How to Be Land Parcel Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 27, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Land Parcel Technician is essential in any municipality or regional government. This position is responsible for accurately maintaining and updating land records and property information. This information is used to determine and record ownership, taxation, zoning, building permits, and other land-related issues.

The accuracy of this information is critical to ensure that all citizens within a jurisdiction are treated fairly. As a result, Land Parcel Technicians must possess strong attention to detail and be knowledgeable of applicable laws and regulations. They must also be adept at using current land records software and be able to stay abreast of new technologies that can improve the accuracy and efficiency of their work.

the role of a Land Parcel Technician is essential for the proper functioning of a municipality or regional government.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers prefer to hire Land Parcel Technicians who have a high school diploma or GED.
Consider completing a college degree. Although it is not required, some employers may prefer applicants who have completed a two- or four-year degree in surveying, cartography, geography, or a related field.
Pursue an apprenticeship. Working with an experienced Land Parcel Technician is the best way to learn the skills and knowledge needed to become a Land Parcel Technician. Apprenticeships can be found through local businesses, community colleges, and technical schools.
Get certified. Most states require Land Parcel Technicians to be certified in order to work legally. Certification requirements vary by state; however, they typically include passing an exam and completing continuing education requirements.
Consider becoming a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS). RPLSs are licensed professionals who have met specific educational and experience requirements. Becoming an RPLS may provide access to more job opportunities and higher salaries.

The job of a Land Parcel Technician requires a high level of skill and efficiency to be successful. To be effective in this role, an individual must possess an understanding of surveying principles and be familiar with geographical features and land boundaries. the technician must have strong organizational skills to track and manage land parcel data.

The ability to work with databases and other software programs is essential as well. With these skills, the technician is able to accurately identify and measure land parcels, analyze data, and draw conclusions about the land parcels characteristics. The technician also needs to be able to communicate effectively with other professionals to ensure accuracy in their work.

With the right amount of skill and efficiency, a Land Parcel Technician can make a huge impact on the success of the project.

You may want to check Land Title Examiner, Lands Surveyor, and Landscaping Foreman for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and assemble land survey documents, such as deeds and subdivision plats, for filing in the local county assessors office.
Research and analyze land survey documents, including deeds, maps and other records, to determine property boundaries and ownership.
Create land parcel maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
Utilize GIS software to analyze land parcel data and generate reports.
Prepare reports summarizing land survey research findings.
Work closely with other professionals, such as land surveyors, engineers, and attorneys, to ensure accuracy of land parcel information.
Respond to requests from the public for information related to land parcels and related documents.
Assist with the review of applications for subdivisions and other land development projects.
Provide technical assistance to local government agencies and private organizations regarding land parcel related matters.
Maintain detailed records of land parcel surveys and related documents.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of land surveying principles and practices
Familiarity with federal, state and local regulations related to land use and ownership
Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, blueprints and other technical documents
Proficient in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Ability to work with multiple software packages for data entry and analysis
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Land parcel technicians are responsible for managing and maintaining land records, which is a crucial skill that is necessary for many related professions. The importance of this skill lies in its ability to help accurately determine the boundaries of properties, as well as provide reliable information for the assessment of property taxes. Without the proper knowledge and understanding of land records, it would be impossible to ensure accurate ownership rights and accurately assess the value of property.

Land parcel technicians must also possess excellent organizational skills, as they are typically responsible for organizing and maintaining large amounts of information and data. They must also be able to interpret legal documents and use modern technology such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Therefore, having a strong background in land surveying, mapping, mathematics, computer science, and data management is essential for anyone wishing to become a successful land parcel technician.

Land Planning Manager, Land Restoration Manager, and Land Reclamation Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with land parcel records?
What tools and software do you use to track land parcel data?
How would you approach updating or creating new land parcel records?
What procedures do you follow to ensure accuracy and compliance in land parcel records?
What is your experience with surveying land parcels?
What strategies do you use to keep up to date on land parcel laws and regulations?
How do you prioritize assignments when dealing with multiple land parcels?
How do you manage customer expectations when completing land parcel tasks?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot complex land parcel issues?
How would you go about resolving conflicting land parcel information?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Mapping Software. Software used to create, store, analyze, manage, and present geographic information. (e. g. ArcGIS, QGIS)
Parcel Viewer. A web-based application that allows users to view, search and query parcel information. (e. g. ESRI Parcel Viewer)
Geodatabase Software. Software used to store and manage large amounts of geographic data. (e. g. ArcGIS, PostGIS)
Aerial Photography Software. Software used to analyze aerial photos for land parcel mapping. (e. g. ERDAS Imagine)
GPS Equipment. Hardware used to accurately locate land parcels by satellite navigation. (e. g. Garmin GPS device)
Survey Instruments. Instruments used to measure distances and angles in order to create detailed maps of land parcels. (e. g. Total Station, Theodolite)
CAD Software. Software used to create and edit digital 2D and 3D drawings of land parcels. (e. g. AutoCAD, Revit)
Database Management Software. Software used to store and manage large amounts of data related to land parcels. (e. g. Oracle, MySQL)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of County Surveyors (NACS)
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)
International Right of Way Association (IRWA)
American Association for Geodetic Surveying (AAGS)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

We also have Land Rights Specialist, Lands Officer, and Land Use Consultant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Acquisition. The purchase of land or real estate by an individual or organization.
Appraisal. The process of determining the value of a property based on its market value.
Boundary Line. An imaginary line that marks the outer limits of a parcel.
Easement. A right to use another person's land for a specific purpose, such as a public utility or access to a road.
Land Use Planning. The process of determining the most appropriate use of land for a given area.
Platting. The process of dividing a parcel of land into smaller, more manageable parcels for development.
Right of Way. A legal right to use a specified path across another person's land.
Title Search. A search of public records to verify ownership of a property and to determine if any liens or other claims are against it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Land Parcel Technician? A1: A Land Parcel Technician is a professional who specializes in creating and maintaining records of land parcels, updating boundary lines, verifying property ownership, and creating maps of properties. Q2: What qualifications are needed for a Land Parcel Technician? A2: To qualify for a Land Parcel Technician position, applicants must usually have at least a high school diploma or GED and experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Some employers may also require certifications in GIS or other land surveying-related fields. Q3: What kind of duties does a Land Parcel Technician typically perform? A3: Typical duties for a Land Parcel Technician include reviewing and updating property records, preparing legal descriptions of properties, analyzing aerial and topographic maps, verifying property boundaries, and creating maps of parcels. Q4: How much does a Land Parcel Technician typically earn? A4: The average salary for a Land Parcel Technician is around $50,000 per year, although this can vary depending on the location and experience of the technician. Q5: What type of environment does a Land Parcel Technician typically work in? A5: Land Parcel Technicians typically work in an office setting, although they may occasionally have to visit properties to verify information or take measurements.