Summary Report

Updated 2005

Summary Report for:
17-3031.01 - Surveying Technicians

Adjust and operate surveying instruments, such as the theodolite and electronic distance-measuring equipment, and compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.

Sample of reported job titles: Survey Technician, Survey Crew Chief, Survey Party Chief, Instrument Man (I-Man), Chainman, Rodman, Instrument Operator, Engineering Technician, Engineering Assistant, Field Crew Chief

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks

Adjust and operate surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, and electronic distance-measuring equipment.
Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.
Run rods for benches and cross-section elevations.
Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
Record survey measurements and descriptive data using notes, drawings, sketches, and inked tracings.
Perform calculations to determine earth curvature corrections, atmospheric impacts on measurements, traverse closures and adjustments, azimuths, level runs, and placement of markers.
Conduct surveys to ascertain the locations of natural features and man-made structures on the Earth's surface, underground, and underwater using electronic distance-measuring equipment and other surveying instruments.
Search for section corners, property irons, and survey points.
Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
Direct and supervise work of subordinate members of surveying parties.

Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Distance meters — Electronic distance measuring devices; Electrotapes; Measuring chains; Tellurometers

Laser measuring systems — 3D laser scanning systems; Laser distance measuring equipment; Laser scanner coordinate capturing equipment

Levels — Automatic optical pendulum leveling systems; Hand levels; Leveling bubbles; Optical pendulum levels

Sonars — Echosounders; Fathometers; Multibeam sonar equipment; Side scan sonars

Theodolites — Total stations; Tribrach level bubble adjusting blocks; Tribrach optical plummet adjusting cylinders

Technology used in this occupation:

Analytical or scientific software — Coordinate geometry COGO software; Modeling software; Tripod Data Systems software; Triton Elics International Isis

Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD; Bentley MicroStation; Tripod Data Systems Foresight; TRS Software TomCADD

Data base reporting software — MicroSurvey FieldGenius; Survey Starnet Software; Trimble Digital Fieldbook

Data base user interface and query software — Database software; Microsoft Access; Trimble TerraSync

Map creation software — ESRI ArcView; Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Muncy Plat Pronto; SiteComp software

Knowledge

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Skills

Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.

Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.

Abilities

Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.

Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

Work Activities

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Work Context

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Overall Experience	Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
SVP Range	(6.0 to < 7.0)
Education	Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

There are 2 recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation:
Chief of Party; Surveyor Assistant, Instruments

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website.

For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship website.

Interests

Interest code: RCI

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Work Styles

Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.

Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Work Values

Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

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51-9195.07	Molding and Casting Workers
53-6041.00	Traffic Technicians

Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages data collected from Surveying and Mapping Technicians.
Employment data collected from Surveying and Mapping Technicians.

Median wages (2006)	$15.55 hourly, $32,340 annual
Employment (2006)	76,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016)	Faster than average (14% to 20%)
Projected need (2006-2016)	29,000 additional employees

State & National

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006 wage data and 2006-2016 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.

Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

American Association of Geodetic Surveying , Suite 403, 6 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20879. Phone: (240) 632-9716. Fax: (240) 632-1321.
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping , Suite 403, 6 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20879. Phone: (240) 632-9716. Fax: (240) 632-1321.
ASPRS: The Imaging and Geospatial Information Society , 5410 Grosvenor Ln., Suite 210, Bethesda, MD 20814-2160. Phone: (301) 493-0290.
National Society of Professional Surveyors , Suite 403, 6 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20879. Phone: (240) 632-9716. Fax: (240) 632-1321.

Summary Report for: 17-3031.01 - Surveying Technicians