A senior surveyor oversees a crew in taking horizontal and vertical land measurements with highly accurate instruments. To become a senior surveyor, you must first earn a geomatics degree from an accredited college or technical institute. Next, you will need to secure an entry-level position as an assistant to learn the practical application of your college education. After gaining sufficient work experience, you must pass a regional licensing exam to become a senior surveyor. You will also need to be physically fit and have good leadership skills to hold this position.
Surveyors must have excellent math skills to take accurate measurements and to perform complex calculations. You should begin preparing for this career by taking courses in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in high school. A college degree in geomatics will also be needed to advance to the senior level of this profession. Although many two and three-year colleges offer survey-related degrees, most local regions require a bachelor’s degree to become a senior surveyor. Make sure that you earn your degree from a college approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
After graduation, seek an entry-level position to gain the work experience needed to become a senior surveyor. As you work under the direction of an experienced professional, you will be able to put your knowledge to work and improve your skills. Most entry-level positions for college graduates involve using measuring instruments and performing mathematical calculations, as well as making drawings and taking detailed notes. You will be given increased responsibilities and may oversee a survey party as your skills increase. A surveyor apprenticeship typically lasts for four years to prepare you for formal licensing.
In the United States, you must take and pass a licensing exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to become a senior surveyor. This organization is made up of licensing boards from many different local regions and specific requirements may vary. A bachelor’s degree in geomatics is typically required, but ten years of work experience may be acceptable in some regions. In addition, you will need to obtain a comity license if you plan to work in multiple regions. Exam preparation materials and detailed regional licensing requirements may be obtained from the NCEES website.
In addition to your education and work experience, you must also be in good physical condition for this career. Surveyors often work along rugged terrain and in adverse weather conditions. They must walk for long distances, cut trees from their line of sight, and carry heavy pieces of equipment to a remote job-site. As a senior surveyor, you should also have good leadership and communications skills to manage the other members of your party and make certain that their work is performed accurately.