Surveying Technicians

• Adjust and operate surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, and electronic distance-measuring equipment.
• Record survey measurements and descriptive data using notes, drawings, sketches, and inked tracings.
• Search for section corners, property irons, and survey points.
• Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
• Lay out grids, and determine horizontal and vertical controls.
• Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data.
• Set out and recover stakes, marks, and other monumentation.
• Conduct surveys to ascertain the locations of natural features and man-made structures on the Earth's surface, underground, and underwater using electronic distance-measuring equipment and other surveying instruments.
• Direct and supervise work of subordinate members of surveying parties.
• Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.
• Prepare topographic and contour maps of land surveyed, including site features and other relevant information such as charts, drawings, and survey notes.
• Place and hold measuring tapes when electronic distance-measuring equipment is not used.
• Collect information needed to carry out new surveys using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, and other relevant information.
• Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
• Run rods for benches and cross-section elevations.
• Perform manual labor, such as cutting brush for lines, carrying stakes, rebar, and other heavy items, and stacking rods.
• Maintain equipment and vehicles used by surveying crews.
• Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Surveying Technicians.

• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Surveying Technicians.