Occupation Details
Surveyors
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.
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Interests
Realistic
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.
Investigative
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.
Conventional
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.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
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
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$51,890.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$79,750.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$102,370.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,390
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,430
+4 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
123
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.0%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
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 Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Land Surveyor
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
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
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
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
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.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Geography
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.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Altimeters
- Automatic levels
- Automatic slope lasers
- Barometers
- Clinometers
- Curvimeters
- Depth gauge tapes
- Digital laser rangefinders
- Direct elevation rods
- Distance meters
- Dot lasers
- Double right-angle prisms
- Electronic digital levels
- Electronic digital theodolites
- Elevator tripods
- Gammon reels
- Geological compasses
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Hand levels
- Handheld measuring lasers
- Integrated global positioning systems GPS
- Invisible beam lasers
- Laptop computers
- Laser plumb bobs
- Laser scanners
- Line lasers
- Long range reflectorless total stations
- Machetes
- Magnetic locators
- Measuring rods
Technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD Land Desktop
- Bentley GeoPak Bridge
- Bentley MicroStation
- Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
- CE SURVEYOR III
- CMT Incorporated CogoCAD
- Cadcorp desktop GIS
- Carlson SurvCADD
- Carlson SurvCE
- Carlson Survey
- CloudWorks
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Crones & Associations Project Tracker Pro
- Cyclone
- Data logging software
- Data transfer software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- operate land or site surveying instruments
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare safety reports
- bid engineering, construction or extraction projects
- estimate cost for engineering projects
- estimate time needed for project
- judge distances
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand property documents
- analyze spatial data
- draw maps or charts
- interpret aerial photographs
- interpret maps for architecture, construction, or engineering project
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use land surveying techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
- use scientific research methodology
- use building or land use regulations
- use physical science research techniques
- use project management techniques
- communicate technical information
- prepare long term or short term plans
- conduct geological surveys
- conduct land surveys
- conduct plant location surveys
- conduct topographical surveys
- evaluate costs of engineering projects
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
- collect scientific or technical data
- read blueprints
- read maps
- read tape measure
- read technical drawings
- research property records
- obtain land survey data using surveying instruments
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- resolve engineering or science problems
- determine project methods and procedures
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
- Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
- Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
- Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
- Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
- 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.
- Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
- Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
- 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.
- Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
- 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.
- 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.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Adirondack Field Ecology
Dust off your hip-boots and slather on some sun screen. July is an incredible month to study and live in the ecology of the Adirondacks--for credit! This summer, Treetops eXpeditions is again collaborating with Paul Smith's College to offer college credit for an innovative four-week academic expedition for 17 to 20 year olds.
Learn MoreAfter School Program
Topics range from the exploration of the vast, uncharted regions of space to the microscopic world of DNA, from the evolution of dinosaurs to the study of world cultures. Students who are interested in many branches of science including biodiversity, paleontology, anthropology, genetics, astronomy, astrophysics, and geology will find something to explore at the After School Program.
Learn MoreAstro-Venture: Search for and Design a Habitable Planet!
Astro-Venture is an educational, interactive, multimedia web environment highlighting NASA careers and astrobiology research in the areas of Astronomy, Geology, Biology and Atmospheric Science. Students in grades five through eight are transported to the future where they role play NASA occupations and use scientific inquiry, as they search for and build a planet with the necessary characteristics for human habitation. Supporting activities include chats with real NASA scientists, online collaborations, classroom lessons, student publishing area and occupations fact sheets and trading cards.
Learn MoreCornell University CATALYST Program
Cornell Association for the Technological Advancement of Learned Youth in Science and Technology CATALYST Program is a one-week summer residential program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. CATALYST seeks to advance diversity in engineering and especially encourages members of groups underrepresented in the fields of math, science, and engineering (African American, Latino/a, or Native American) to apply.
Learn MoreCornell University CURIE Academy: For Girls Who Dream Big
The CURIE Academy is a one-week residential program for high school girls who excel in math and science, enjoy solving problems, and want to learn more about careers in engineering.
Learn MoreCornell University Cooperative Extension New York City 4 H Youth Favorite Places
4 H Youth Favorite Places (YFP) is an activity designed to help teach youth about Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning System (GIS/GPS) as well as provide a service to their community, in which youth "map" their favorite places in their community.
Learn MoreCosmic Journey: A History of Scientific Cosmology
From the ancient Greeks to the Hubble Space Telescope - the story of the colorful individuals, startling ideas and ingenious tools that brought us knowledge of the vast and strange universe we inhabit. Written by leading historians of astronomy and richly illustrated.
Learn MoreEngineers Week
Engineers Week promotes recognition among parents, teachers and students of the importance of a technical education and a high level of math, science, and technology literacy, and motivates youths to pursue engineering careers in order to provide a diverse, vigorous and informed engineering workforce.
Learn MoreGeographic Information Systems (GIS) Summer 2006 College Experience
GIS Summer 2006 College Experience is an ideal way to learn new skills, check out careers in GIS, take part in a project team, get your own handheld GPS unit to keep and earn college credit!
Learn MoreSpatial Information Technology Center (SITC)
SITC is a collaborative effort between FMCC and NASA. Spatial information refers to data that is connected to a geographic location. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are technologies for collecting, analyzing, and displaying spatial information.
Learn MoreSurveying, Mapping, and Drafting Technicians
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreSurveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreTeachEngineering Resources for K12
Engineering is all around us. TeachEngineering Resources for K12 uses engineering as a vehicle to integrate math and science fundamentals. All lesson plans are based upon age-appropriate national and state science, technology, mathematics and engineering educational standards.
Learn MoreU.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District is made up of approximately 34,600 Civilian and 650 military members. The military and civilian engineers, scientists and other specialists work hand in hand as leaders in engineering and environmental matters and provide quality, responsive engineering services to the country.
Learn MoreU.S. Geological Survey(USGS): Science for a Changing World
USGS is an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, and are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us.
Learn MoreWave Hill Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship
Wave Hill and Lehman College collaborate to provide a summer opportunity combined with academic studies in Basic Mapping Science, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Site visits to environmentally significant locations and small work crews prune or clear excess vegetation, plant native species, fortify hillsides, and repair woodland trails to prevent erosion along the Hudson River. Lehman College's Department of Environmental, Geographic and Geological Sciences offers laboratory sessions and lectures by graduate students for three college credits, tuition-free.
Learn MoreXpeditions Geography Standards in Your Classroom Lesson Plans
Xpeditions is home to the U.S. National Geography Standards. The Lesson Plans are teacher-tested, sorted by standard and grade level.
Learn MoreYoung Naturalist Awards: Essay Contest
This research based essay contest is for students in grades 7 to12. It promotes participation and communication in science. The theme remains the same, "Scientific Discovery Begins with Expeditions!" Students choose a topic in biology, earth science, or astronomy and take an expedition to an area where they can explore their topic.
Learn More