1

Land Surveyor Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Land Surveyor Trainee

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

As a Land Surveyor Trainee, you will be responsible for conducting land surveys in diverse environments within the Greater Houston area and occasionally in other cities in Texas and Oklahoma. You ...

As a Land Surveyor Trainee, you will be responsible for conducting land surveys in diverse environments within the Greater Houston area and occasionally in other cities in Texas and Oklahoma. You ...

Effectively supervises surveying technician and surveying trainee personnel * Coordinates surveying activities with the assigned engineer to meet the construction requirements * Communicates and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Land Surveyor Trainee information

See salary details

$31.5K

$74.7K

$120.5K

How much do land surveyor trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for land surveyor trainee in the United States is $74,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Land Surveyor Trainee position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Land Surveyor Trainee, you typically need strong math skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of geography or engineering, often supported by a relevant associate degree or coursework. Familiarity with survey instruments (such as total stations and GPS equipment), AutoCAD software, and adherence to safety standards is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make candidates stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing accurate measurements, supporting licensed surveyors, and ensuring project success in the field and office.

How much do land surveyors make starting out?

Entry-level land surveyors typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location and employer. Starting salaries may increase with relevant certifications, technical skills, and experience with surveying tools like total stations and GPS equipment.

How much does a trainee surveyor make?

A land surveyor trainee typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level trainees often start at the lower end of this range and can increase their salary with additional certifications and skills in surveying tools and techniques.

What does a typical day look like for a Land Surveyor Trainee?

As a Land Surveyor Trainee, you’ll typically split your time between fieldwork and office tasks. In the field, you’ll assist senior surveyors with setting up instruments, taking measurements, marking boundaries, and recording data under various weather conditions. In the office, you may help process data, create maps or reports using CAD software, and review project documentation. You’ll work closely with both survey teams and engineers, which helps you learn the ropes and prepares you for advancement as you gain experience and necessary certifications.

How to become a trainee surveyor?

To become a land surveyor trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a relevant college degree such as surveying, civil engineering, or geomatics. Gaining practical experience through internships or apprenticeships and developing skills in surveying tools and software are important steps; some regions also require passing licensing exams to advance in the field.

How to start a career in land surveying?

To start a career as a land surveyor trainee, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, then pursue a relevant degree such as civil engineering or geomatics. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in surveying tools like total stations and GPS devices are essential, along with obtaining any required state licensing or certifications.

What is a Land Surveyor Trainee job?

A Land Surveyor Trainee assists licensed surveyors in measuring and mapping land, collecting data, and operating surveying equipment. They work in the field and office to support boundary determinations, construction projects, and land development. Trainees gain hands-on experience with GPS, total stations, and other technologies while learning regulations and industry standards. This role is an entry-level position that provides training and mentorship for becoming a licensed land surveyor.

More about Land Surveyor Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Land Surveyor Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Land Surveyor Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Land Surveyor jobs? The most popular types of Land Surveyor jobs are:
What states have the most Land Surveyor Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Land Surveyor Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Land Surveyor Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,746 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
Land Surveyor Trainee/Assistant Land Surveyor (NYHELPS)

Land Surveyor Trainee/Assistant Land Surveyor (NYHELPS)

New York State

Albany, NY • On-site

$66K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description The duties of this position will include but are not limited to the following: The Real Property Bureau within DESP (Division of Environmental Stewardship & Planning) develops and implements policy for the acquisition of lands and properties and negotiates the actual purchase/exchange by first establishing a property's market value. Under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Land Surveyor, the incumbent will: Assist in maintenance of department survey and land records. Search internal and public records for survey and title information.

Supervise and train field crews in the operation of modern terrestrial, geodetic surveying, geographic positioning system instruments, proper field survey procedures, and work zone safety. Plan and schedule work assignments for projects. Maintain and perform basic maintenance on survey equipment.

Conduct reconnaissance and field surveys of State Park property lines. Prepare deed plots and review consultant derived boundary maps for accuracy. Process, balance, and transform data derived from Optical and GPS observations.

Assist in determination of park boundaries through survey field measurements and research. Prepare survey maps for acquiring and managing state interest in real property in a computer aided drafting system. Perform field inspections of land and prepare reports of physical inspections.

Perform property boundary surveys utilizing applicable survey principles and practices to determine the State's title boundaries. Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS or 55-b/c Qualifications: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).* To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55-b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Land Surveyor Trainee, NS (Equated to a SG-18): A bachelor's degree program in surveying or surveying technology from an Engineering Accreditation Commission, Engineering Technology Accreditation, or Commission Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accredited; or Eligibility to sit for the Fundamentals of Surveying examination through the National Council for Examiners of Engineering and Surveying via letter issued by the New York State Board for Engineering and Land Surveying (proof of eligibility required)

Assistant Land Surveyor SG-20: Proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Surveying Examination (FS) or successful completion of 52 weeks of service as a Land Surveyor Trainee and successful completion of the FS examination**. ** Individuals appointed to the two-year Land Surveyor traineeship are required to complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as a Land Surveyor Trainee and pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam in order to advance to Assistant Land Surveyor. If you obtain your FS by the end of the first year you will advance to the title of Assistant Land Surveyor SG-20.

Failure to obtain the FS during the two-year traineeship will result in termination from the position. **Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S

Secretary of Education (https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home). If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States or its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. This information can be found athttp://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm

Candidates are responsible for the evaluation fee. If you are a veteran or an individual with a disability and would like to apply for the Department of Civil Service's 55-b/c Program, please visit https://www.cs.ny.gov/rp55/ for more information. Subsequent 55-b/c Qualifications: A subsequent 55-b/c appointment may be considered if you have at least one year of permanent or contingent-permanent qualifying service and have a current Civil Service 55-b/c letter of eligibility

Provisional Qualifications: In the absence of an eligible list(s) with three or more candidates willing to accept a position, a temporary provisional appointment may be considered. For provisional appointment, candidates must be meet the following minimum qualifications: Land Surveyor Trainee, NS (Equated to a SG-18): A bachelor's degree program in surveying or surveying technology from an Engineering Accreditation Commission, Engineering Technology Accreditation, or Commission Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accredited; or Eligibility to sit for the Fundamentals of Surveying examination through the National Council for Examiners of Engineering and Surveying via letter issued by the New York State Board for Engineering and Land Surveying (proof of eligibility required). Assistant Land Surveyor, SG-20: Proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Surveying Examination (FS) or successful completion of 52 weeks of service as a Land Surveyor Trainee and successful completion of the FS examination**.

** Individuals appointed to the two-year Land Surveyor traineeship are required to complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as a Land Surveyor Trainee and pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam in order to advance to Assistant Land Surveyor. If you obtain your FS by the end of the first year you will advance to the title of Assistant Land Surveyor SG 20. Failure to obtain the FS during the two-year traineeship will result in termination from the position.

**Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education (https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home)

If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States or its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. This information can be found athttp://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. Candidates are responsible for the evaluation fee

The appointed candidate would have to take, pass and be reachable on the next holding of the examination to be appointed permanently. 70.1 Transfer Qualifications for Land Surveyor Trainee, NS title: At least one year of permanent or contingent-permanent qualifying service as a Land Surveyor Technician 2, SG-16. Only the title listed are eligible for 70.1 transfer

Note: The transfer cannot be a second consecutive transfer resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades. For all transfers noted, a comprehensive list of titles approved for transfer is available through Civil Service GOT-IT at https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/gotit/. Additional Comments OPERATING NEEDS: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment

Must be able to work in remote areas, negotiate difficult terrain, and work in adverse weather conditions. Travel may be required. Overtime may be required.

Overnight travel may be required. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview. Additional Comments: Approved Salary Ranges: Land Surveyor Trainee Equated to SG-18 - $66,951/yr - $85,138/yr Assistant Land Surveyor, SG-20 - $74,193/yr - $94,121/yr Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


What New York State employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom