skills 

• Computer aided design CAD software 
• Map creation software 
• Blueprint creation/diagrammatic skills 
• Highly skilled in mathematics and physics
    

Other Skills/Requirements 

• Near vision – ability to see details at close range 
• Arm-hand steadiness and control precision 
• Good spatial orientation and depth perception 
• Attention to detail 
• Personnel management – ability to motivate and direct people as they work through problems 
• Good communication skills – written and verbal 

Other Specializations/Sub Disciplines for a Civil Engineer:

• Civil Drafters
• Coastal Engineer 
• Environmental Engineer 
• Geotechnical Engineer 
• Materials Engineer  
• Structural Engineer 
• Surveying Engineer (Surveyor)
• Transportation Engineer 
• Water Resource Engineer