Surveyor--Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight

What is it like to be a surveyor? In this Career Q&A video interview, Dennis DiBlasio talks about his career path, what he does on the job, and the keys to success as a surveyor. He also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry's biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Length: 15 minutes

ORDER CODE: FFM-BVL190135

Copyright date: ©2019

Closed Captioned

Surveyor: Main Duties and Responsibilities (00:51)
Dennis DiBlasio manages the land survey team creating topographic maps and establishing boundary lines.

Surveyor: Career Beginnings (00:56)
DiBlasio describes how he became an artillery surveyor for the U.S. Army. After serving he applied for a job at a local land surveying company.

Surveyor: Keys for Success (01:24)
Surveyors must understand math, enjoy the outdoors, and be in good physical condition. This profession works in rain, snow, and loud environments.

Surveyor: Education and Certification Requirements (01:51)
Many states are adopting a practice of only licensing those who completed a four-year degree in land surveying. Technology has changed since DiBlasio began. Surveyors must take biannual continuing education workshops and demonstrate proficiency to the board.

Surveyor: Workplace Atmosphere (02:26)
DiBlasio and his crew work in Times Square, center city Philadelphia, and remote regions. Most surveyors have a computer-aided drafting station in the office. Once fieldwork is completed, the information is brought into CAD operators.

Surveyor: Advice for Aspiring Pros (00:56)
Be honest and able to change. Technological advances since DiBlasio began surveying include drones, laser scanners, and GPS.

Surveyor: A Day on the Job (01:55)
There is no typical day to a field surveyor; plans change once crew reaches the site. Office people arrive at 7:30 am and create topographic maps and boundary surveys. Laser scanners allow teams to create three-dimensional models.

Surveyor: Industry Goals and Services (01:29)
Land surveyors are fact finders and cartographers. The American Land Title Association and the American Congress of Land Surveying and Mapping possess a set of standards. Every state and some local provinces also have requirements.

Surveyor: Industry Challenges (01:10)
The biggest challenge is recruiting youth because it is not a well-known profession. Clients may suggest alternative methodologies. Land surveyors are paid well, but will never become millionaires.

Surveyor: Looking at the Future (01:19)
Technology of today will be obsolete in ten years. DiBlasio is excited about the new talent that is emerging.