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What is the typical working conditions like for land surveyors?
I am looking to learn more about this career.
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Mary’s Answer
I hate to say it depends. There are a few different types of survey environments, a crew may or may not perform also types of surveys.
Jobsite surveys- will have most rigorous safety/PPE requirements because your on an active construction site or in an operational facility. Will only occur during jobsite scheduled working hours. Many dangers, specific to the site, may require site specific safety training before allowed to come in site.
3D surveying- specialty using scanning devices, 3d software and ability to find and confirm existing benchmarks. Occurs in an existing facility or neighborhood to tie existing structures and utilities to existing benchmarks in order to include on new 3D drawings. Will usually not occur during any severe weather events that good impact scanning operations.
Land boundary or Road surveys - minimal PPE, most difficult/varied land conditions, limited line of sight. Traffic and animal dangers. May be scheduled to happen during best time of day to minimize hazard exposure.
Aerial surveys - ground team similar to land/road survey conditions. Additionally a plane is introduced to take photos of staked locations at specific coordinates in order to develop aerial views with GPS coordinates to scale. Aerial is only task that may be scheduled around weather events.
Look up the local chapter of the registered surveyors organization in your area, usually it's your state's name plus society of professional surveyors.. Attend event as a guest to make connections and ask more questions.
Jobsite surveys- will have most rigorous safety/PPE requirements because your on an active construction site or in an operational facility. Will only occur during jobsite scheduled working hours. Many dangers, specific to the site, may require site specific safety training before allowed to come in site.
3D surveying- specialty using scanning devices, 3d software and ability to find and confirm existing benchmarks. Occurs in an existing facility or neighborhood to tie existing structures and utilities to existing benchmarks in order to include on new 3D drawings. Will usually not occur during any severe weather events that good impact scanning operations.
Land boundary or Road surveys - minimal PPE, most difficult/varied land conditions, limited line of sight. Traffic and animal dangers. May be scheduled to happen during best time of day to minimize hazard exposure.
Aerial surveys - ground team similar to land/road survey conditions. Additionally a plane is introduced to take photos of staked locations at specific coordinates in order to develop aerial views with GPS coordinates to scale. Aerial is only task that may be scheduled around weather events.
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Justin Shapiro
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Justin’s Answer
Hi Julian,
Land surveyors work in a mix of outdoor and indoor environments, often requiring physical endurance, technical skills, and attention to detail. Here’s an overview of their typical working conditions:
Outdoor Work
Field Work: Surveyors spend much of their time outdoors, gathering data, mapping land features, and taking measurements.
Weather Conditions: Work continues in various weather conditions (e.g., heat, rain, and cold), though extreme weather may pause some tasks.
Physical Activity: Surveying requires standing, walking long distances, bending, and sometimes climbing or traversing rough terrain. Surveyors often carry and set up equipment, which can be physically demanding.
Indoor Work
Data Analysis and Reporting: Back at the office, surveyors use specialized software (like AutoCAD and GIS) to analyze data, create maps, and prepare reports based on their findings.
Collaborative Planning: They often collaborate with engineers, architects, and project managers to discuss findings, project requirements, and updates.
Work Schedule
Flexible Hours: Surveyors might work standard full-time hours but can have flexible schedules depending on the project’s needs or weather conditions. Extended hours and overtime are also common on large or time-sensitive projects.
Safety Considerations
Protective Gear: Fieldwork may require safety equipment, including high-visibility vests, hard hats, gloves, and sometimes steel-toed boots.
Potential Hazards: They may encounter hazards like heavy machinery, traffic when working on roadsides, and other environmental factors. Safety protocols are crucial to minimize risks.
Surveyors typically enjoy the variety of working both in the field and in the office, offering a balance of physical and technical tasks.
Land surveyors work in a mix of outdoor and indoor environments, often requiring physical endurance, technical skills, and attention to detail. Here’s an overview of their typical working conditions:
Outdoor Work
Field Work: Surveyors spend much of their time outdoors, gathering data, mapping land features, and taking measurements.
Weather Conditions: Work continues in various weather conditions (e.g., heat, rain, and cold), though extreme weather may pause some tasks.
Physical Activity: Surveying requires standing, walking long distances, bending, and sometimes climbing or traversing rough terrain. Surveyors often carry and set up equipment, which can be physically demanding.
Indoor Work
Data Analysis and Reporting: Back at the office, surveyors use specialized software (like AutoCAD and GIS) to analyze data, create maps, and prepare reports based on their findings.
Collaborative Planning: They often collaborate with engineers, architects, and project managers to discuss findings, project requirements, and updates.
Work Schedule
Flexible Hours: Surveyors might work standard full-time hours but can have flexible schedules depending on the project’s needs or weather conditions. Extended hours and overtime are also common on large or time-sensitive projects.
Safety Considerations
Protective Gear: Fieldwork may require safety equipment, including high-visibility vests, hard hats, gloves, and sometimes steel-toed boots.
Potential Hazards: They may encounter hazards like heavy machinery, traffic when working on roadsides, and other environmental factors. Safety protocols are crucial to minimize risks.
Surveyors typically enjoy the variety of working both in the field and in the office, offering a balance of physical and technical tasks.