Education · 1 of 4

The path

One of the few technical careers you can still walk into with a high school diploma.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Algebra, geometry and trigonometry are the ones that matter. Drafting and computer classes help too.

2. 2

   Get hired onto a crew

   Weeks to months

   Entry titles are rodman, chainman or survey helper. Firms hire year round and train you themselves.

3. 3

   On-the-job training

   1 to 2 years

   You move from carrying the rod to running the instrument, then to handling the data. Most of this is moderate-term training on the crew.

4. 4

   Optional community college

   1 to 2 years, alongside work

   A surveying or geomatics certificate taken part time speeds up promotion and teaches the math properly.

5. 5

   Party chief, or on toward the license

   3 years and up

   Run your own crew, or start the long route to becoming a licensed surveyor who can sign plats.