Experience Inc. Jobs

Survey Technician Job Description Survey technicians perform land surveys to locate structures, property boundaries, and all natural and man-made features located on specific parcels of land. Surveying companies, construction companies, and realtors hire survey technicians to work full-time hours in flexible shifts, usually during daytime weekday hours. Survey technicians generally work independently, reporting directly to the survey crew supervisor. Survey technicians work in the field and travel to various sites to conduct their work, carrying out tasks in all seasons and weather conditions. They may be required to travel overnight to get to locations.

Survey Technician Duties and Responsibilities Day-to-day duties for survey technicians vary depending on the location and size of the properties they survey and the geographical and man-made features found on-site. However, these core tasks are commonly associated with this job: 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 survey data from GPS and/or Total Station into surveying software programs. Write Survey Reports Survey technicians make Field Notes and sketches of each survey they perform.

Survey Technician Skills and Qualifications Survey technicians physically travel to parcels of land to take measurements, locate land features, and make records of data gathered at these sites. Employers look for survey technicians who possess the following key skills:

• 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

Tools of the Trade Survey technicians regularly work with the following tools and equipment:

Hand tools (hammers, mallets)

Surveying tools (stakes, flags, land markers)