HOW DO YOU GET TO BE A SURVEYOR?

To become a licensed surveyor, most persons take surveying courses, pass tests, and get on-the-job training. However, as technology advances, a 4-year college degree is becoming more important for surveyors and related workers. Junior colleges and technical schools offer 1-, 2-, and 3-year programs in surveying and surveying technology.

High school students interested in surveying should take courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer science.

Surveyors should be able to see objects, distances, sizes, and other forms in their minds. Their work has to be correct all the time, because mistakes can cost a lot of money. Surveyors have to be able to work with people and to work as part of a team. Leadership is another important skill.

Members of a survey party must be in good physical shape to work outdoors and carry equipment. They need good eyesight and hearing to communicate by hand and voice signals.