1. Home
  2. ACADEMICS
  3. CareerTraQ
  4. A-Z Index

Surveyor

Occupation Information table
Overview: Surveyors perform land measurements to determine boundary lines and pinpoint land elevations & contours for purposes of construction, map making, land division, ownership titles & mining locations. They analyze survey evidence such as maps, deeds & work with architectural teams.
Duties: They plan, organize and direct work of survey teams to determine precise locations and measurement of elevations and contours for construction, map making, land division, titles and mining.

They use global positional systems (GPS) sattelite technology to map land points and make recommendations for construction re-contouring, erosion avoidance and land grading.

Research and validate prior survey markings, maps, deeds or other physical evidence. Develop new data from photogrammetric records. May present findings in hearings of land disputes.

Recommend to land owners, optimum boundary lines for subdividing an area into parcels. Recommendations are based upon elevations, contours, water tables, rivers, brooks and drainage.
Degree(s): A.S. Engineering Science 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to decline by 2% or more from 2018 to 2028. For comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations over the same time period is projected to be 5% to 8%.
Salary Range (National Average): $35,000 to $39,000
Education Level: Training for this occupation generally requires a High School Degree, plus additional coursework in a vocational or technical school. In some cases, employers may require an Associate Degree.
Additional Training/Education: The quickest route to the occupation of surveyor is a combination of 2 to 4 years of college, 2 to 4 years of experience and passing the required state licensing examinations. About 25 universities offer 4-year programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in surveying. Community colleges and technical schools offer 2 and 3 year programs. All 50 states require licensing.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Having a job where you can spend a significant amount of time outside.
  • Doing something where you can physically see the results of your work.
  • Having the ability to work with equipment or material things.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.