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Surveyors - 17-1022.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • City Surveyor
  • County Surveyor
  • Land Surveyor
  • Licensed Land Surveyor
  • Mine Surveyor
  • Professional Land Surveyor
  • Registered Land Surveyor
  • Staff Land Surveyor
  • State Surveyor
  • Surveyor

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
  • Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
  • Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
  • Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
  • Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
  • Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
  • Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
  • Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
  • Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
  • Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
  • Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
  • Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
  • Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
  • Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
  • Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
  • Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
  • Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
  • Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
  • Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
  • Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
  • Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.
  • Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
  • 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.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
  • Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
  • Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
  • Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
  • Create maps.
  • Determine operational criteria or specifications.
  • Direct surveying activities.
  • Document technical design details.
  • Gather physical survey data.
  • Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
  • Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
  • Verify mathematical calculations.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Advanced Engineering Aide (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Tactician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Construction Engineering Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Conversion NEC EA Engineering Aid Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Engineer Assistant (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Engineering (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Aid (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Aide (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Field Artillery Operations Man (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Geographic Intelligence Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Geospatial Engineer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Joint Fire Support Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Special Forces Engineer Sergeant (Army - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Reconnaissance Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Targeting Acquisition Officer (Marine Corps - Warrant Officer only)
  • Technical Engineer (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Director, Photogrammetry Flight Operations
  • Geodesist
  • Land Surveyor
  • Photogrammetric Engineer
  • Surveyor, Geophysical Prospecting
  • Surveyor, Marine
  • Surveyor, Mine