Land Surveyor’s are employed in all sectors of the economy. Because of the highly specialized nature of their training, land surveyor’s often work for governmental entities such as city, county, and state agencies, or for firms that provide surveying services.
These firms provide a wide range of services, including land development and planning, construction site layout, floodplain mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS). Land Surveyor’s are also employed by engineering firms to assist with transportation planning and construction projects.
Employment of Land Surveyors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, the need for surveyors will vary by specialty.
The median annual wage for surveyors was $62,610 in May 2016.
What to Include in a Land Surveyor Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Analyze and interpret survey data, maps, blueprints, aerial photographs, and other topographical or geologic information to determine exact location, shapes, and elevations of geographical features.
- Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas using theodolites, transits, levels, satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS), and computers.
- Perform precise surveys to establish baselines, elevations, alignments, grades, and other geographical references for construction projects such as roads or buildings.
- Inspect surveys to ensure that they comply with government regulations or standards.
- Responsible for analyzing survey evidence and writing descriptions of land to be used in legal documents.
- Measuring angles and distances between points as well as elevations and slopes as required by the project.
Education & Skills
Land Surveyor Skills:
- Read and understand topographical maps.
- Use surveying equipment, including levels, theodolites, and transits.
- Calculate distances and angles.
- Plot survey data.
- Work with mathematical formulas.
Land Surveyor Education Requirements:
- Land surveyors typically hold a bachelor’s degree in land surveying, mapping science, or civil engineering technology.
- Most land surveyors are registered with their state licensing board, which requires them to pass an exam after completing a certain amount of experience within the field.
Land Surveyor Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing in response to your recent job posting for a Land Surveyor. My experience as an employee of the [city or county] in both land surveying and planning, as well as my education in urban planning, make me uniquely qualified for this position.
As a land surveyor, I would use the knowledge I gained in my degree program to help your city’s residents by developing plans for how their communities will grow. My work would include studying topography, researching building codes, and working with clients to develop the best possible solutions for their needs, including deadlines and cost limitations.
I also have several years’ experience as a land surveyor working with the [city or county], using specialized equipment and software to create accurate maps of both rural and urban areas. During this time, I developed an eye for detail and an ability to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
My enclosed resume goes into more detail about my experience and skills; I look forward to speaking with you soon about the position. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
When writing your surveyor cover letter, be sure to highlight your experience and skills in land surveying. Mention any specific projects you have worked on in the past, and be sure to highlight your ability to work independently and manage projects. Additionally, be sure to highlight your strong math skills, as land surveying is a highly mathematical field.
If you have any certifications or licenses in land surveying, be sure to mention them in your cover letter. Finally, be sure to tailor your letter to the specific job you are applying for, and focus on the skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.
Refer to our Land Surveyor Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
