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Survey Technician

Survey technicians measure and study land under the direction of a land surveyor or engineer.

 

Tasks & duties

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Survey technicians may do some or all of the following:

  • take measurements and plot out land divisions using survey equipment
  • make observations, record measurements and collect other data about the land
  • process data gathered from fieldwork
  • make calculations from this data and previous surveys
  • prepare reports using the measurements and data calculations
  • draft and interpret plans for land use
  • use survey and basic computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • supervise the work of survey assistants

 

Specialisations

Survey technicians may specialise in providing technical expertise for different types of surveying such as:

  • mapping work
  • cadastral surveying (determining land boundaries)
  • engineering surveying
  • exploration surveying
  • geodetic control surveying (surveying the shape of the land)
  • oil and mineral exploration

 

Skills & knowledge

Survey technicians need to have:

  • knowledge of surveying methods and plan drawings
  • the ability to interpret drawings and plans
  • the ability to read maps, and judge contours and distances
  • technical skills to work with the survey instruments they use
  • the ability to solve practical problems while out on survey sites
  • good communication skills to deal clearly with clients, land surveyors and other professionals
  • good organisational, planning and time management skills
  • skill using surveying and computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • some knowledge of civil engineering
  • good mathematical knowledge, particularly in trigonometry
  • an understanding of the laws and legislation relating to land use and surveying
  • an awareness of environmental issues
  • some knowledge of subdivision design and resource consents

 

Entry requirements

To become a survey technician you need a National Diploma in Surveying (Level 6), which can be gained through full-time or part-time study, and typically takes at least three years to complete.

 

Secondary education

Survey technicians need to have Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent in English and maths, and preferably one science subject. Useful subjects include computer science, technical drawing, geography, physics or economics.

 

Tertiary education

In 2009, InfraTrain New Zealand and the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors launched a National Diploma in Surveying (Level 6). Surveying technicians can now study towards this qualification no matter where in New Zealand they are working through on-the-job training, distance learning and study sessions.

Unitec offers the only full-time National Diploma in Surveying course, which takes two years to complete.

 

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job.

 

Registration

National Diploma of Surveying (Level 6) graduates are eligible to become technical associate members of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors. With this membership they may take part in continuing professional development courses.

  

Useful experience

Useful experience for survey technicians includes:

  • work as a survey assistant
  • draughting, engineering and/or cartography work
  • tramping, orienteering and map reading experience
  • experience in other outdoor pursuits

 

Related courses

Surveying

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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