There are all types of job roles in this world. Some, like doctors, policemen or teachers, come with universal recognition of their importance. Others, like utility surveyors, are less known but still incredibly important for society.

As well as preventing disruptions to businesses and people’s lives when excavation work leads to accidental strikes that knock out electricity or water lines that service nearby properties, surveyors help to protect those who work in the construction sector.

By correctly and accurately identifying utilities, they can prevent diggers and those who handled excavation equipment from striking dangerous underground cables that could lead to damage to equipment as was a serious harm to human life, sometimes resulting in fatalities in the worst cases.

The role of utility surveyor is an interesting one, and as the country becomes even more congested with underground utilities, it’s even more essential that we get good operatives out there in the field who are diligent, experienced and good at what they do.

We explore the nature of this role a bit more and some of the important considerations worth making if you’re thinking about a career in utility detection.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Utility Surveyor?

Some of the key duties and responsibilities of being a Utility Surveyor include:

• Interpret existing utility information plans
• Survey areas as indicated within working instructions
• Carry out measurements in accordance with company procedures
• Carry out surveys in conjunction with other company activities by following company procedures
• Drive to location of work, as specified by Project Managers
• Adhere to working instructions as specified by internal and external clients
• Conduct internal paperwork as required
• Communicate with internal and external parties
• Partake in training as required
• Maintain equipment as required

What Skills Are Needed to be a Utility Surveyor?

As long as you’re diligent, professional and willing to learn, almost anyone can become a utility surveyor. It’s a trade that helps to build your skill set while working, but some pre-job requirements and qualifications include:

• Qualification with a British recognised training body
• Willingness to work flexible hours when required
• Driver’s license
• Willingness to work away from home when required
• Adaptable to varied working environments
• Ability to work with multiple teams and third parties (construction companies)
• Ability to read and interpret maps and plans
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to make occasional overnight stays and work during unsociable hours

What Kind of Attitude is Needed to be a Good Surveyor?

Being a surveyor is a hands-on role. If you’re not comfortable being away from a desk most of your day, then this job might not be for you. While there is indeed a certain amount of planning, mapping and coordination needed that will take place indoors, surveying requires you to be on-site to gather raw data. A few other personal attributes that are needed to be an efficient surveyor include:

• Self-motivated and driven to keep standards high
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplined team
• Willingness to find a creative solution when handling on-site activities
• Punctuality and efficiency

Do I Need to Be Qualified?

You may not need to have qualified from a course before you’re hired by a company, but you will no doubt be required to partake in industry recognised training before you start working.

Most organisations will require you to attend and pass internal and industry recognised external training courses. This includes guidance on processes and equipment handling.

Obviously, having prior training and experience will help you to secure positions, so enrolling on industry recognised course now is a good route to becoming a professional utility surveyor in the future.

Learn About Our Surveyor Courses

If the role of Utility Surveyor is of interest to you, take a look at our courses and training schemes at Sygma Solutions, designed to prepare candidates for a rewarding career in utility detection.

We offer Cable Avoidance Training (CAT) courses at various levels and CAT training programs that are tailored to the unique requirements of this sector.