The construction industry is filled with positions that range from desk-bound to hands-on. But this week’s featured position, surveyor, includes both types of work.
A surveyor’s day-to-day tasks typically include a mix of fieldwork and office work, making it an ideal position for someone who appreciates variety in a career. On the office side, a surveyor leverages excellent communication skills as they collaborate with internal partners and outside companies to establish project plans. In the field, they identify site boundaries and specifications for the construction project with tools such as electronic distance measuring gear (EDMs) to record measurements.
While variety in workplaces and tasks is a great benefit, especially when it comes to work/life balance in this career, surveyors are anything but scattered. They are the ones responsible for setting the foundation for a construction site. They aren’t responsible for literally laying the foundation, but instead determine the best location for construction sites, ensuring proper depths for building foundations and precise measurements for highways.
Given the breadth of knowledge required for this career, surveyors must receive higher education, oftentimes in the form of a bachelor’s degree in land surveying. The Ohio Professional Engineers and Surveyors Board accepts degrees from any land surveying school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Alternately, prospective surveyors in Ohio can complete a baccalaureate degree in civil engineering with at least 16 semester credits of coursework in surveying.
No matter which route taken, surveyors must pass two examinations developed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, per the requirements set by the Ohio Professional Engineers and Surveyors Board. Additionally, all Ohio candidates must have at least four years of work experience in land surveying, completed under the supervision of a licensed surveyor. This advanced education and on-the-job experience prepares surveyors to work with advanced technology and equips them with the specific skills needed to do their job well.
Aside from the specific requirements to become a surveyor, certain personality types thrive in this career. You might be fit for this career if:
You like variety
• Not only do surveyors work both in and out of the office, but they work on different job sites as well. Surveyors might be in one location for a few days before moving to a different project.
You enjoy working with computers and technology
• Surveyors rely heavily on technology to get their job done. For example, EDMs mounted on tripods help them to quickly measure land and turn construction plans into specific coordinates.
You like math and geography
• Surveyors use latitude and longitude to create very precise measurements of the earth and construction site they’re working with.
You want to choose where you live
• Surveyors are in high demand in the US, allowing the ability to choose where they want to live before finding a job in that area.
You want to travel for your job
• Surveyors are often asked to work on a project in a nearby community or even a different state entirely.
If surveying sounds like the right fit for you, there is plenty of opportunity out there. Now, more than ever, is a great time to get involved in a career as a surveyor. This position will continue to be in high demand, as employment is projected to grow 11% over the next ten years. High demand for this job means lasting job security for your career as a surveyor. Visit our website to learn more.
