If you want to become a project surveyor in the United States, you should plan to be licensed to do this kind of work, in the state where you hope to find a job. Surveyors can typically be licensed in more than one state at a time, as long as they are able to meet the qualifications established by each one. It is generally not necessary for candidates to have a bachelor's degree, but some employers do prefer candidates who have at least an associate's degree in a field that is similar to land surveying or engineering.
Many of the jobs that are available for project surveyors require applicants to have a minimum of five years of relevant experience. In some cases, you might be able to find a job as an apprentice or trainee, which is a good option for someone new to this career. In order to become a project surveyor, you might also be required to have some experience as a supervisor. If you do not have a background like this, you may have to begin your career in a lower level position.
For the most part, employers expect candidates for these jobs to have excellent project management capabilities. You should understand how to coordinate work schedules and manage the duties of those who might be working as your subordinates. In most cases, a few years of related job experience should provide you with a sufficient background to enable you to function well in this capacity. If you obtain a degree in land surveying, it is very likely that you will gain this knowledge while in school.
To become a project surveyor and do well in this job, you need to be organized and have a keen eye for detail. Many of these positions carry a lot of responsibility with them, so it is important for candidates to be able to juggle tasks each day in an organized, logical fashion. You should also be able to prioritize your responsibilities, so that you and the workers you are responsible for can accomplish goals in a timely manner. Individuals who have the ability to meet deadlines, established by employers, tend to perform the best in this type of position.
In addition, the majority of employers look for candidates who have a valid driver's license for the state in which they will be working. Driving to various job sites is often a large part of this career. If you want to become a project surveyor, you should also have an affinity for the outdoors, as you are likely to spend most of your time outside, rather than sitting in an office.
