Assists construction managers, architects and surveyors in planning and organisation; interprets plans, regulations and codes of practice; prepares preliminary sketches, working drawings and specifications; prepares, edits and revises maps, charts and drawings; collects data using surveying instruments and photogrammetric equipment; performs routine computations and plotting preliminary data.

• Works outside in field work situations predominantly, depending upon specialisation. (Note that for hydrographic or aeronautical specialisations the work may be carried out entirely from within a ship or plane using electronic equipment).
• Works outside (land surveyors) in all weather conditions and may work in rugged and remote terrain for significant periods of time. Will wear appropriate protective clothing and footwear.

• The physical demand is medium to heavy.
• Standing and walking is constant when working on-site.
• Sitting is frequently required due to travel to and from worksites.
• Stretching and reaching across is required on an occasional basis, when setting up equipment or negotiating rough terrain.
• Bending, squatting, crouching or kneeling will be occasionally required for tasks such as driving in pegs and holding items.
• Twisting of the body or neck may be occasionally necessary when moving or carrying equipment.
• Driving of vehicles is likely to be frequent when driving to survey sites.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is not a significant feature of the job.
• Heavy lifting, pulling or carrying is possible when carrying surveying equipment to sites and when loading/unloading survey equipment into and out of vehicles.
• Repetitive movements are likely to be necessary occasionally when recording data.
• Use of hand tools/hand-held objects will include theodolites, poles and pegs and may also include tools that allow for the recording of data manually or electronically by computer/palm pilot and the use of GPS.
• Mental skills necessary include technical, mathematical, computer and communication skills.

• A New Zealand Register Level 5 or 6 qualification or at least three years relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.
• Registration or licensing may be required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.