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Surveyor Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does a Surveyor Do?

Surveyors determine exact property boundaries by taking precise measurements. They provide essential data for architectural, engineering, and construction projects, and create accurate maps. 

These professionals measure distances and angles on land designated for a construction project. This service is crucial to planning out any project, as it gets vital information and data to the engineers and architects involved. Often the work surveyors do can determine the feasibility of using a particular plot of land for a construction project. 

Surveyors need to have a talent for math, a knack for technology, and an eye for detail, as their work is so exacting. It can be a rewarding career direction, as the work of a surveyor is foundational to nearly every construction project. 

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National Average Salary

Surveyor salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for a Surveyor is:

$70,450

Surveyor Job Descriptions

It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a surveyor. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.

Example 1

We are looking for a surveyor! [Your Company Name] is in urgent need of a new surveyor to join our company. Transportation is a must. You must be experienced in precision layout as well as have the proper certifications or prior work experience in this field. [Your Company Name] is seeking a candidate proficient with GPS devices and software, as well as a quick learner who can easily pick up any new technology integrated into the position. If you’re able to work in the field and the office and are able to stand for long periods of time, this job is for you.

Typical duties and responsibilities

  • Conduct physical site surveys using surveying tools and equipment
  • Develop sketches and notes for sites
  • Process and interpret field data
  • Collaborate with engineers, architects, urban planners, and more 
  • Calculate accurate specifications of land parcels, lots, and easements
  • Research and check previous survey findings
  • Prepare survey documents and results, and present to clients and colleagues

Education and experience

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, technology, civil engineering, or a related field. Before practicing surveying in a jurisdiction, applicants must meet the requirements for licensure established by that jurisdiction.

Required skills and qualifications

  • Strong mathematics, technical, and analysis abilities
  • Knowledge of basic hand tools and surveying tools
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite, and surveying software
  • Ability to remain in a standing position for extended periods
  • Possess a valid driver’s license

Preferred qualifications

  • Having ownership in the work you do
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team
  • Associate degree or 2 years of experience as a licensed surveyor

Example 2

As a Surveyor, you will maintain client relations, direct survey crew staff and drafting technicians on projects, perform project management duties, and ensure the accuracy of surveys. The Surveyor will also be responsible for the financial performance of their projects.

Skills

  • Working collaboratively with others
  • Having ownership in the work you do
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities

Qualifications

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team
  • 7+ years of experience
  • Must have experience in surveying
  • Perform land surveys, property and right-of-way determinations, boundary research, and platting
  • Must be registered as a land surveyor for a minimum of 2 years
  • Proficient in AutoCAD
  • The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner

Example 3

To be successful, the Surveyor needs to be an outgoing, charismatic individual who demonstrates a passion for helping our customers understand the nuances of the moving process.

Duties

  • Provide a video survey of job requirements
  • Provide a complete list of services required, quantities ordered for each service to be provided, and photo documentation as specified in the survey and handoff checklists
  • Complete and submit estimates or survey results utilizing Quotes-To-Go (QTG) or currently utilized software, based on product line
  • Review non-allowable and high-value inventory
  • Adhere to all paperwork requirements specified in the handoff checklists
  • Complete assigned activity reports
  • Attend and complete assigned training programs

Key responsibilities

  • Connect with customers via QTG Virtual Surveying platform (or currently used technology) app
  • Guide the customer through the home to view household goods and personal items being packed and moved, including items that are not going
  • Capture still pictures of access, high value items, items requiring unique disassembly, and items of special concern to the customer
  • After completion of walkthrough/survey, enter all items surveyed into cubing application
  • Upload survey in QTG and notify appropriate coordinator of availability therein within 2 hours of video survey
  • Complete Van Operator Logistics Information (VOLI) screen and add still pictures to Share Media in QTG
  • Track estimated/actual weights
  • Available as needed to complete required tasks
  • Provide detailed notes regarding any specific customer concerns and information shared by the customer that will assist in the sales/job performance effort – and will ensure all parties better understand the customer’s situation

Job skills required

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Highly customer service oriented
  • Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize as situations and needs change throughout the workday
  • Ability to multitask and organize workflow to manage daily responsibilities
  • Ability to work under deadlines and specific time frames
  • Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external customers
  • Ability to travel as needed
  • Presentation skills
  • In home, visual surveying background in the household industry
  • Detail oriented
  • Good computer skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office

Example 4

Primary duties

  • Processing In-House Surveys day to day, providing excellent customer service, assisting in office administration, and warehouse operations of the Service Center
  • Conduct and process pre-move surveys for new customers
  • Process surveys which include poundage, educating the customer on the move, etc.
  • Conduct Job Site Visits with customers to ensure excellent customer service and to monitor quality measures during the move
  • Surveys and Job Site Visits will be within a 150-mile radius of the Service Center
  • Ensures that all paperwork related to record keeping, reweighs and documentation are maintained in proper order and in a timely manner
  • Educate, communicate and support the 5 Core Values of Safety, Service, People, Profits, and Innovation
  • In-depth daily interaction with corporate headquarters and these departments include Payroll, Operations, Customer Service, Move Consultants, HR, and Safety
  • Assist Management when needed in the office and warehouse areas
  • Training crews on logs, ELD’s, packing properly, load/unload, unpack, and complete paperwork correctly
  • Promote customer service improvement and quality standards with the drivers and helpers
  • Evaluating the customer service process with the move and reviewing the customer’s survey along with making any recommendations in the future to improve the process
  • Proactively assist with Red Alert notifications with missing items, quality of packing, etc.
  • May assist Drivers when completing proper pre/post-trip inspections daily
  • May assist with the direction of loading of shipments from the warehouse and assign jobs
  • Assist crews making sure trailers are unloaded and shipments are checked off properly
  • Assist with ordering office and packing supplies for the Service Center
  • Drive company vehicles as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent, some College is a plus
  • 1-3 years of office and/or warehouse experience
  • Experience with Household Goods/Moving Industry is a plus
  • Experience with Microsoft Office and Excel
  • Expertise with computers and the use of office equipment
  • Excellent customer service/communication skills and the desire to learn and take initiative
  • Skilled in organization and time management skills
  • Must have Driver’s License with safe driving record, CDL License a plus
  • Ability to work flexible hours during the week, weekends, holidays and peak season
  • Experience in training crews
  • Must be able to pass a drug test and a DOT physical
  • Must have a great can-do attitude

Physical requirements

  • Requires the ability to safely drive a motor vehicle
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds following proper lifting procedures and technics
  • Must meet and maintain the Department of Transportation physical and medical requirements
  • As a safety-sensitive employee subject to random substance abuse screening per company policy

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • Land Surveying and Geomatics Certification (LSGC) Program. The Land Surveying and Geomatics Certification is a premier certification that defines a group of courses offered in order to apply for licensure as a surveyor. These courses will cover the basics of surveying as well as the advanced information required to gain licensure.
  • EIT/LSIT Certification. The LSIT certification is a good certification for a land surveyor or engineer training. This certification is a beginner-based certification but easily has applicable information and training for a land surveyor.
  • Survey Markers and Monumentation. This course and certificate are extremely beneficial in learning the aspects of marking and monumentation which are required for a surveying position.

Sample Interview Questions

  • Do you have any experience with GPS equipment?
  • What relevant certifications do you have that would apply to this position?
  • Can you describe your experience measuring and mapping land, buildings, and other structures with specialized equipment?
  • Describe your experience gathering and analyzing technical data and creating detailed plans and maps.
  • Describe your experience interpreting complex technical data and making decisions based on the information you have gathered.
  • What are common surveying tools that you would use to take measurements?
  • If someone moves a pin, how would you find the correct location for that pin?
  • What steps do you take to ensure survey data is accurate and reliable, and that maps and plans are properly scaled and dimensioned?
  • Do you enjoy the outdoors or the paperwork side of things better?
  • How do you make sure you stay up to date with surveying knowledge and technology?
  • How would you go about calculating land characteristics?
  • What qualities does a successful surveyor have?
  • How do you plan your surveying work?

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