Overview

Some of Canada’s best-known explorers were Surveyors — are you ready to join their ranks? Use advanced equipment to measure properties, keep new builds level, and ensure compliance.

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Skills You’ll Need

  • Strong mathematical skills — surveying is all about accurate calculation
  • Ability to read blueprints, maps, plans, and layout sheets
  • Organization — you’ll want to keep legible survey notes
  • Communication skills for interfacing with employees and the general public
  • Knowledge of GPS, transit, theodolite, level, and other equipment
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What You’ll Do

  • Develop survey plans, along with the specific procedures for conducting legal surveys
  • Identify and mark legal boundaries of land masses and roadways
  • Use electronic distance measuring devices to determine precise locations
  • Locate property corners, section corners, and structures
  • Set up and operate all surveying equipment, including level, transit, and distance meter
  • Record all measurements
  • Survey and subdivide land for rural and urban development
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Role Requirements

To become a Surveyor, you’ll need a bit of education.

  • Complete high school
  • Finish a post-secondary engineering program focused on geomatics or civil engineering

How To
Get Started

Ready to join our ranks? Take these steps.

OSWCA, two employees smiling, green hard hats, yellow safety vests, red t-shirt, surveying equipment, 24067_BUILDWITT_3168
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Study Up

Find a post-secondary program approved by the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS). Many surveyors pursue civil engineering degrees or study geomatics.

OSWCA, employees in trench, leveling, measuring, green hard hats, white hard hat, 24067_BUILDWITT_2011
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Start Surveying

Start working in the field! Discover your dream role through A Single Drop’s job board and gain the 1.5 years of training you need before getting licensed.

OSWCA, employees on break, focus on employee with longer hair, orange hard hat above black cap, orange safety vest, 24067_BUILDWITT_0896
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Get Licensed

Advance your career by pursuing licensure through AOLS. This process involves an academic evaluation, confirmation of field experience, and an exam. But it’s worth doing — you’ll open up more opportunities with higher pay.

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What
Ontarians
Are Saying

heavy equipment working in the street

“I would consider this better job security than many industries could offer. Roads, highways, bridges and utilities are always in need of repair, replacement or maintenance.”

Glen Teather
Surveyor
Rankin Construction

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