Surveying Technician

The Surveying Technician, known in other contexts as a Surveying Aide, is a key employee in the execution and implementation of surveying projects and plans. These projects and plans can span across a multitude of areas, including transportation, recreation, environment, energy, and utilities. The Surveying Technician is an indispensable member of any surveying crew and plays a leading role in all aspects of the surveying process. Are you someone detail-oriented with a penchant for accuracy? Are you willing to put in the time to learn and master the skills of the trade? If so, a career as a Surveying Technician might be your perfect career fit.

Responsibilities and Projects of the Surveying Technician

As a Surveying Technician, your work will involve carrying out duties such as:

• Operating and maintaining surveying equipment, including total stations, levels, and GPS receivers
• Collecting data, such as distances, angles, and elevations
• Processing data to create maps, plans, and other documents
• Layout surveying points and control networks
• Preparing and maintaining surveying records
• Assisting surveying crews with a variety of tasks

The overarching goal in a Surveying Technician role is to gather and synthesize data which will form the foundation for construction and development projects of all kinds.

Tools and Equipment Used by Surveying Technicians

Surveying Technicians utilize a wide variety of tools and equipment to effectively execute their day-to-day tasks. These include, but are not limited to:

• Total stations
• Levels
• GPS receivers
• Data collectors
• Field notebooks
• Computers
• Surveying software

Surveying Technicians must be proficient in the proper usage and maintenance of all of these items.

The Day-to-Day of the Surveying Technician

The typical day of the Surveying Technician varies greatly depending on the project they are working on. However, some common tasks include:

• Preparing for fieldwork, which includes gathering the necessary equipment and materials
• Traveling to the job site
• Setting up the surveying equipment
• Collecting data
• Processing data
• Creating maps, plans, and other documents
• Reporting on the progress of the project

How to Become a Surveying Technician

There are two main paths to becoming a Surveying Technician: formal education and on-the-job training.

Formal education

A formal education in surveying is the most common path to becoming a Surveying Technician. There are many colleges and universities that offer associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees in surveying. These programs typically include coursework in mathematics, science, and surveying. Upon graduation, graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce as Surveying Technicians.

On-the-job training

It is also possible to become a Surveying Technician through on-the-job training. Many surveying companies offer training programs for new employees. These programs typically include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. After completing a training program, new employees will be ready to work as Surveying Technicians under the supervision of a more experienced surveyor.

Career Growth for Surveying Technicians

There are many opportunities for career growth for Surveying Technicians. With experience, Surveying Technicians can move into supervisory roles, such as Surveying Crew Chief or Surveying Manager. They can also specialize in a particular area of surveying, such as boundary surveying, topographic surveying, or construction surveying. Additionally, Surveying Technicians can earn professional certifications, such as the Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) certification, to further their career growth.

Skills and Traits of Successful Surveying Technicians

There are many skills and traits that make for a successful Surveying Technician. These include, but are not limited to:

• Strong mathematics and science skills
• Attention to detail
• Accuracy
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills

Surveying Technicians must also be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Online Courses for Aspiring Surveying Technicians

Online courses can be a great way to learn about the skills and knowledge required to become a Surveying Technician. There are many online courses available to help you with this, including courses on:

• Surveying mathematics
• Surveying equipment
• Surveying techniques
• Surveying software

These courses are usually led by experienced Surveying Technicians who can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed. With the help of online courses, you can prepare yourself for a successful career as a Surveying Technician.

Conclusion

A career as a Surveying Technician can be a rewarding and challenging one. If you are looking for a career that offers opportunities for growth, variety, and responsibility, then Surveying Technician may be the perfect career for you.