Land Surveyors

What do they do?

Land surveyors measure the earth's surface to set official land boundaries and determine how much money the land is worth. They provide data for map making, construction projects, and other engineering purposes. Land surveyors also research the ownership of land and measure plots of land.

Work Activities

Locate land boundaries and natural and man-made features.
Collect information for maps and charts.
Mark sites for below surface exploration.
Supervise surveying crews.
Prepare reports and present findings to engineers and architects.

Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of higher level math and science, electronics, and surveying methods and equipment.
Knowledge of survey and record laws, legal principles of boundaries, and state history.
Skills in report writing, mechanical drawing, and supervising.
Willingness to take responsibility and to make decisions.
Knowledge of computer science.

Be able to understand and use the techniques and equipment needed in land surveying.
Have the ability to visualize objects from sketches and blueprints and to see slight differences in objects.
Be able to write reports and do math calculations.
Be able to make decisions based on facts, supervise and direct activities, and work according to set standards.
Be able to communicate verbally with effectiveness.

Work settings

Environment: Work indoors in offices and outdoors at projects.
Hours: Work 40 hours a week with longer hours necessary to complete projects and take advantage of good weather.
Employers: Construction companies, government agencies, public utilities, engineering and architectural firms, attorneys, land developers, banks, and self-employed.

Employment & wages

By 2000, it's estimated that 379 surveying and mapping scientists will be employed in Nebraska. Growth and/or turnover create approximately 4 annual job openings. It's estimated that 92,000 land surveyors will be employed in the U.S. by 2005.

Projected growth
Nebraska - Little change or more slowly than average, 0%
National - Decline, -3%
Nebraska annual beginning wage: $16,000 to $22,000
Nebraks annual experienced wage: $22,000 to $36,000
National annual average wage: $17,400 to $32,100

Licensing or certification / Training

Land surveyors must be registered by the State Board of Examiners for Land Surveyors. Qualifications for registration include completing six years of surveying experience or a combination of eduation and experience in a responsible position. A person may become a surveyor-in-training after completing four years of training or experience and passing an exam.

A combination of postsecondary and on-the-job training is needed.
Schools in other states offer bachelors degrees in surveying, cartography, or geodesy.
Another option is a bachelors degree in civil engineering.
Technical schools offer one-, two-, or three-year programs in surveying and drafting.
Surveyors should graduate from a program approved by the State Board of Examiners.

Helpful high school subjects

High school subjects that may help prepare individuals for this occupation include English, literature, composition, algebra I and II, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, government, economics, business and consumer law, accounting, geography, drafting, and computer applications.

Bibliography

Nebraska Career Information System: Occupations (1996-97 ed.), pp. 73-74.
Complete Guide for Occupational Exploration (1993 ed.), pp. 160-167.
Dictionary of Occupational Titles (4th ed. Revised, 1991), p. 34.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (1996-97 ed.), p. 89.

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