Role Description

Engineering > Survey Technician

Salary National Average

Low Medium High
40440.0000 52520.0000 68670.0000

Change from Previous Year:

+5%

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Candidate Supply: 79 Job Openings: 9,928

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Short Description:

Survey technicians help measure and map the Earth's land and other natural features. They collect field data to report back to surveyors and other mapmaking professionals. Most of their data collection is captured through global positioning or geographical information systems. Whether they're working indoors or outdoors, survey technicians gather vital data used for the creation of topographical maps.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Prepare Land for Surveying - Survey technicians physically prepare land for surveying by clearing away debris and brush as needed. They also load and unload survey equipment from vehicles and place stakes and other land markers at survey points.
  • Take Pictures - Survey technicians take pictures of land features.
  • Measure Distances - Survey technicians measure distances between specific survey points and record this data so it can be entered into surveying software programs.
  • Maintain Equipment and Vehicles - Survey technicians clean and maintain equipment to ensure it remains in good working order. This includes replacing parts, tools, and equipment as necessary. They also keep their personal vehicle in good working order and well supplied with gas and/or electricity.
  • Download Data - Survey technicians download digital images and data from 3D scanners into surveying software programs.
  • Write Survey Reports - Survey technicians write detailed reports using information gathered from land surveys

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Physical fitness – survey technicians lift and carry equipment, drive stakes into the ground, and walk for long periods of time, all of which requires physical fitness
  • Mathematics – survey technicians use math to record land measurements and make calculations as necessary to complete accurate surveys
  • Attention to detail – survey technicians record specific land details and make precise measurements, which requires good attention to detail
  • Communication skills – because survey technicians write detailed survey reports, good written communication skills are essential for this job
  • Computer skills – survey technicians use surveying software to download land information from surveyed sites, which requires computer skills
  • Mechanical skills – survey technicians use mechanical abilities to work with various tools and equipment

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed 
  • Education: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
  • Related Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
  • Job Training:  Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Job Zone Examples: These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
  • SVP Range: (6.0 to < 7.0)

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