Survey Party Chief

Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.

Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.

Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.

Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.

Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.

Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.

Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.

Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.

Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.

Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.

Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).

Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.

Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.

Determine specifications for photographic equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.

Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.

Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.

Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.

Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.

Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.

Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.

Record the results of surveys including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.

Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.

Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.