How to Enter
The most common way to become a Civil Surveyor is to complete a four-year Bachelor of Surveying (BSurv) degree. In addition, many New Zealand employers are also looking for the following characteristics:
Adaptable
Patient
Methodical and precise
Great eye for detail
Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
Can work both in an office and outdoors
Typical Responsibilities
On any given day, a Civil Surveyor may be expected to do all or some of the following:
Creating maps and plans of new structures, such as roads, buildings, foundations and bridges
Surveying land, sea, lakes, coastlines and rivers
Ensuring current records and measurements are accurate
Creating reports on survey data
Preparing maps and charts
Liaising with clients, government officials and other professionals on surveying and development projects
Conducting environment impact assessments of any proposed Civil Construction work
Progression
A Civil Surveyor has many different career paths ahead of them. Although voluntary, Surveyors of any level and specialisation can apply to become members of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors and work towards professional registration to boost their employability. A Civil Surveyor can also become a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor after completing two years of practical work, a series of exams and a presentation to the Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board.
Alternatively, Civil Surveyors can also choose to specialise in any of the other following areas of surveying: Engineering Surveying, Hydrographic Surveying, Underground Mine Surveying, and Map Making.
Salary Range
40K – 50K per annum (NZD)
