Land Surveyor Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of infrastructure development, the focus on land surveyor technicians is more crucial than ever.

As construction and development projects progress, the demand for skilled individuals who can precisely measure, record and plan our physical environment escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a land surveyor technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of land surveying,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we provide a customizable land surveyor technician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Land Surveyor Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Land Surveyor Technicians play a crucial role in the planning and execution of building projects and land development.

They are responsible for performing field surveys and drafting plans, using their knowledge of surveying technology and software.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist in conducting land, boundary and topographic surveys
• Use GPS systems, robotic total stations, and other surveying equipment to gather accurate data
• Record the results of surveys including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features
• Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites
• Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe and certify work performed
• Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects
• Adjust and operate surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, and electronic distance-measuring equipment
• Maintain updated records, documentation, and survey notes
• Perform regular maintenance and calibration of surveying equipment

 

Land Surveyor Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Land Surveyor Technician to join our team.

In this role, you will perform field and office land surveying tasks under the direction of the Senior Land Surveyor.

Responsibilities will include operating survey instruments, conducting research, performing calculations, and preparing maps and reports.

Our ideal candidate is detail-oriented, accurate, and has excellent problem-solving skills.

Previous experience in land surveying and proficiency in using surveying instruments and software is essential.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting field surveys and collect data related to elevation, terrain, and boundaries of sites.
• Operate and maintain surveying instruments such as total station, GPS, and automatic level.
• Process and analyze survey data to produce maps and reports.
• Perform calculations for distances and angles.
• Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, and reports of legal descriptions of surveys.
• Assist in the preparation of plots, plans, and property descriptions for reports.
• Maintain accurate notes, records, and sketches to describe and certify work performed.
• Assist in resolving surveying and mapping issues.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Land Surveyor Technician or similar role.
• Proficiency in operating surveying instruments and using computer applications such as AutoCAD and GIS software.
• Good understanding of surveying techniques and principles.
• Strong mathematical skills, including geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and terrains.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in surveying technology or a related field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Land Surveyor Technician
• Work Environment: This position requires both office and field work. Field work includes exposure to the elements and irregular terrain.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Land Surveyor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Land Surveyor Technician Do?

Land Surveyor Technicians typically work with engineering and architectural firms, government agencies or as individual consultants.

They assist Land Surveyors in determining the boundaries and precise locations of natural and man-made features on the earth’s surface, underground, and underwater, using a variety of modern tools and technologies.

Their tasks might involve operating surveying instruments such as total stations, levels, and GPS systems to measure distances, elevations, and angles.

They may also participate in fieldwork, marking boundary locations and recording survey data.

The data collected is then used to create maps, establish property boundaries, and facilitate construction projects.

They may also assist in researching legal records, land titles, and previous survey results.

Their role often requires proficiency in computer software to draft plans and create detailed maps from the collected data.

Additionally, they also ensure the accuracy and precision of data and are responsible for maintaining and calibrating surveying instruments and tools.

They might also need to perform minor repairs on equipment when necessary.

In summary, Land Surveyor Technicians play a crucial role in various fields such as construction, mapping, and property delineation.

 

Land Surveyor Technician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Land Surveyor Technician should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Proficiency in the use of surveying equipment such as theodolites, GPS, and Total Station to accurately measure and record spatial information.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills for calculations and measurements related to land surveying.
• Practical understanding of geographic information system (GIS) and computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed maps and plot land features.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and terrains as the job may involve outdoor activities.
• Attention to detail in order to ensure the accurate recording, interpreting, and analysis of data.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers, architects, and construction professionals, and to explain findings to clients or the public.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve discrepancies in survey results, boundary lines, and property descriptions.
• Physical fitness to perform tasks such as standing for long periods, walking considerable distances and carrying heavy equipment.

 

Land Surveyor Technician Experience Requirements

Entry-level Land Surveyor Technicians usually have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in a similar field, often obtained through internships or part-time roles in land surveying or civil engineering organizations.

These professionals may also gain on-the-job experience in roles like Land Surveyor Assistant, or other positions related to surveying and mapping.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have often developed their skills and expertise by participating in different surveying projects, such as topographic surveys, boundary surveys, construction staking, and other land measurement tasks.

They may have also honed their competencies in the usage of tools and equipment like GPS, total stations, and automatic levels.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in land surveying may have considerable management experience, overseeing projects, directing field crews, and liaising with clients and governmental agencies.

They may be ready for a supervisor or project manager position in the land surveying industry.

It is also common to see experienced technicians having a deep understanding of land surveyor software and applications, as well as knowledge of legal principles related to land surveying, such as land ownership, rights of way, and easements.

Professional certification, for example from the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), can also be a testament to the experience and competence of a Land Surveyor Technician.

 

Land Surveyor Technician Education and Training Requirements

Land Surveyor Technicians typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

They usually receive on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed Land Surveyor.

Many also opt to complete an associate degree or a certificate program in a related field such as geomatics or land surveying technology from a community college or technical school.

These programs offer courses in algebra, basic and advanced surveying, and computer-aided drafting (CAD).

Some states require Land Surveyor Technicians to be licensed, which involves passing a state-administered exam.

This typically requires a combination of formal education, work experience and passing grades on the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exams, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Continuing education is important in this field due to ongoing technological advances.

Many technicians pursue additional training and certifications in areas such as Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying, CAD software, and drone technology to keep their skills up-to-date.

It’s also beneficial for Land Surveyor Technicians to have good physical condition as the job often requires substantial outdoor work and walking.

 

Land Surveyor Technician Salary Expectations

A Land Surveyor Technician earns an average salary of $47,860 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ depending on the individual’s level of expertise, education, the region of employment, and the organization they work for.

 

Land Surveyor Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Land Surveyor Technician need?

A Land Surveyor Technician should have excellent mathematical skills as they have to deal with complex calculations, measurements, and data analysis.

They should have strong knowledge of surveying technology and equipment, including GPS and GIS systems.

They also need good physical stamina to work outdoors and in various weather conditions.

In addition, communication skills are essential as they often work in teams and need to explain their findings to clients or other professionals.

 

Do Land Surveyor Technicians need a degree?

Most Land Surveyor Technicians need an associate degree in surveying technology or a related field.

Some employers may hire candidates with a high school diploma who have extensive on-the-job training or have completed a vocational training program in surveying.

 

What should you look for in a Land Surveyor Technician resume?

A Land Surveyor Technician resume should include relevant educational background and any certifications, such as Certified Survey Technician.

Look for experience with surveying tasks, like collecting data, creating maps, and operating surveying instruments.

Skills in CAD software, GPS, and GIS systems should also be mentioned.

Look for mentions of problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team as these are valuable skills for this role.

 

What qualities make a good Land Surveyor Technician?

A good Land Surveyor Technician is meticulous and detail-oriented as accuracy is crucial in surveying work.

They need to have excellent problem-solving skills to analyze data and make calculations.

Physical stamina is important because they often have to work outdoors, sometimes in harsh weather conditions.

Good Land Surveyor Technicians also have strong communication skills to effectively work in teams and explain their findings.

 

How important is the role of a Land Surveyor Technician in construction projects?

Land Surveyor Technicians play a vital role in construction projects.

They provide accurate measurements and data that are crucial for planning and designing construction projects.

Without their expertise, there could be significant errors in construction that could lead to costly mistakes or even unsafe structures.

Therefore, they are an integral part of the construction team.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the nitty-gritty of what it really means to be a Land Surveyor Technician.

Surprised?

It’s not just about mapping out land.

It’s about shaping the world, one plot at a time.

With our handy Land Surveyor Technician job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to leap forward.

But why not go further?

Expand your horizons with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously-crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of land is a part of the bigger world.

Let’s shape that world. Together.

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