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

Jan 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for land development surveyors is increasing in response to an ever-growing population, with urban and suburban sprawl consuming more and more land. The need for accurate and up-to-date data on land parcels is essential for the effective planning of infrastructure, housing, and commercial development. Land development surveyors play an essential role in the process of mapping the boundaries of these properties.

They use a range of tools and techniques such as aerial photography, satellite imagery, and GPS to accurately measure and map properties, ensuring that development projects are carried out in accordance with local regulations and laws. This critical role is necessary to ensure that land is used responsibly and sustainably, enabling communities to grow and prosper.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a land development surveyor is to earn a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as civil engineering, surveying, or geomatics. Such programs typically include courses in mathematics, physics, computer science, drafting, and engineering principles.
Obtain Professional Licensure. Land development surveyors in most states must be licensed professional engineers or professional surveyors. To become licensed, applicants must pass a written exam. State requirements vary, but may also include passing an ethics exam, completing continuing education courses, and/or having a certain amount of work experience in the field.
Gain Work Experience. Many land development surveyors begin their careers by working for engineering or surveying firms. This allows them to gain hands-on experience of surveying and land development projects.
Consider Specialization. Many land development surveyors specialize in either urban planning or land use planning. Urban planners typically focus on larger cities and communities, while land use planners focus on smaller-scale projects such as residential construction or agricultural developments.
Consider Certification. Certification is not required to become a land development surveyor, but it can demonstrate an individual's expertise in the field. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) offers several certification programs for land development surveyors.

To stay updated and capable as a land development surveyor, it is important to stay on top of new developments in the field, such as new technology, techniques, and regulations. Doing so allows surveyors to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and best practices. Continuing education is also essential, as it allows surveyors to stay up to date on the latest techniques, principles, and approaches used in the field.

Furthermore, staying informed on the latest industry news and developments is an important part of staying competent. Finally, staying connected with other land development surveyors and professionals in the field is key to learning from experienced colleagues and staying informed about the latest developments in the industry.

You may want to check Highway Surveyor, Mining Surveyor, and Mine Surveyor for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and analyze survey maps, drawings, and records.
Create topographic maps to identify land features and determine boundaries.
Perform boundary surveys to establish legal property lines.
Prepare legal documents such as deeds, easements, and agreements.
Consult with planners and engineers to design roads, sewers, and other infrastructure projects.
Identify and document existing land features such as wetlands and natural resources.
Monitor construction sites for compliance with regulations and laws.
Develop plans for commercial and residential land developments.
Analyze data from aerial photographs and satellite images.
Conduct environmental impact studies for proposed land developments.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of land development regulations and policies.
Understanding of legal documents related to land use and development.
Ability to interpret and evaluate survey data, maps, and drawings.
Proficiency in using specialized software related to land surveying.
Ability to utilize GPS and other technologies used in land surveying.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Understanding of engineering principles and practices.
Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.
Knowledge of construction standards and techniques.
Ability to effectively manage projects and resources.

A Land Development Surveyor is a highly skilled and trained professional who plays a vital role in the development of land. Accurate surveying of land is essential for the successful planning and construction of any development. The most important skill a Land Development Surveyor must possess is the ability to accurately measure and map the land.

This requires a thorough understanding of mathematics, geography, and the principles of engineering. Accurate measurements and mapping are essential for any project that involves land development, as it helps to determine the project's feasibility and potential costs. understanding the local regulations regarding land development is crucial for the Surveyor in order to ensure that all projects conform to the necessary rules and regulations.

Having good communication skills is also a key part of being a successful Land Development Surveyor, as it allows them to effectively communicate with stakeholders and ensure that all parties are informed on the progress of the project.

GIS Surveyor, Environmental Surveyor, and Utility Surveyor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in land development surveying?
How have you handled difficult situations while surveying properties?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy in your work?
What strategies do you use to prioritize projects?
What software programs are you familiar with for land surveying projects?
How do you ensure compliance with local and federal regulations?
What challenges have you faced while working on land development projects?
How do you handle client feedback and expectations?
How do you collaborate with other professionals to ensure successful projects?
How do you stay current with the latest technologies and techniques in the field?

Common Tools in Industry

Total Station. A surveying instrument used to measure angles, distances and directions. (eg: measuring distances between two points)
GPS System. A Global Positioning System that uses satellites to determine location and track movement. (eg: mapping out large areas)
AutoCAD. Computer-aided design software used to create 2D and 3D drawings. (eg: plotting out property boundaries)
GIS Software. Geographic Information System software used to analyze, manage and visualize data. (eg: analyzing soil composition)
Laser Scanner. An instrument that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create 3D models. (eg: creating 3D models of existing land features)
Prism Pole. A pole used to measure angles and directions when combined with a total station or GPS system. (eg: measuring angles for slope calculations)
Dumpy Level. An instrument used to measure height differences in a horizontal plane. (eg: determining elevation changes)
Aerial Drone. An unmanned aircraft used to take aerial photographs. (eg: obtaining aerial images of a property)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)
American Planning Association (APA)
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)

We also have Building Surveyor, Railroad Surveyor, and Hydrographic Surveyor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Topography. The science or art of accurately determining and representing the features of a section of land, including its relief, elevation, and surface contours.
Cadastre. A register or record of all the lands, buildings, and other real estate within a political jurisdiction.
Geodesy. The science of accurately measuring and understanding Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravitational field.
Hydrography. The study of the physical features of bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Computer systems designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present geographic data.
Photogrammetry. The use of photographs taken from different angles to measure distances between objects.
Remote Sensing. The use of satellites and aircraft to collect data about Earth's surface.
Land Surveying. The practice of measuring and mapping land features and boundaries.
Cartography. The creation of maps and charts that represent geospatial data.
Land Use Planning. The process of determining how an area should be used for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Land Development Surveyor?

A Land Development Surveyor is a professional who specializes in land surveying, mapping and measurement of land parcels, structures and other related features for the purpose of making plans for construction, engineering and development projects.

What qualifications are required to become a Land Development Surveyor?

To become a Land Development Surveyor, individuals must typically possess a bachelor's degree in surveying, civil engineering, or a related field, and have passed the relevant certification exams administered by their state or the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

What type of work does a Land Development Surveyor do?

A Land Development Surveyor typically works with landowners, engineers, developers, and other stakeholders to assess land features and prepare accurate plans for construction, engineering and development projects. This typically involves measuring and mapping land parcels and related features, such as buildings and roads, as well as analyzing data to ensure accuracy and compliance with local regulations.

What tools do Land Development Surveyors use?

Land Development Surveyors typically use specialized surveying instruments, such as theodolites, levels, GPS receivers, electronic total stations, and lasers to measure and map land parcels and related features. They also use computers and software programs to analyze data and create plans.

What is the job outlook for Land Development Surveyors?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Land Development Surveyors is expected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely due to increasing demand for surveyors in the construction industry.