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Job Definition
View MovieMake exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

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.

Interests
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.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
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.
Knowledge
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Tasks
Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods using knowledge of techniques of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
Determine specifications for photographic equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
Verify the accuracy of survey data including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
Record the results of surveys including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $73,030.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $44,640.00 and $100,550.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 5,900 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 6,700 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 80 openings due to growth and about 180 replacement openings for approximately 260 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Surveying Technology/Surveying - A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the delineation, determination, planning and positioning of land tracts, land and water boundaries, land contours and features; and the preparation of related maps, charts and reports. Includes instruction in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photointerpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography.
Similar Occupations
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists - Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.
Appraisers, Real Estate - Appraise real property to determine its value for purchase, sales, investment, mortgage, or loan purposes.
Landscape Architects - Plan and design land areas for such projects as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists - Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems.
Electrical Drafters - Develop specifications and instructions for installation of voltage transformers, overhead or underground cables, and related electrical equipment used to conduct electrical energy from transmission lines or high-voltage distribution lines to consumers.
Mapping Technicians - Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.
Range Managers - Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.
Geophysical Data Technicians - Measure, record, and evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect and evaluate core samples and cuttings.
Commercial and Industrial Designers - Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Notes
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Job Openings
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