Surveying Technology Certificate / Degree

 

NOTE: The CESGT Program has undergone a series of revisions to offer a more focused, directed, 1-year stackable certificate curriculum. In the former 2-year certificate programs, more breadth and cross training were offered. That breadth can now be attained by completing more than one certificate. Students wishing to complete more than one certificate may do so provided they can schedule themselves accordingly and satisfactorily complete the requisite courses with a grade of "C" or better. Please consult the CESGT Program Coordinator with questions regarding single or multiple certificate completion steps and requirements. 

Surveying Technology Program:

The Surveying Technology program prepares students for a variety of technical positions in the surveying and mapping professions. The new, more focused "Year to Career" program course sequence is set up to allow the student to progress through two semesters and achieve a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate’s Degree in Surveying Technology.

SRJC students completing this (degree or certificate) will be fully prepared to directly enter the workplace in this field.  Many of the SRJC courses numbered 1-99 could also be used to fulfill major requirements or electives at CSU and UC campuses in fields such as Construction Management and Civil Engineering.  Consult with your counselor regarding any plans for transfer.
 

-Surveying Technology Course Sequence Webpage-
 

A Career in Surveying? 

In general, people who like surveying also like math—primarily geometry and trigonometry. The field attracts people with geology, forestry, history, engineering, computer science, and astronomy backgrounds, too. Surveying curriculum includes courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, computer aided drafting (CAD), geospatial technology (GIS), geography and computer science.

What is Surveying? 

Land surveying is crucial to responsible land development. Land surveyors work with engineers, architects and builders to produce precise descriptions (surveys and maps) of surface features of the Earth. Land surveyors perform a variety of vital tasks such as boundary surveys, topographic mapping and construction staking.

What Do Surveyors Do? 

Many people think that surveyors only conduct fieldwork. Surveyors can choose from many specialties and get involved at many stages of a project. Sometimes a surveyor may work in the field and then deliver the data to a surveyor who works in the office. The office-based surveyor analyzes the data, creates maps and other documents.

Today's Technology 

Land surveyors need to be current with emerging technologies such as GPS (Global Positioning System), 3D laser scanning and digital photography. GPS is used for precise positioning of points anywhere on the earth that are used in a wide variety of mapping procedures. In general, the main function of a land surveyor is measuring and mapping the earth's surface through the use of current technologies and software.

Career Options 

Land surveying is a career field in high demand throughout industry, government and the private sector. As a land surveyor you will provide services for planned communities, schools, shopping centers, highway projects, waterway, skyscrapers and more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities in the surveying field to grow steadily through 2018, and the areas of urban planning, architecture, construction, energy development, and disaster and emergency planning will be particularly strong.

The following is an example of the career path for the Surveying Technology Certificate: Note that some positions require licensing or certification by the state, not just a degree or certificate of completion.

Land Surveying Career Ladder

• Principal Land Surveyor (Owner or Principal in company, Professional Land Surveyor License)
• Land Surveying Coordinator/Manager (Supervisor, PLS License)
• Associate Land Surveyor (Licensed Lead Person, PLS, Office or Field positions)
• Assistant Land Surveyor (Lead Person, Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) Certificate, Office or Field positions)
• Land Surveying Technician I, II, III (Certificate of Achievement from SRJC and experience, Office or Field positions)
• Land Surveying Aide (Part time employees without certificate)
   

-Surveying Technology Course Sequence Webpage-

 

Civil Engineering, Geospatial & Surveying Technology Programs Coordinator:
Reg Parks
Office Phone #: (707) 527-4376
E-mail: rparks@santarosa.edu