Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Surveying Technician
What surveying technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a surveying technician?
Load equipment into the truck. From there, the day usually includes operate GPS and total stations, hold rods and prisms, and set construction stakes. Most work full-time with long days in good weather.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a surveying technician working full time.
- Load equipment into the truck.
- Set up a base station at the site.
- Stake curb lines for a new road.
- Hold the prism for topo shots.
- Clear brush for a sight line.
- Return to the office.
- Download and process data.
Where surveying technicians work
Technicians work outdoors in all terrain and weather, plus office time.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time with long days in good weather.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Operate GPS and total stations
- Hold rods and prisms
- Set construction stakes
- Clear brush for sight lines
- Record field notes
- Process data in CAD
- Draft maps
Tools you’ll use every day
- Total stations
- GNSS receivers
- Data collectors
- Prisms and rods
- Machetes and brush tools
- CAD and GIS software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Outdoors with technology
- Learn on the job
- Path to licensed surveyor
- Variety
What’s hard
- Weather and terrain
- Physical work
- Traffic hazards
- Seasonal slowdowns
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like working outdoors
- I enjoy technology
- I’m detail-oriented
- I don’t mind physical work
- I want to learn on the job
- I might become a surveyor
Not sure? Take the free Surveying Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear high-visibility gear
- Set up traffic control
- Watch for wildlife and terrain hazards
- Use brush tools safely