Land surveyor | Selby College
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Land surveyor

Land surveyors measure the shape of the land, and gather data for civil engineering and construction projects.

Potential salary

£20,000 to £70,000

Employment by 2024

+3.25%

Working hours

38 to 40 a week

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of geography
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll collect and analyse data to map the land for civil engineering and construction projects. This will include:

  • carrying out surveys and checking possible effects on the environment
  • producing a map of the land, using GPS and surveying instruments
  • using digital images and satellite photos to create maps
  • collecting data and using geographic information systems (GIS) to analyse it
  • monitoring whether the land has moved during construction or by natural processes
  • drawing charts and maps using computer aided design (CAD)

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

You could work in an office or on a construction site.

With experience, you could move into project management or contract management. You could specialise in an aspect of surveying, or work as a self-employed consultant.

Applying for chartered status through RICScould improve your career prospects.

You may also be able to apply for chartered environmentalist status. You can find out more about being a chartered environmentalist from the Society for the Environment.

You can find out more about becoming a land surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and The Survey Association.

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