Engineering Technology Pathways Career Opportunity: Survey Trainee/Engineering Aide (Field Position)
My Story
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-Taylor Fields
CAD/CAM
Description
Survey trainee/engineering aides perform site surveys, boundary surveys and construction surveys usually as part of a two- to three-person survey crew. They set stakes to show where to where to build streets, sewers, bridges and buildings. Survey trainees use both traditional and electronic survey equipment.
Working environment
Survey trainees work outdoors at construction sites, and depending on the season, they may work in heat, cold, rain or snow. Because they work at construction sites as part of a two- to three-person crew, survey technicians cannot work from home. Hours vary, but the workday generally starts between 7 and 8 a.m. and runs until 4 or 5 p.m. During the summer, survey trainees may work longer hours, and overtime is almost guaranteed. Both part-time and full-time positions are available, and part-time positions are especially available during the busy summer months. Depending on the survey/engineering firm a technician works for, travel is a definite possibility; the larger the firm, the more likely technicians will travel statewide.
Job duties
Survey trainees perform sub-professional duties relating to boundary, site, construction and building layout surveys.
Conduct topographic, control and construction surveys as a member of a field-survey crew
Clear brush using a machete or ax
Drive grade hubs with a sledgehammer
Operate traditional and electronic survey equipment
Establish benchmark elevations
May carry heavy objects over steep and rough terrain
Maintain survey equipment
Wage range
Average starting hourly wage: $12.00
Median hourly wage: $14.00
Average annual income: $24,900
Employment outlook
Current employment: About statewide average
Employment growth: Somewhat faster than statewide average
Job opening projection: About statewide average
Links
Professional Land Surveys of Oregon: Promotes legislation, educational programs and standards of practice to improve the professional status of Oregon land surveyors.
Oregon State Board of Examiners: Regulates the practices of engineering and of land surveying in Oregon to protect public welfare and property.
Land Surveyors’ Association of Washington: Promotes the profession and science of surveying through education, high standards of ethics and practice, legislation and community involvement.
Chemeketa Community College: Offers a one-year program for entry-level surveying and drafting jobs; two-year program graduates may work on project plans, design and construction.
Point of Beginning: Online edition of the leading publication serving high-level professionals in the surveying, mapping, engineering and related geomatics fields.
American Public Works Association: Provides a forum for public works professionals to exchange ideas and increase the performance of their public agencies and private-sector companies.
