Land surveyors may enjoy a fulfilling career that includes traveling to various destinations and working on challenging projects. If you’re considering your prospects as a land surveyor, your first career step would be a Survey Management degree.
Next, you may seek further education in the field, either before or while you gain work experience as a land surveyor. Let’s outline the three basic steps for success in the land surveying industry.
1. Study for a Surveying Degree
A Bachelor of Science with a major in Surveying Management will give you the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career as a land surveyor. A broad geospatial surveying program covers topics like geotechnical technology, surveying field regulations, and business management.
Some of the courses you’ll study include:
- Land-Use Planning Regulations
- Land Surveying and Mapping
- Surveying Standards and Specifications
- Instrumentation in Surveying
- Construction Law
2. Follow Licensing Requirements
Once you have your Surveying Management degree, you’ll need to follow your state’s licensing requirements to start working in the field. The first step to licensing is usually a Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam. You’ll also need a period of practical experience working with a licensed surveyor.
After you’ve completed the necessary qualifications and practical training, you can take the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam. Check any additional standards your state applies to land surveyors.
3. Choose the Right Land Surveying Job
Working in land surveying means you can pursue several exciting career options. Three of these are hydrographic surveying, forensic surveying, and environmental surveying.
Hydrographic Surveyor
Hydrographic surveyors work in areas located in or next to bodies of water, like sea floors, riverbeds, and coastlines. Their expertise helps build shoreline structures and design waterfront projects. Surveying data like erosion patterns and water depth can also help seamen avoid navigational risks.
Forensic Surveyor
Forensic surveyors use their skills to help law enforcement reconstruct accident or crime scenes. This type of surveying often focuses on storm damage or other factors that could help the police, insurance companies, and other agencies in their investigations.
Environmental Surveyor
An environmental surveyor’s work can help detect land contamination or protect endangered species. Environmental surveyors often operate in areas that have suffered fire damage, flooding, or pollution by hazardous substances.
Start Your Land Surveying Management Studies at Everglades University
Begin a rewarding career as a land surveyor by enrolling in a Surveying Management degree at Everglades University. This undergraduate program will give you a robust background in cartography and survey sciences and open the door to a range of fulfilling land surveying jobs. Contact us today to learn more about our Surveying Management study program. Call 888-854-8308 or contact us online.