Surveyor
Specialties:
Instrument Assistants.
What does a Surveyor do?
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians assist Surveyors and Mapping
Scientists in measuring distances, angles, points, contours and elevations
on land.
- These measurements are used in construction, mapmaking, boundary
location, and mining. They calculate information from field notes.
- They draw maps of geographical areas using surveying notes, aerial
photography or other maps.
- They work to show natural and constructed features and political
boundaries.
- Chain Workers measure distances between surveying points with a surveyor's
chain and electronic distance measuring devices (EDM).
- Rod Workers use a leveling rod to assist in determining
elevations.
- Light Keepers adjust light or electric signal equipment to
determine angles and elevations.
- Tasks include: They may draw topographical maps.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Surveying and Mapping Technicians, like Surveyors and Mapping Scientists, are
employed in many government agencies, including surveying and mapping agencies
and the Forest Service, highway department and Bureau of Land Management. They
are also employed by construction and surveying firms, utility and lumber
companies and the military. Architects may subcontract surveying services.
Preparation:
Many employers prefer trainees to have completed high school. High school
graduates with no formal training in surveying start as helper to a Surveying
and Mapping Technician. Beginners with postsecondary training in surveying can
generally start as technicians. With on-the-job experience and formal training,
workers may advance to senior Surveying and Mapping Technician.
Educational Program(s):
Drafting
Related Programs: Construction Trades, Engineering Technologies