Being a surveyor can be a fulfilling career for anyone who enjoys working with construction and likes to set boundaries. When you are a surveyor, you help to determine the boundaries of cities and also plan out the location of buildings within a city. A land surveyor may also look for certain features to include in a surveying project that he or she works on, such as a hill or mountain range. A land surveyor may also be called upon to resolve a boundary dispute. City councils frequently look to the work of surveyors in planning out the locations of buildings within cities. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a surveyor?” When you want to become a surveyor, it is important for you to become an expert in the use of land surveying software and be able to have a knack for creating maps.
What’s it like to be a surveyor?
When you are a surveyor, you have the ability to do work for local city governments. The work that you do helps cities to create maps that can be used for locating buildings and other city markings. You should have an interest in land boundaries or mapmaking to become a successful surveyor. As a surveyor, you may also be assigned to a couple of land development projects. You will be assigned to these projects and expected to contribute your thoughts about the appropriate locations of buildings. You may have to travel to locations to take measurements of city buildings and other land markings. One of the benefits of being a land surveyor is that you may be able to make your own schedule. You may only have to work on a part-time basis.
Education Requirements
To become a surveyor, it is important for you to receive a bachelor’s degree in surveying, forrestry or civil engineering. You may also want to think about obtaining a bachelor’s degree in forestry or another related field. You will want to take specific courses that will help you develop the skills needed to be a surveyor. A course in cartography or blueprint reading can be very helpful for the development of your career. You should also devote some time to using land surveying software to become a great surveyor. If you know how to use land surveying software, then you will be able to create maps for the cities that you work for.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a surveyor is about $37,000 a year. The BLS reports that surveyor positions are expected to increase by 16 percent in the next ten years. To obtain a job as a surveyor, one should apply for positions at local city governmental units. If you begin working as a survey intern, then you will earn about $25,000 a year. If you have your license to serve as a qualified surveyor, then you will earn about $40,000 to $60,000 a year. Private companies tend to offer higher salaries for surveyors. You may also be able to find more open positions within private companies. A firm that specializes in building inspection or engineering may ultimately hire a surveyor.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_5017206_become-certified-land-surveyor.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/surveying-and-mapping-technicians.htm