What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land Surveyor. position at Bureau of Land Management?
Duties
Conditions of employment
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.
Minimum Qualifications GS-1373-7
Experience: In addition to meeting the basic education requirement (see education section), you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level. Examples of specialized experience may include: (1) Functioning as a member of a survey crew (2) Establish or monument survey corners and boundaries; and (3) Utilizing surveying equipment and instruments, such as global positioning systems or total stations.
-OR-
Education: One year of graduate-level education (18 semester hours) in land surveying; or civil engineering with a surveying option/emphasis that included at least 6 semester hours of surveying, 3 semester hours of land law, and 21 additional semester hours in any combination of the following: surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments. This education must be clearly supported by transcripts provided in your application packet.
- OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate graduate education. Graduate level education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.
- OR-
Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.): Superior Academic Achievement (See OPM's General Policies,
Minimum Qualifications GS-1373-9
Experience: In addition to meeting basic the education requirement (see education section), you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level. Examples of specialized experience may include: (1) Interpreting survey records; (2) Recovering and measuring physical survey evidence; (3) Completing survey computations; (4) Operating, adjusting, or maintaining survey equipment and instruments, such as global positioning systems or total stations; and (5) Planning and conducting surveying projects.
-OR-
Education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in land surveying; or civil engineering with a surveying option/emphasis that included at least 6 semester hours of surveying, 3 semester hours of land law, and 21 additional semester hours in any combination of the following: surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments. This education must be clearly supported by your transcripts provided in your application packet.
- OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate graduate education. Graduate level education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position
Minimum Qualifications GS-1373-11
Experience: In addition to meeting the basic education requirement (see education section), you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: (1) Interpreting survey records; (2) Recovering and measuring physical survey evidence; (3) Completing survey computations; (4) Operating, adjusting, or maintaining survey equipment and instruments, such as global positioning systems or total stations; and (5) Planning and conducting surveying projects. (6) Training lower graded surveyors in principles and the execution of surveys (7) Performing survey work in accordance with the Manual of Surveying Instructions and the Public Land Survey System.
-OR-
Education: Possess three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in land surveying; or civil engineering with a surveying option/emphasis that included at least 6 semester hours of surveying, 3 semester hours of land law, and 21 additional semester hours in any combination of the following: surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments. This education must be clearly supported by your transcripts provided in your application packet.
- OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate graduate-level education leading to a Ph.D or equivalent degree. Graduate level education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualification requirements by 07/22/2026.
Work Environment: Work is performed both the field and office setting. Office work is sedentary and performed in a well-lighted, air conditioned, or heated room. May be required to walk, stand, bend, carry light items. Field work may take place in the wilderness or remote locations and in a variety of terrain and weather and is physically demanding, may require long workdays that includes walking, climbing, carrying heavy objects. May be required to operate tools and perform strenuous activities. Must adhere to all safety precautions and regulations.
Required
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
Education
In addition to the minimum qualifications you must meet the Basic Education Requirement (individual Occupational Requirement) for the 1373 series.
Individual Occupational Requirement 1373 Series
A: Degree: this position has a positive education requirement which requires that you have a degree in land surveying; or civil engineering with a surveying option/emphasis. The civil engineering major must have included at least 6 semester hours of surveying, 3 semester hours of land law, and 21 additional semester hours in any combination of the following: surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments.
-OR-
B: Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in land surveying or civil engineering as described in paragraph A, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
-OR-
C: License: Current registration as a land surveyor in a State, territory, or the District of Columbia obtained by written examination. Registration must have been obtained under conditions outlined in the National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEE) Unified Model Law for Registration of Surveyors. (You must show evidence of registration based on successful completion of the written examinations.)If using education to qualify, you must submit copies of all transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. See Required Documents section for more information..
You MUST submit a copy of ALL your college transcripts or a list of ALL college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. Upon selection, official transcripts must be received prior to appointment. If you are using
If using education to qualify, you must submit copies of all transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. See Required Documents section for more information.
Additional information
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information:
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for
Tax Law Impact for PCS: Moving expenses reimbursement is a taxable benefit. However, the
The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis. The selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under number
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: or or
This position is considered a career ladder opportunity, with a full performance level of GS-11. If selected at a lower grade level, you may be non-competitively promoted to the next grade level at the discretion of your supervisor and is contingent upon meeting regulatory and legal requirements for promotion, satisfactory performance, and the availability of higher-level work. Promotion is not guaranteed, and no promise of promotion is implied.
(Continued From Qualifications)
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probation period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
- Plans and conducts survey and resurvey for complex issues for projects.
- Direct field survey crew activities, coordinates and integrates separate phases of each survey project and exercises knowledge and judgment in adapting and applying field survey methods.
- Checks work performed by the crew(s) to assure priorities, methods, and expected quality have been met.
- Use various techniques for applying Land Surveyor principles applying field survey methods, techniques and procedures in the day-to-day operations.
- Create survey field returns and prepares draft field notes and plats describing in detail the surveys performed using word processing and Computer Automated Drafting (CAD) software.
- Prepares or provides information for preparing all necessary administrative documents such as: time and attendance, vehicle maintenance and operational reports, accident reports, and weekly progress reports.
- Develops complete written reports describing unique problems encountered, with recommendations, for technical examination.
Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Be sure to read the How to Apply and Required Documents Sections.
- You cannot hold an active real estate license: nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
- Direct Deposit Required.
- Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
- Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
- This position requires regular and recurring overtime and weekend work.
- An applicant appointed to this position must possess (or obtain within 30 days of entrance on duty) and maintain a valid state driver's license while employed in this position.
- May require a one year probationary period.
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.
Minimum Qualifications GS-1373-7
Experience: In addition to meeting the basic education requirement (see education section), you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level. Examples of specialized experience may include: (1) Functioning as a member of a survey crew (2) Establish or monument survey corners and boundaries; and (3) Utilizing surveying equipment and instruments, such as global positioning systems or total stations.
-OR-
Education: One year of graduate-level education (18 semester hours) in land surveying; or civil engineering with a surveying option/emphasis that included at least 6 semester hours of surveying, 3 semester hours of land law, and 21 additional semester hours in any combination of the following: surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments. This education must be clearly supported by transcripts provided in your application packet.
- OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate graduate education. Graduate level education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.
- OR-
Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.): Superior Academic Achievement (See OPM's General Policies,
Minimum Qualifications GS-1373-9
Experience: In addition to meeting basic the education requirement (see education section), you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level. Examples of specialized experience may include: (1) Interpreting survey records; (2) Recovering and measuring physical survey evidence; (3) Completing survey computations; (4) Operating, adjusting, or maintaining survey equipment and instruments, such as global positioning systems or total stations; and (5) Planning and conducting surveying projects.
-OR-
Education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in land surveying; or civil engineering with a surveying option/emphasis that included at least 6 semester hours of surveying, 3 semester hours of land law, and 21 additional semester hours in any combination of the following: surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments. This education must be clearly supported by your transcripts provided in your application packet.
- OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate graduate education. Graduate level education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position
Minimum Qualifications GS-1373-11
Experience: In addition to meeting the basic education requirement (see education section), you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: (1) Interpreting survey records; (2) Recovering and measuring physical survey evidence; (3) Completing survey computations; (4) Operating, adjusting, or maintaining survey equipment and instruments, such as global positioning systems or total stations; and (5) Planning and conducting surveying projects. (6) Training lower graded surveyors in principles and the execution of surveys (7) Performing survey work in accordance with the Manual of Surveying Instructions and the Public Land Survey System.
-OR-
Education: Possess three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in land surveying; or civil engineering with a surveying option/emphasis that included at least 6 semester hours of surveying, 3 semester hours of land law, and 21 additional semester hours in any combination of the following: surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments. This education must be clearly supported by your transcripts provided in your application packet.
- OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate graduate-level education leading to a Ph.D or equivalent degree. Graduate level education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualification requirements by 07/22/2026.
Work Environment: Work is performed both the field and office setting. Office work is sedentary and performed in a well-lighted, air conditioned, or heated room. May be required to walk, stand, bend, carry light items. Field work may take place in the wilderness or remote locations and in a variety of terrain and weather and is physically demanding, may require long workdays that includes walking, climbing, carrying heavy objects. May be required to operate tools and perform strenuous activities. Must adhere to all safety precautions and regulations.
Required
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Education
In addition to the minimum qualifications you must meet the Basic Education Requirement (individual Occupational Requirement) for the 1373 series.
Individual Occupational Requirement 1373 Series
A: Degree: this position has a positive education requirement which requires that you have a degree in land surveying; or civil engineering with a surveying option/emphasis. The civil engineering major must have included at least 6 semester hours of surveying, 3 semester hours of land law, and 21 additional semester hours in any combination of the following: surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments.
-OR-
B: Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in land surveying or civil engineering as described in paragraph A, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
-OR-
C: License: Current registration as a land surveyor in a State, territory, or the District of Columbia obtained by written examination. Registration must have been obtained under conditions outlined in the National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEE) Unified Model Law for Registration of Surveyors. (You must show evidence of registration based on successful completion of the written examinations.)If using education to qualify, you must submit copies of all transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. See Required Documents section for more information..
You MUST submit a copy of ALL your college transcripts or a list of ALL college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. Upon selection, official transcripts must be received prior to appointment. If you are using
If using education to qualify, you must submit copies of all transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. See Required Documents section for more information.
Additional information
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information:
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for
Tax Law Impact for PCS: Moving expenses reimbursement is a taxable benefit. However, the
The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis. The selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under number
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: or or
This position is considered a career ladder opportunity, with a full performance level of GS-11. If selected at a lower grade level, you may be non-competitively promoted to the next grade level at the discretion of your supervisor and is contingent upon meeting regulatory and legal requirements for promotion, satisfactory performance, and the availability of higher-level work. Promotion is not guaranteed, and no promise of promotion is implied.
(Continued From Qualifications)
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probation period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.