Contents
Land Survey Technologists & Technicians (NOC 2254) may also be called:
- engineering survey technologist/technician
- geodetic survey technologist
- geomatics technologist – surveying
- survey assistant
- topographic survey technician
What Would I Do?
Land Surveying Technologists & Technicians operate survey equipment to measure distance, elevations and contours on the earth’s surface, underground and underwater. You use this information to establish geographical locations and boundaries.
As a land surveying technologist, your duties include:
- helping survey engineers or professional surveyors to develop methods and procedures for carrying out field surveys
- carrying out field surveys and operate survey instruments and computer equipment to measure distance, angles, elevations and contours
- recording measurements and other information obtained during field survey activities
- analyzing latitude, longitude and angles, and use trigonometric and other calculations to plot features, contours and areas to a specific scale
- preparing detailed drawings, charts, plans, survey notes and survey reports
As a land surveying technician, your duties include:
- participating in field surveys and operating survey equipment
- keeping records, measurements and other survey information in an organized manner
- helping in the calculation, analysis and computation of measurements obtained during field surveys
- helping in the preparation of detailed drawings, charts and plans
More information:
Am I Suited For This Job?
You should be:
- detail-oriented
- able to judge object shape, size, and distance
- able to visualize abstract forms
- physically fit
and should have:
- good mathematic skills
- good hearing & vision
You may work indoors in an office setting or conduct fieldwork outdoors at a job site.
Sources: WorkBC Career Profile for Land Surveying Technologists & Technicians (NOC 2254), Career Cruising database (Profile for ‘Survey Tech’)
What Are The Wages And Benefits?
The median annual salary for land survey technologists and technicians working full-time in BC is $64,763.
If you are employed on a full-time basis you usually receive benefits such as health and dental coverage, paid vacation and sick days, in addition to your salary.
Sources: WorkBC Career Profile & Career Cruising database
What Is The Job Outlook In BC?
The employment outlook is expected to be good for the 2016-2018 period. More than half of the jobs are located in the Mainland/Southwest region of the province.
Employment Outlook
Chart from WorkBC
Sources: Job Bank Canada, WorkBC Career Profile
How Do I Become a Land Survey Technologist or Technician?
Certification is not required to work as a land survey technologist or technician in BC, but it can provide better employment opportunities.
Certification as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) or Certified Technician (CTech) in Land Surveying Technology is obtained through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC).
Minimum requirements include:
- AScT: Diploma of Technology (2 or 3 years) from a nationally accredited program or equivalent in geomatics or land survey technology
- CTech: Certificate (1 or 2 years) from a nationally accredited program or equivalent in land surveying technology
AND
- two years of related work experience, with at least one year at the level of certification sought
Internationally trained technologists and technicians:
- may be eligible for ‘Provisional Membership’
- if you meet the current educational and experience requirements but lack one year’s relevant Canadian work experience, you may be eligible for ‘Provisional Membership’ as an AScT or a CTech.
- membership is contingent on completion of the one year required work experience demonstrating Canadian standards and competencies.
For further information, see:
How Do I Find A Job?
Where would I work?
Land Survey Technologists & Technicians
work for:
- all levels of government
- architectural and engineering firms
- private sector surveying establishments
Finding Advertised Jobs
Jobs are advertised in a variety of sources including newspapers, magazines and online job sites.
Local Newspapers
You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesdays and Saturdays and, in The Province on Sundays.
Online Job Postings
- Indeed.ca
Land Survey Technologist jobs in British Columbia
Land Survey Technician jobs in British Columbia
Finding “Hidden Jobs”
Many job vacancies are not advertised. The resources below help you with finding jobs in this “hidden” job market.
Using Directories to Create a List of Potential Employers
You can use company directories to produce lists of employers who are in this industry. Contact them directly to find out if they’re hiring.
- BC Construction Association
Search the members’ directories for: Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Southern Interior, and Northern Regional
- Business In Vancouver Book of Lists Biggest Construction Companies in BC
Top 5 companies listed online; also available at the Central Library, 338.9711 B97B
- Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Member directory
(select ‘province’ as ‘British Columbia’; select ‘Industry Sectors’ as ‘Surveying and Mapping’)
- Reference Canada
Click on “Start Search” beside Canadian Businesses, then select the “Advanced Search” button.
Select both “Keyword/SIC/NAICS” under Business Type and “City” under Geography.
In the top search box enter “Land surveying” OR “Surveyors” and click LOOKUP.
Select the appropriate headings.
Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities, and click the “View Results” button.
NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a computer from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this database. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number).
Networking, Volunteering and Temporary Agencies
Many positions are filled by people who have been recommended by someone they know. Networking, working as a volunteer or registering with a temporary employment agency are good ways of helping you find jobs and meet people in your industry.
Networking and the Hidden Job Market:
When looking for work, be sure to talk to friends, relatives and neighbours. They may know someone who is hiring! Working as a volunteer, attending events, and joining clubs and associations are good ways to gain “Canadian experience.” They are also good ways to meet people to learn about the local job market.
Volunteer opportunities
- Habitat for Humanity
— can volunteer at construction sites or at ReStores
Applying for a Job
In Canada, employers usually expect to receive a resume and a cover letter that identifies the position you are applying for and summarizes your relevant experience.
Use the library catalogue to find books on writing resumes and cover letters specific to your industry.
For more information see:
Where Can This Job Lead?
Land surveying technologists/technicians may start as an Assistant / Instrument Person, then progress to Survey Tech. Promotion to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
You can also move into Land Surveyor positions if you complete professional surveyor examinations and certification.
Sources: WorkBC Career Profile & Career Cruising database (Profile for ‘Survey Tech’)
