Duties

• Land surveyors are responsible for measuring distances between points and elevations on, below or above the Earth’s surface, according to World Wide Learn. These professionals also might have to comb through legal records such as titles, deeds and previous survey records to solve property boundary issues. In addition, they can rely on the Global Positioning System (GPS) to accurately locate reference points in the area they are surveying using satellites. They then must record the information they gather during surveys such as shape, contours and dimensions of land. These individuals also prepare maps and reports. Land surveyors occasionally might have to offer testimony in court cases based on their findings as well.
  
  

Skills

• Solid written and verbal communication skills are important for land surveyors. These professionals also must have strong time management skills and good organizational skills. Land surveyors additionally must be very detail-oriented because measurement errors can be costly. They should be able to visualize distances effectively as well. In addition, land surveyors must have good interpersonal skills for working with other professionals such as cartographers, who produce maps.
  
  

Environment

• Land surveyors must be willing to spend a lot of time outside and should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time. They must be in good physical condition and have good coordination, as they often have to carry equipment and instruments while on the job. In addition, they must be willing to face various types of weather and do a lot of traveling.
  
  

Education

• Aspiring land surveyors can complete bachelor degree programs in surveying, which last four years. Community colleges and technical schools also offer two-year associate degree programs in surveying technology. Training programs typically require students to complete hands-on field experiences. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accredits programs in this field.
  
  Most states also require surveyors to be licensed by passing written exams prepared by their state licensing board as well as the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Licensed surveyors also can seek voluntary certification in this field by passing exams administered by the National Society of Professional Surveyors, according to Education-Portal. Certification boosts land surveyors' employment opportunities.
  
  

Outlook

• Employment of land surveyors and other related professionals is projected to increase 19 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to a growing demand for accurate geographic information in fields such as construction, especially as the population grows. Land surveyors in 2010 earned between $39,317 and $65,512, reports Pay Scale.