Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

The Work

Hydrographic surveyors carry out surveys of oceans, ports, harbours and inland waterways and rivers. They find out water depths and measure tides and currents. They also locate, identify and measure physical features such as rocks, sandbanks and sunken wrecks. They use a range of instruments such as GPS, echo sounders and Total Stations. When they've collected the information, they analyse it using computers.  
 
Hydrographic surveyors make offshore surveys to find out where ships and boats can travel, to find suitable locations for oil or gas rigs, to develop sea mining projects or to aid the recovery of a sunken wreck. They make inshore surveys on rivers and canals to predict the environmental effects of building marinas or flood defences, assess the progress of dredging and maintain river channels for boats to use. Hydrographic cartographers use the survey data to produce and improve marine charts, navigation aids and oceanographic publications.  
 
Hydrographic surveyors often have to work outdoors in cold, wet conditions. Many safety regulations apply to working in or near the marine environment. Hydrographic surveyors need to wear a hard hat on construction sites.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
• Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
• Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
• Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
• Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
• Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
• Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
• Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
• Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
• Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

The most direct route is to complete a relevant degree. These include geomatics, environmental science, geography or marine science. Most entrants will have an honours degree. In order to qualify as a chartered surveyor you must either pass or obtain an exemption from the examinations of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). You must also undertake a minimum period of training and work experience. 

FET PLC Courses: Applied Sciences, General Engineering at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Allied Engineering Apprenticeships, Geo-Driller Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Geography and Geoscience, Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Science - (Mathematical, Physical and Geological Sciences), Sustainable Energy Engineering, Geographic Science NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development & Associations

Postgraduate Study Options Geoinformatics for Environmental Geology, Geology - Applied Environmental Geology, Geology - Offshore Environmental Geology, Earth Sciences - Research, Geology - Exploration Field Geology NFQ level 9

Throughout your career you will be expected to keep up to date by undertaking continual professional development (CPD), usually by attending short courses. It is also possible to qualify as a land surveyor and then learn the necessary skills for hydrographic work.

Geological Society of Ireland 

Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €80k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Salary expert/ Indeed/ Morgan McKinley/ Prospects/ CPL/ Sigmar/ Excel/ Osborne/ Clark

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• Hydrology Ireland

  • Office of Public Works Jonathan Swift Street Trim Co. Meath Ireland C15 NX36
  • (0) 46 942 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Society of Chartered Surveyors

  • 5 Wilton Place, Dublin 2
  • (01) 644 5500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• International Federation of Hydrographic Societies

  • +44 (0)1752 223512
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here