To work as a construction surveyor, you must have a college diploma and pass a licensing exam. The exam assesses construction surveying competency in order to ensure that all licensed surveyors are properly trained, safe, and capable of meeting basic work standards. A construction surveyor can work as a freelancer or for a surveying firm once they are fully qualified. Compensation is determined by location, experience, and the type of work performed.
People interested in surveying careers should start early, according to experienced surveyors. A high school student interested in becoming a construction surveyor might look for summer jobs on survey crews while taking math and science classes to get a head start on college. Some surveyors study surveying for two or three years, while others study civil engineering for a bachelor’s degree. In either case, anyone interested in becoming a construction surveyor should look for work while still in school.
Because construction surveying is such a diverse field, anyone interested in becoming a construction surveyor should consider what type of surveying he or she might be interested in. This gives trainee surveyors the opportunity to apply for jobs and internships in their areas of interest. Rotating between different crews can provide a variety of experiences, allowing people to gain practical experience that will aid them in deciding what type of surveying to pursue.
A prospective surveyor can apply for positions on survey crews after graduation. People with previous work experience have a higher chance of being hired. Working on a crew can provide people with the knowledge and experience they need to pass the construction surveyor exam. Other crew members can offer mentoring and advice to help people identify and improve weak areas in their work. They can also notify trainee crew members when they are competent enough to pass the licensing exam with a reasonable chance of passing.
A surveyor license qualifies a person to work independently on projects ranging from surveying home sites to preparing studies for use in bridge construction. Maintaining certification may necessitate pursuing continuing education requirements. A construction surveyor who wants to join a professional organization should do so. Networking opportunities, access to trade journals, and other career benefits are all available to members of such organizations.