Surveyor
What does a surveyor do?
Surveyors bring fundamental knowledge to projects involving environmental assessments, land development, construction, real estate deals, and mining. As a surveyor you would create maps and provide information about land and infrastructure. To be able to map land, water or airspace you would likely use GPS equipment to measure distance, angles and elevations. If you go into this industry, it’s likely you will work across a broad range of projects, however some choose to specialise solely as a building surveyor or land surveyor.
In this profession you could work for consultancy firms, the government, land developers, mining companies or construction organisations.
Is a career in surveying right for me?
If you enjoy working outdoors, have strong attention to detail, and like using technology to solve practical problems, a career in surveying could be a great fit for you. A surveyor role combines fieldwork with office-based tasks, so it suits people who enjoy variety rather than being at a desk all day. If you are interested in geography, mathematics, mapping, construction, or shaping the built environment, and enjoy seeing the real-world impact of your work, surveying may be a rewarding career path.
Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.
An ability to work effectively and collaborate with a range of stakeholders.
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.
How to become a surveyor
If you are considering a surveyor career path, there are various ways to get there. A formal education, including a bachelors degree or postgraduate degree in surveying, geomatics or a related field is a good place to start. You will also need an approved registration to work as a cadastral or licensed surveyor in your state or territory to secure a job in this field.
Here is just one path you could take to get started:
- Complete a degree in surveying, geomatics or a related field to build your technical knowledge.
- Develop practical skills in surveying, mapping, spatial data and measurement technologies.
- Gain relevant industry experience to apply your surveying knowledge in real-world projects.
- Meet any registration or licensing requirements for your chosen area of surveying.
Accreditation and qualifications
UniSQ’s Bachelor of Surveying (Honours) is fully accredited by the Surveyors Board of Queensland and is recognised in every Australian state and in New Zealand through reciprocal arrangements.
The degree, together with relevant industry experience, enables registration and/or licensing as a cadastral surveyor with the Boards of Surveyors in Australia and New Zealand.
How long does it take to become a surveyor?
The time it takes to become a surveyor can vary depending on your previous education and the specific requirements of your chosen surveyor career pathway. Typically, completing a bachelor's degree in surveying or a related field takes three to four years. Some may choose to undertake additional postgraduate studies to further specialise in surveying, which can take two to three years of full-time study.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Prepare for a rewarding career in surveying with a UniSQ degree and develop the technical, analytical and spatial skills valued by employers across construction, infrastructure, mining and land development industries.
Responsibilities and work settings
Measuring and mapping land, boundaries and infrastructure using specialised surveying equipment and technology.
Collecting, analysing and interpreting spatial and survey data to support projects.
Preparing site plans, maps, survey reports and other technical documentation.
Collaborating with engineers, architects, developers and government authorities on land development and construction projects.
Construction and infrastructure companies
Engineering consultancies
Government agencies, departments and councils
Mining and resources companies
Agricultural and agribusiness organisations
Surveyor FAQs
The average surveyor job description includes duties and responsibilities such as:
- Undertaking research and development of surveying and photogrammetric measurement systems, cadastral systems and land information systems.
- Planning and designing land subdivision projects and negotiating details with local governments and other authorities.
- Advising architects, engineering professionals, environmental scientists and other relevant professionals on the technical surveying requirements needed for a project.
- Compiling and evaluating data, interpreting codes of practice and writing reports concerning survey measurement, land use, and tenure.
- Preparing site plans and survey reports required for conveyance and land ownership matters.
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