As land surveying firms struggle to find qualified employees, the COPS Business Practices Committee has updated the following Job Descriptions publication for firms aiming to recruit new talent. This document provides the roles, responsibilities, and required skills for thirteen key positions in any land surveying firm or department.

This document was updated in 2018 to include positions relative to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Unmanned Aircraft Systems, updated roles and responsibilities, and an organizational chart for firms looking to establish a hierarchy. 

This document details the following positions within a land surveying firm:

• Department Manager
• Project Manager
• Project Surveyor
• Assistant Project Surveyor
• Party Chief
• Field Surveyor/Chief of Parties
• Instrument Operator
• CAD Technician
• Survey Technician
• Laser Scanning Technician
• GIS Analyst
• UAS/Drone Visual Observer
• UAS/Drone Survey Pilot

You may tailor each position to fit the needs within your firm.