Construction Surveyor / Setting Out Surveyor
Sandton
Position overview
We are seeking an experienced Construction Surveyor / Setting Out Surveyor to join a construction team. The successful candidate will be responsible for all dimensional control, horizontal and vertical setting out, survey control, levelling, coordinate calculations and accurate transfer of design information onto site. The role requires strong practical experience in construction setting out, the use of modern surveying equipment, CAD drawings and the ability to ensure all works are completed accurately in accordance with approved drawings, specifications and project tolerances.
Key responsibilities
Surveying & dimensional control
- Establish and maintain horizontal and vertical site control.
- Set out works accurately using approved coordinates, drawings and benchmarks.
- Manage dimensional control throughout all phases of construction.
- Protect, maintain and reference survey control points on site.
- Coordinate survey requirements with site management, engineers and subcontractors.
- Perform tolerance checks and verify dimensional accuracy before construction activities proceed.
- Conduct as-built surveys and produce accurate survey records.
Setting out responsibilities
- Set out foundations, footings and structural bases.
- Set out surface beds, concrete slabs and staging areas.
- Accurately position columns and structural elements.
- Set out lift shafts, staircases and associated structural works.
- Set out mechanical and industrial equipment positions where required.
- Ensure all setting out complies with engineering drawings and project specifications.
Survey calculations & measurements
- Perform distance, angle and elevation measurements using surveying instruments.
- Conduct levelling operations including reciprocal and precise levelling where required.
- Apply corrections for curvature, refraction and measurement tolerances.
- Calculate coordinates using local and national coordinate systems.
- Carry out traversing, triangulation and conventional control surveys.
- Calculate earthworks quantities, areas, cross-sections, contours and volumes.
- Set out circular, compound, reverse and transition curves.
Equipment & technology
- Operate and maintain total stations, rotating lasers, dumpy levels and EDM equipment.
- Perform routine instrument checks, calibration verification and two-peg tests.
- Identify instrument errors and arrange adjustment or recalibration where necessary.
- Use CAD software to interpret drawings, establish grids and produce overlay drawings.
- Upload and download DXF files and manage digital survey data.
- Produce accurate as-built drawings and survey information for project records.
Quality & compliance
- Ensure all survey work meets project specifications and dimensional tolerances.
- Maintain accurate field notes, survey records and setting out documentation.
- Report discrepancies between drawings and actual site conditions promptly.
- Assist project teams in resolving dimensional and alignment issues.
- Adhere to all health, safety and environmental requirements while working on site.
Minimum requirements
- National Diploma, Diploma or Degree in Surveying, Engineering Surveying or a related qualification.
- Proven experience as a Construction Surveyor or Setting Out Surveyor within the building or civil construction industry.
- Strong experience in dimensional control and construction setting out.
- Proficient in the use of Total Stations, EDM equipment, rotating lasers and levelling instruments.
- Experience interpreting engineering and construction drawings.
- Working knowledge of CAD and DXF survey data.
- Ability to perform coordinate calculations, traverses and levelling computations accurately.
- Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
- Valid driver's licence and willingness to work on construction sites.
Advantageous experience
- Experience working on commercial, industrial or high-rise construction projects.
- Experience with earthworks, contour surveys and volumetric calculations.
- Knowledge of local and national coordinate systems and datum transformations.
- Experience producing detailed as-built surveys for completed works.
- Familiarity with advanced survey control networks and precision monitoring.
Personal attributes
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical ability.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple site priorities.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Reliable, organised and able to work under pressure within project deadlines.
This job description is aligned with the 50-point Surveying and 30-point Setting Out assessment criteria shown in your document, making it suitable for screening candidates against the same competency framework.