Ron Fisher is a survey department manager with Cox & Dinkins Inc. He spoke with the Columbia Business Journal about his job.
WHATS THE JOB?
Surveyors retrace property lines. Were experts in measurements, and we re-establish boundaries. We find the old plats and deeds to properties and retrace them on site. We go out with our electronic equipment, Fisher said.
Video from around the world
Survey department managers oversee field survey work. We check the crews work. æ.æ.æ. Id also be out on site on most of these projects, especially if theres a problem. Most common problem is the destruction of any monument indicating a boundary.
WHATS THE PAY?
According to Cox & Dinkins president Gene Dinkins Sr., an experienced field survey technician can make between $35,000 and $40,000 a year. A professional land surveyor like Fisher can make $50,000 or more.
WHAT ARE THE PLUSES?
If you like working outside, its wonderful. Youve got to have a desire to be working outside, Fisher said. Surveyors mainly work during the day, so there are few late shifts.
WHATS THE DOWNSIDE?
The less desirable part is the weather. It depends on how bad the weather is. If its a light rain or a light mist, well work in it, Fisher said.
WHAT ARE THE DEMANDS?
(A surveyor) should have good math skills, but that depends on the skill level. Some positions are just doing what the crew chief tells you to do. You have to be able to go through the legal documents like deeds. A lot of surveys dont have a plat you can follow, so you have to follow the deed and visualize where to look for boundary marks, he said.
WHO WOULD SUCCEED IN THIS JOB?
Someone who likes to work outdoors, likes to work in a tight-knit crew. We use everybodys talents on the job. Anyone who can visualize things spatially from words on paper, Fisher said.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS?
Most surveyor firms are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cox & Dinkins is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday to allow workers a half-day off on Fridays.
WHAT EDUCATION DO YOU NEED?
Fisher said a worker could be a rodman, or the man who holds a measuring pole for another person to survey, without significant training. An associates degree in civil engineering or a related major has become a requirement. A longer degree program is being proposed statewide.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
Fisher attended Midlands Technical College and studied in a surveying program. He started working concurrently as a rodman, then became an instrument man, then crew chief, then took the supervisor/manager position.
IS THERE ROOM FOR ADVANCEMENT?
There really is great room for advancement. Its what you make of it, Fisher said.
Get The State newspaper delivered to your home. Click here to subscribe.
We encourage an open and civil exchange of affirming and dissenting opinions on our stories. We invite you to respectfully comment on our content as part of our interactive community.
Click here to read our comment guidelines and learn about our commenting system. Report abuse by clicking the "Report Abuse" link.
E-Mail
Print
