Most survey workers in the construction industry belong to the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 3 in Northern California and Local 12 in Southern California. The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Surveying and Mapping Technicians that includes some of the Land Surveying Occupations. The figures below represent the broad occupational group Surveying and Mapping Scientists that also includes some Land Surveying Occupations. Employment opportunities may fluctuate from year to year because of close ties with construction activity.
Growth is in rapid transportation systems and highway construction.
Use of electronic distance-measuring equipment and GPS may displace some workers, but higher level jobs will occur as workers retire, change careers or leave the labor market. They also work for agri-business, water districts and state, county, city and federal government agencies. However, many surveyors work seasonally, especially in the construction sector where they work only during dry weather, typically from March through November. Fringe benefits usually include medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid vacations and paid holidays. California is the only state in the nation that has a formal apprenticeship program for surveyors in the construction industry.