A day in the life of an Assistant Land Surveyor

What is it like to work as a surveyor for RPS?

I joined RPS in 2021, and my main responsibilities are to go on-site with senior Surveyors to learn the principles of surveying, how to use the survey equipment and to lend a hand whilst they carry out surveys. As I’ve grown in experience and competency, I have been sent out on small jobs independently.

I think it shows how RPS is proactive in the development of its employees, which in my experience, isn’t always the case with other companies. I was put on the kit quite quickly after joining the company, starting off on the GPS, surveying simple detail and mapping underground utility markings that the utility team had traced. I’ve since been taught more on the total stations and have even been sent out with the SX10, our combination total station and laser scanner.

Ever since I started with RPS, everyone has been very accommodating which has made it really easy to settle in and learn the job. Everyone is always willing to answer any questions I may have about surveying, whether they are onsite or on the other end of a phone.

What attracted you to a job as a surveyor and what makes it exciting?

Before working at RPS, I was working at a major supermarket for a number of years and kept feeling as though I wasn’t really getting anywhere. I knew working in retail wasn’t something I wanted to do permanently, but I didn’t know what career path I wanted to take. My friend Jon, who also works for RPS as a utility surveyor, told me about a vacant surveyor position and recommended I apply. I was unsure, as I had no experience and didn’t really know what the role involved, but I applied and haven’t looked back since!

I feel that I have taken very well to surveying, particularly the topographical side of things. I think that really has been facilitated by the team; everybody is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Any time you can’t get the GPS connected to the internet or you aren’t sure why you have instrumentation errors on site, someone will be able to help you find a solution, explain what is wrong and how to correct it.

Describe a typical day at work

I don’t really think that there’s a typical day as the jobs we get can vary massively. Since joining RPS, I have been a part of all manner of surveys, from mapping out a section of the Pennines to conducting a vessel calibration on a ship in Peterhead, Scotland. I enjoy how much the surveys can vary, as it means the job is never boring. Also, as I’m new to the industry, it gives me a great opportunity to get to grips with the different types of equipment, learning the principles of how they work, their limitations and what situations are most appropriate for what type of equipment.