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

Sep 29, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a surveyor is hugely important, as without it, the process of building construction, land and property management, and legal disputes would be immensely difficult. Surveyors provide information about land boundaries, the measurement and layout of buildings, and the analysis of data to ensure that all legal requirements are being adhered to. As a result, they play a vital role in helping to ensure development projects are completed on time and within budget, that land disputes are settled quickly and fairly, and that property owners are protected from potential legal issues. In addition, surveyors can provide detailed assessments of the environment, soil conditions, and other features of a property, making them an invaluable resource for those involved in the development process.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming a property surveyor is to earn a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate. High school courses in math, science and technology can be beneficial for aspiring property surveyors.
Take College Courses. Most employers require property surveyors to have at least an associate degree in surveying or a closely related field, such as civil engineering technology. Courses in subjects such as math, physics, drafting, land surveying and geographic information systems (GIS) are common in these programs.
Obtain an Internship. Internships provide valuable experience for aspiring property surveyors. Internships also provide an opportunity for students to build a professional network and gain references for future employment.
Obtain Certification. Certificate programs are available for those who have already completed a college degree in surveying or related field. This certification is usually required for those who wish to become employed in the field.
Get Licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require property surveyors to be licensed. Licensing requirements typically include passing a written exam and completing a certain amount of field experience.

The best way to stay updated and efficient as a surveyor is to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements in the field. By investing in the newest surveying equipment, such as drones and remote sensing systems, surveyors can improve their accuracy and reduce the amount of time needed to collect data. staying informed on the most up-to-date surveying methods, practices, and regulations can ensure that surveyors are providing accurate results while also meeting legal requirements.

Finally, attending professional conferences and seminars can help surveyors stay connected with their peers, build new relationships, and find new opportunities. In summary, investing in the latest technology, staying informed on the latest practices and regulations, and attending professional events are all key elements for a successful and efficient surveyor.

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

Job Description

Prepare survey reports to document boundaries, ownership, and measurements of land parcels.
Research legal documents and local regulations to ensure accuracy of surveys.
Utilize specialized equipment, including laser theodolites, digital levels, and total stations to collect data in the field.
Locate existing survey markers and monuments in order to measure and record current land boundaries.
Establish property corners and boundaries with stakes, paint, and flags.
Conduct aerial surveys with drones and other aircraft in order to measure and map land surfaces.
Prepare detailed maps of surveyed areas using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Interpret legal descriptions and title reports in order to accurately measure land boundaries.
Measure areas of property for calculations related to zoning and development.
Inspect construction sites to ensure compliance with building codes and local regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of surveying principles, practices and techniques.
Ability to design and execute complex surveys.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, maps, plans and specifications.
Knowledge of state and local regulations related to land surveying.
Knowledge of mathematics, geometry and trigonometry.
Ability to operate survey equipment, such as theodolites, levels, and GPS systems.
Ability to use computer software for data analysis and mapping.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

The job of a surveyor requires many skills, but the most important one is the ability to think analytically. Surveyors need to be able to observe their environment carefully, analyze the data they collect, and make accurate decisions based on that data. They must be able to make accurate measurements, draw detailed maps, calculate land boundaries, and interpret legal documents.

In addition, they must have strong communication skills in order to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues. Without these skills, surveyors would not be able to properly perform their duties and ensure accuracy in their work. Poorly executed surveys can lead to costly issues such as property disputes, land title issues, and other difficulties that could have been avoided with the right skills.

Therefore, having the ability to think analytically is essential for a successful surveyor.

Construction Surveyor, Soil Surveyor, and Mine Surveyor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in property surveying?
What challenges have you faced in the past and how did you overcome them?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and detail in your surveys?
How do you stay current on the latest technologies and trends in the industry?
How have you handled difficult or challenging clients in the past?
Are you comfortable working with multiple stakeholders and completing surveys on time?
Do you have experience with both commercial and residential properties?
What safety precautions do you take when conducting a survey?
What is your experience with GIS and CAD software?
How do you ensure that all survey data is correctly recorded and reported?

Common Tools in Industry

Laser Level. an instrument that uses lasers to measure and level out surfaces. (eg: using a laser level to measure the distance between two points on an uneven surface)
Total Station. an electronic/optical instrument used for surveying and construction. (eg: using a total station to measure the height of a building)
Digital Theodolite. an instrument used to measure angles in both the horizontal and vertical planes. (eg: using a digital theodolite to measure angles to locate a property boundary)
GIS Software. computer software used to store, analyze, and display geographical data. (eg: using GIS software to map out a property and display its boundary lines)
Drones. unmanned aerial vehicles used to capture aerial images and videos. (eg: using drones to capture aerial images of a property for survey purposes)
GPS Receiver. a device used to receive location data from a satellite navigation system. (eg: using a GPS receiver to identify the exact coordinates of a property)

Professional Organizations to Know

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
International Right of Way Association (IRWA)
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
International Association for Property Valuation (IAPV)
American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL)

We also have GIS Surveyor, Hydrographic Surveyor, and Environmental Surveyor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Building Surveying. A specialist field of surveying focused on the design, construction, maintenance and repair of buildings.
Land Surveying. The science and technology of accurately measuring and mapping land and property boundaries.
Geodetic Surveying. A surveying technique that uses measurements of the earths shape and gravitational field to determine positions and distances.
Cadastral Surveying. A specialized field of surveying that deals with the surveying and mapping of land for the purpose of defining ownership.
Topographic Surveying. A type of surveying that focuses on the measurement and mapping of natural and man-made features on the earth's surface.
Hydrographic Surveying. A type of surveying that focuses on the measurement and mapping of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Construction Surveying. A type of surveying that focuses on the measurement and mapping of land for the purpose of constructing buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Engineering Surveying. A type of surveying that focuses on the measurement and mapping of land for engineering purposes, such as the design and construction of bridges, dams, and other structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Property Surveyor?

A Property Surveyor is a professional who specializes in mapping and measuring land boundaries and providing other related services such as researching legal deeds and records.

What qualifications are needed to become a Property Surveyor?

To become a Property Surveyor, one typically needs to have a degree in surveying or civil engineering, and may also need to be a licensed surveyor depending on the jurisdiction.

What types of jobs does a Property Surveyor typically do?

A Property Surveyor typically performs tasks such as mapping land boundaries, researching legal deeds and records, performing cadastral surveys, and preparing reports and plans for land use.

What type of equipment does a Property Surveyor use?

A Property Surveyor typically uses specialized equipment such as total stations, electronic distance measuring devices, robotic total stations, and global positioning systems (GPS) to measure and map land boundaries.

What type of organizations hire Property Surveyors?

Organizations such as engineering firms, land management companies, and government agencies often hire Property Surveyors to perform mapping and measure land boundaries.