Surveyors

What do they do?

Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

What kind of training is available in North Dakota?

Select a field of study below to explore possible suppliers to this occupation.


Field of Study
Survey Technology/ Surveying

Job Openings in North Dakota by Year

What does the North Dakota market look like for this occupation?

$65,700.00
Median Salary (2022)
Higher than 69% of ND Occupations
$31.59
Median Hourly (2022)
Higher than 69% of ND Occupations
1.82%
Short Term Yearly Change (2025)
Higher than 79% of ND Occupations
1.44%
Long Term Yearly Change (2032)
Higher than 88% of ND Occupations

What are some of the daily tasks?

  • Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
  • Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
  • Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
  • Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
  • Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods using knowledge of techniques of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
  • Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
  • Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
  • Determine specifications for photographic equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
  • Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
  • Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
  • Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
  • Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
  • Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
  • Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
  • Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
  • Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
  • Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
  • Record the results of surveys including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
  • Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
  • Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
  • Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.
  • Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
  • Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
  • Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.

What work experience does someone ususally need?

None

What is the typical on-the-job training?

Internship/residency

What is the entry level education?

Bachelor's degree