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Start Your Career in Land Surveying
If you enjoy technology, problem-solving, working outdoors, researching how things fit together, and seeing the results of your work in the communities around you, land surveying may be the career you have been looking for.
Surveying combines fieldwork, technology, mathematics, legal principles, mapping, research, and real-world problem solving. No two projects are exactly alike—and there are several ways to enter the profession.
Explore Northwest SurveyorMany people enter surveying through technician and field positions, learn on the job, and build experience while deciding how far they want to advance.
College programs, certification, internships, job shadowing, and professional licensure provide additional pathways for career growth.
Why Surveying?
Surveying offers something that is increasingly hard to find: a career that combines technology, independence, variety, problem-solving, and work that has a lasting impact.
No Two Days Are the Same
Work may take you from a construction site or mountain road to historical records, computer modeling, boundary research, or a client meeting.
Work With Technology
Modern surveyors use GNSS/GPS, robotic total stations, laser scanners, drones, photogrammetry, CAD, GIS, and 3D modeling technology.
Solve Real Problems
Surveyors are part detective, part historian, and part technical expert—interpreting evidence and measurements to solve complex land and boundary questions.
Make a Lasting Impact
Surveyors help protect property rights and support roads, bridges, utilities, neighborhoods, construction, infrastructure, and land development.
What Does a Land Surveyor Do?
Land surveyors measure and map land, determine property boundaries, document existing conditions, and provide the reliable spatial information needed for construction, development, infrastructure, and property ownership.
In the Field
Field crews gather accurate measurements, locate monuments and property evidence, establish control, collect topographic information, and support construction and mapping projects.
In the Office
Survey professionals analyze measurements, research records, resolve boundary evidence, prepare maps and legal descriptions, create digital models, and coordinate with clients and other professionals.
Where Do I Start?
There is no single path into surveying. Your best starting point depends on where you are today.
High School or College Student
Explore surveying and geomatics programs, look for internships, attend industry events, and connect with survey professionals. Education can accelerate your path toward professional licensure.
Explore College & Career Programs →Ready to Start Working
Entry-level field technician and survey assistant positions can provide hands-on experience while you learn from licensed surveyors. Many employers provide substantial on-the-job training.
Search the LSAW Job Board →Changing Careers
Experience in construction, engineering, CAD, GIS, architecture, technology, the military, or other technical fields may transfer well to surveying. Job shadowing is a great way to see whether surveying is right for you.
Explore Mentorship & Job Shadow Opportunities →Becoming a Professional Land Surveyor in Washington
You do not need to be licensed to begin working in the surveying profession. Many people begin as field or survey technicians and build experience over time. Professional licensure is an advanced career milestone that allows a surveyor to independently provide professional surveying services.
Education & Experience
Washington recognizes multiple combinations of education and qualifying surveying experience. Approved surveying education may count toward required experience.
Fundamentals of Surveying
The FS exam is an important professional milestone. Qualified applicants may also obtain Washington Land Surveyor-in-Training certification.
Build Professional Experience
Continue developing broad-based field and office experience, including work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Land Surveyor.
Complete Licensing Exams
Professional licensure includes the NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying exam and Washington-specific requirements.
Licensing requirements can change. Always verify current education, experience, examination, and application requirements directly with the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors (BRPELS).
View Washington Licensing RequirementsSee Surveying in Action
Wondering what the profession is really like? Hear directly from surveyors and explore the variety of careers, projects, and opportunities available in surveying.
Mapping the Future – Surveying Profile
Meet a Professional Land Surveyor and learn how surveying combines technical expertise, problem-solving, and real-world impact.
Watch Video →Discover Land Surveying – Antonio's Story
Antonio shares how he entered the land surveying profession with no previous surveying experience.
Watch Video →Surveying & Geomatics at Clark College
Learn about Clark College's surveying and geomatics program and how students can prepare for careers in the land surveying profession.
Watch Video →Three Reasons to Become a Land Surveyor
Every day is different, surveying feels a little like detective work, and the future of the profession is bright.
Watch Video →A Career in Land Surveying
Follow a land surveyor working in British Columbia and learn about fieldwork, boundaries, precision, travel, and the variety of the profession.
Watch Video →Discover the Surveying Profession
A look at surveying as a varied, technology-driven profession with opportunities both in the field and in the office.
Watch Video →Take the Next Step
LSAW and its partners offer resources to help you learn, connect with professionals, develop your skills, and find your first—or next—opportunity in surveying.
Your Surveying Career Can Start Today
You don't need to have your entire career mapped out before taking the first step. Explore the profession, talk with a surveyor, visit a job site, investigate a program, or apply for an entry-level position.
Get Started