How to become a Surveyor
Surveyors are data gathers, exploring the lands contours, boundaries and man-made structures, using high tech software and playing a crucial role in mapping and infrastructure projects.
What is a Surveyor?
Surveyors spend much of their time measuring and collecting data about land boundaries, property lines and natural features and contours. They create and update records of how properties look, the size of the property, and it’s positioning on the block. They also work on infrastructure projects such as roads, tunnels and bridge building, or land redevelopment and the installation of utilities like power and water supplies. Surveyors make an initial assessment and survey of the site to check for any environmental impacts of construction and whether plans are feasible. Thay take measurements which include establishing legal boundaries based on deeds and titles, and calculate elevation, depths, relative positions, and other features of the terrain. Use of surveying instruments and GPS to chart exact coordinates of site features is standard practice. Once the survey is done, the surveyor needs to verify the accuracy of the data collected and calculations used. They may sometimes use geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and explain site features. Surveyors create and update plans, maps, written reports, and legal descriptions of the survey site. They may use computer aided design (CAD) software to do this. Surveyors also need to assume liability for the work that was performed and the report created.
Skills & Interests:
Having an interest in geology and the technology involved in the field is important for those looking at http://sagc.org.za/pdf/jobs/2017/20170926_Mgidi_Wanda.pdf this career. You also need to have an understanding of engineering and science and be strong mathematically to be able to properly analyze and interpret the data and calculations. Attention to detail is crucial, particularly when dealing with exact measurements. The job entails a physical element when doing surveys that involves being outside in all weathers and possibly walking long distances, thus, you need to be in good physical condition.
Hours & Conditions:
Surveyors work both in the field and in the office. Much of their work is done outdoors, walking or standing for long periods. Depending on the site being visited and surveyed, irregular hours and some travel may be required. Most surveyors work full time.
How to become a Surveyor: Qualifications
There are 2 requirements that are needed to become a registered surveyor – education and registration. A degree either in or with a major in surveying, spatial science, geospatial science or GIS is required for everyone aspiring to be a surveyor. Once you have obtained your degree you would need to be registered. A relevant degree plus a combination of practical experience and demonstration of competence through technical projects or further study may be required to be able to register, depending on what state you live.
To look at courses that will help you find a role as a surveyor check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database
Employment opportunities for surveyors will continue to grow as a result of the continuous increase in residential, commercial, and civil/infrastructure building. Also more and more companies are showing interest in geographic information and its possible applications to their industry for things such as emergency planning, natural resource management and security.
https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/475/surveyor