Land Surveyor
SOC 17-1022.00 · ESCO 2165 · OSCA 241234
Role snapshot
Overview
Measures and defines property boundaries, easements, and land features for legal, planning, and construction purposes. Works outdoors with surveying instruments and in the office preparing plans, title descriptions, and subdivision layouts. Ensures accuracy and compliance with legal and regulatory standards to support land development, infrastructure projects, and property transactions.
Provides foundational data and legal certainty for land ownership, development, and infrastructure projects, preventing disputes and enabling safe and efficient construction.
On the job
- Conduct field surveys using GPS, total stations, and other advanced equipment to collect data.
- Analyze survey data, perform complex calculations, and prepare detailed maps, plats, and reports.
- Research historical land records, deeds, and other documents to establish property lines.
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, construction managers, and legal professionals.
- Maintain and calibrate surveying equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
An associate's or bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or civil engineering, often combined with state-specific licensing or certification.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Land Surveyor
Civil & Structural Engineering
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
conventional · CRI
People who enjoy precise technical work, solving spatial problems, and working with data both outdoors and in an office setting tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Meticulous
Pays extreme attention to detail and accuracy in measurements and calculations, crucial for legal and construction applications.
Practical
Enjoys hands-on work with specialized equipment and solving concrete problems in diverse field environments.
Reliable
Consistently delivers accurate and compliant work, adhering to strict standards and project deadlines.
Composed
Handles unexpected site conditions, weather challenges, or project complexities without significant stress.
Analytical
Enjoys interpreting complex geospatial data, legal documents, and historical records to reach precise conclusions.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy combining physical outdoor work with technical office tasks.
- Professionals who are meticulous, patient, and committed to accuracy.
- Those who thrive on solving spatial puzzles and providing foundational data for development.
Watch out for
- Requires extensive outdoor work in various weather conditions and terrains.
- The work demands high levels of precision, with little room for error, as results have legal implications.
- Tasks can involve repetitive measurements and detailed data processing.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Land Surveyor — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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