How to Be Highway Surveyor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Highway surveyors play an important role in the construction and maintenance of highways and other transportation infrastructure. Their work, which includes surveying and mapping roads, is paramount to the safe, effective and efficient construction of highways. By accurately gathering data and measurements of existing roadways, surveyors are able to provide developers with the necessary information to plan and construct new roads or modify existing ones.

As a result, highways are built in accordance to accepted standards and protocols and operated in a safe manner. Without highway surveyors, many of the roads we drive on today would not be as safe or efficient.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. In order to become a highway surveyor, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
2. Research Education and Training Requirements. It is important to research the education and training requirements for becoming a highway surveyor. This may vary depending on the state, so it is important to be aware of any specific requirements before applying for a position.
3. Complete an Associate Degree. Most employers require highway surveyors to have an associate degree in civil engineering technology or a related field.
4. Gain On-the-Job Training. Some employers may provide on-the-job training for new highway surveyors. This can be a great opportunity to gain the necessary experience and knowledge to become a successful highway surveyor.
5. Obtain Licensing. Depending on the state, you may need to obtain licensing in order to become a highway surveyor. This may include passing an exam and/or obtaining additional certifications.
6. Get Certified. Certification is not required to become a highway surveyor, but it can be beneficial. Certifications can demonstrate your expertise and help you stand out from other applicants.

Surveying highways is an essential part of managing and maintaining safe and efficient transportation systems. Proper surveying techniques are necessary for reliable and efficient highway surveys. To ensure successful surveying, surveyors must use accurate measurement methods and quality equipment to collect data.

they must be knowledgeable in the area of highway engineering, and understand the characteristics of different types of roads and surfaces. With the right tools, experience, and knowledge, highway surveyors are able to collect precise data that can be used to help plan, design, and construct highways. This data can then be used to create safe and efficient roads for drivers and travelers.

You may want to check GPR Surveyor, Mine Surveyor, and Building Surveyor for alternative.

Job Description

1. Conduct highway, bridge and other transportation engineering surveys.
2. Inspect and evaluate existing roadways and infrastructure, making recommendations for improvements or repairs.
3. Design and plan new roads and bridges, ensuring compliance with safety and construction regulations.
4. Develop plans for future transportation projects, including estimates of time, costs and potential environmental impacts.
5. Prepare detailed reports for clients and/or government agencies.
6. Conduct traffic studies and analyze data to determine potential impacts of proposed projects.
7. Monitor construction projects to ensure standards are met and timelines are met.
8. Communicate with stakeholders and the public to ensure projects are completed effectively and efficiently.
9. Prepare drawings, plans, maps and other documents related to highway and bridge construction projects.
10. Implement innovative technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy of surveys and other engineering tasks.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of road and bridge construction standards, codes, and regulations.
2. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and plans.
3. Knowledge of surveying and mapping techniques and practices.
4. Ability to use surveying instruments such as total stations and GPS systems.
5. Proficiency in the use of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and engineering design software.
6. Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
9. Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
10. Ability to work in a variety of environments, including inclement weather.

Highway surveyors need to possess a variety of skills to be successful in their job. One of the most important skills is accuracy. To ensure that highways are safe and passable, highway surveyors must be able to accurately measure distances, angles, and elevations.

In addition, they must be able to make accurate judgments regarding the condition of the road surface, guardrails, and other structures. Furthermore, they must be able to identify potential problems with the highway and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or improvements. All of these skills are essential for highway surveyors to ensure that the roads are maintained and safe for all travelers.

Land Development Surveyor, Environmental Surveyor, and Marine Surveyor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have with road surveying?
• How would you handle a survey project that involves a tight timeline?
• What methods do you use to ensure accuracy in road surveys?
• Describe a challenging survey project you have worked on and how you overcame it.
• How do you stay current with the latest technologies used in road surveying?
• What safety procedures do you follow while conducting road surveys?
• How do you ensure that all data is collected correctly and accurately?
• What experience do you have in using GPS to conduct road surveys?
• How do you handle difficult situations when working with other surveyors?
• What strategies do you use to stay organized and on task while conducting road surveys?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Total Station. A surveying instrument that combines an electronic theodolite and an electronic distance meter. (e. g. Leica TS12)
2. GPS Receiver. A device used to acquire coordinates from orbiting satellites to determine position. (e. g. Garmin eTrex 10)
3. Prism Pole. A pole used to hold a prism for surveying purposes. (e. g. Northwest Instrument K7-100)
4. Surveyor Tripod. A tripod used to mount a total station or other surveying equipment. (e. g. CST Berger ALQW20)
5. Leveling Rod. A rod used to measure elevation differences in a survey. (e. g. Northwest Instrument L7-100)
6. Surveyor Wheel. A wheel used to measure distances in a survey. (e. g. CST Berger RL25HV)
7. Stakeout Rod. A rod used to mark points in a survey. (e. g. CST Berger RLB20)
8. Hammer. A tool used to drive stakes into the ground for marking points in a survey. (e. g. Estwing E3-24C)
9. Flagging Tape. A brightly colored tape used to mark points and lines in a survey. (e. g. Survey Markers PE-603)
10. Data Collector. A device used to record data gathered during a survey. (e. g. Trimble TSC2)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
2. American Public Works Association (APWA)
3. Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
4. National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
5. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
6. American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
7. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board (TRB)
8. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
9. American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
10. National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA)

We also have Utility Surveyor, Cadastral Surveyor, and Soil Surveyor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Roadbed. The foundation of a road, usually composed of compacted aggregate and soil.
2. Pavement. A durable surface material such as asphalt, concrete, or brick used to form a roadway.
3. Grade. The degree of incline or decline of a roadway.
4. Drainage. The removal of stormwater from a roadway or area to prevent flooding.
5. Right-of-Way. The legal right for a public agency to use land for the construction or maintenance of a roadway.
6. Sight Distance. The length of the roadway visible to a driver, which is necessary for safe operation.
7. Shoulder. The portion of a roadway located outside of the traveled lane, which is used as an emergency lane.
8. Erosion Control. Various techniques used to prevent soil erosion on a roadway, such as vegetation, retaining walls, and drainage systems.
9. Traffic Control. Methods used to regulate the movement of vehicles on a roadway, such as stop signs and speed limits.
10. Surveying. The process of measuring and mapping the features of an area, including the landforms and man-made structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary duties of a Highway Surveyor?

The primary duties of a Highway Surveyor include conducting surveys to determine the accuracy of existing roads, bridges, and other structures, creating plans and designs for new projects, and inspecting construction sites to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

What qualifications are needed to become a Highway Surveyor?

To become a Highway Surveyor, one must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have experience in surveying and engineering. Additionally, they must be certified by the state to operate survey-related equipment.

How much does a Highway Surveyor make annually?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Highway Surveyors as of May 2020 was $59,420.

What tools does a Highway Surveyor typically use?

Highway Surveyors use various tools including total stations, GPS systems, levels, and theodolites to accurately measure distances and angles. They may also use computer software programs to generate maps and analyze data.

What is the job outlook for Highway Surveyors?

The job outlook for Highway Surveyors is projected to grow by 5% from 2019-2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to increases in infrastructure projects and population growth.

What are jobs related with Highway Surveyor?

• Property Surveyor
• Construction Surveyor
• GIS Surveyor
• Railroad Surveyor
• Hydrographic Surveyor
• Geodetic Surveyor

Web Resources

• Highway Surveyor's Books : Tremont, Maine - University of Maine archives.library.umaine.edu
• Highway Surveyor's Book : Belfast, Maine - University of Maine archives.library.umaine.edu
• Division of Highway Design | Highway Knowledge Portal kp.uky.edu