Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Surveyor Hydrographic- from: Youtube Search
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.
Working Life
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.
Qualities - Surveyor Hydrographic
As a hydrographic surveyor you will need a good understanding of science, maths, technology and computers. Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) is essential. You should be analytical, accurate and able to pay attention to detail.
You will need a wide knowledge of marine construction and law and should enjoy working in or near a marine environment. Navigation skills and experience of handling small marine craft are also useful.
In dealing with planning matters with local and national authorities you will need to have good communication skills, both written and oral communication skills are very important. You need good teamwork skills to support and work alongside colleagues, for example, geologists or other engineers.
Interests - Surveyor Hydrographic
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.
Entry / Progression - Surveyor Hydrographic
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.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: applied sciences, general engineering.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: applied sciences, general engineering.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Engineering, Geo-Driller.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: geography and geoscience, biological, earth and environmental sciences, science, mathematical, physical and geological sciences, sustainable energy engineering, geographic science.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: geoinformatics, environmental geology, geology, applied environmental geology, geology offshore environmental geology, earth sciences, research, geology exploration, field geology.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
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.
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Surveyor Hydrographic
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
Labour Market Updates - Surveyor Hydrographic
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists; Biological scientists; Biochemists; Physical scientists; Social and humanities scientists; Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.; Conservation professionals; Environment professionals; Research and development managers.
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.
Useful Contacts - Surveyor Hydrographic
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Hydrology Ireland
- Office of Public Works Jonathan Swift Street Trim Co. Meath Ireland C15 NX36
- (0) 46 942 6000
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Society of Chartered Surveyors
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International Federation of Hydrographic Societies
