Can you share your experience with on-site land surveys and calculations to establish building locations and site layouts?

Construction Surveyor Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

Well, at my last job as a survey assistant, I definitely had to perform quite a bit of on-site land surveys to establish building locations. I remember we once had a project where we were building a complex of low-rise apartments, and the land was quite uneven. Most of the time, I was using a total station, GPS, and levels. I had to calculate the contour, determine where to put the buildings, and calculate the site layout. It was quite a task, but we managed to pull it off with minimal issues.

A more solid answer

Absolutely, I'd love to share my experience. In my previous role as a survey assistant, one of our biggest projects involved conducting extensive land surveys for the construction of a low-rise apartment complex. The project site had a lot of topographical challenges like uneven land. My role involved using a variety of surveying tools like total stations and GPS to map out the land. I used mathematical calculations to determine the best possible locations for the buildings. I had to ensure that the buildings were positioned to accommodate the natural contours of the land while meeting the design specifications. This involved a lot of coordinated teamwork and communication with the project managers and the engineering staff. It was a challenging process but highly rewarding when we saw the outcome.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer is better than the basic one because the candidate expands on their specific role and responsibilities in a challenging project. They clearly demonstrate their ability to use critical survey tools, perform mathematical calculations, and work in a team. However, the answer could further improve by providing more details about the candidate's problem-solving abilities and how they maintain accuracy in their work.

An exceptional answer

My experience as a surveyor assistant wasn't just about taking measurements; it was about solving spatial problems. Let me give you an example. In a previous project, we had the task of constructing a complex of low-rise apartments on an unevenly distributed plot. My responsibility was to conduct comprehensive land surveys to establish building locations and site layouts. The complexity of the land involved numerous dips and contours which posed a challenge in determining the optimal layout. I used tools like total stations, GPS, and levels to carry out the survey. For accuracy, I meticulously recorded all the measurements and preserved the data. The tricky part was negotiating the unevenness of the land while deciding the locations of the buildings. I used complex mathematical calculations, combined with keen attention to detail and analytical skills to make informed decisions. I also worked closely with the project managers and engineering staff, maintaining open and clear communication at all times, ensuring the project moved forward without major hiccups. Ultimately, we were successful in laying out a design that was in sync with the land's natural contours and complied with all construction standards. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This exceptional answer thoroughly illustrates the candidate's experience, making it easy for the interviewer to understand their skills and abilities. The candidate demonstrates their problem-solving skills by describing how they overcame a specific issue in a project. In addition, the candidate highlights their effective use of surveying tools, attention to detail, ability to perform complex math calculations, and collaboration skills—which are all critical aspects of the job description.

How to prepare for this question

Be prepared with specific examples of projects where you have performed land surveys and calculations. Highlight any challenges faced during these projects and how they were overcome.
Practice discussing how you utilize surveying tools, mathematical calculations, and teamwork in your work.
Think about how your work ethic, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities can contribute positively to the role of a Construction Surveyor.
Revisit your experiences adhering to safety standards and protocols on past construction sites and how they influenced your work.

What interviewers are evaluating

Experience in performing land surveys
Ability to perform mathematical calculations
Knowledge of surveying instruments