Survey Technician

We need Survey Technicians because they conduct or participate in field surveys to determine the exact location and relative position of rivers, ridges and other natural features and structures on the earth’s surface, underground and underwater.

What is it Like to Work as a Survey Technician in Mining?

Note: conditions vary according to employer, region and mine.

Survey Technicians are usually based in an office on (or near) the mine site, but spend most of their time at the production and exploration sites, often in uncomfortable conditions. They are sometimes required to work safely in confined spaces, at heights and near open holes. They climb ladders and steel ramps on the surface and underground, and are frequently required to stoop, bend, squat and kneel.

Why are People Attracted to this Career?

Survey Technicians excel at mathematics and conduct precision work with the utmost care.  Explorers at heart, they enjoy working outdoors, experiencing remote parts of the country and using the latest technology and equipment in their work.

Job Description

  • Plan and conduct field surveys for the mine (underground or outdoors), mark the location of new works, and set up reference points as benchmarks

  • Plot the survey results, prepare detailed drawings, charts, plans, and write survey notes and reports

  • Analyze and edit spatial data to verify the integrity and accuracy of data for quality assurance

  • Inspect, adjust, test and monitor the performance of the survey equipment, Satellite Positional Systems (SPS) and other systems

  • Plan their routine maintenance and deal with any issues, ensuring they are productive, efficient and safe, in compliance with company policies and legislation

  • Coordinate and direct more junior field and office staff, providing mentorship and training as required

  • Work closely with Surveyors, Geologists and Mining Engineers to ensure that data is accurately collected, presented and used

  • Plan and conduct field work to assist with other company programs

  • Compile data from various sources to generate maps

  • Prepare topographic maps, aerial photo mosaics, and other custom land survey products as required

  • Analyze and conduct quality assurance on surveys, providing recommendations and making decisions regarding any technical problems encountered

  • Help to ensure safety, protect the environment, improve operational efficiency and quality control, regulate production costs, solve problems and meet deadlines

Staring Salary

$54,000.00

Top Salary

$75,000.00

Demand in Mining

1 2 3 4 5

Skill Transferability Among Other Industries

1 2 3 4 5

Success Profile

  • A strong interest in Information Technology and instrumentation

  • Trustworthy and maintains positive relationships with a wide variety of personnel

  • Identifies issues and solve problems

  • Can work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

  • Calm, positive, organized and careful

  • Committed to precise and accurate measurement

  • Committed to safety and environmental protection

  • Embraces new techniques and technology

  • Flexible

  • Learns quickly, especially detailed function and technical information

  • Strong communication, computer and drafting skills

  • Takes initiative

  • Understanding of, and compliance with, legislation and regulations concerning safety, employment and environmental protection

  • Works well in a team and independently

  • Works well under pressure

Job Entry Requirements

Note:  The requirements listed below illustrate what it takes to start the career and does not take into account on-the-job training given to new employees.

Fixed Requirements

  • Post-secondary diploma (two to three years) in geomatics or land survey technology, or a combination of high school education with experience as a member of a survey party

  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and other digital Land Survey, graphic workstations, colour plotters, digitizers and related equipment

  • Maintain technical competence in related software platforms and field technologies and use them efficiently

  • Proficiency in survey calculations, relevant engineering and drafting practices, uploading/ downloading survey data, using related software platforms and language of operation

  • Excellent understanding of the coordination between field survey, office computations and drafting

  • Must pass a medical and drug test

  • Willing to work in a diverse environment

Regional Requirement

  • Certification through provincial associations of applied science technologists and technicians

May be Required

  • Two years of supervised work experience

  • Valid driver’s licence with few or no current infractions

Assets

  • Willingness to relocate

  • Other languages