Starting a new role as a city surveyor requires a structured approach to mastering technical skills, understanding municipal regulations, and integrating with city planning teams. This 30-60-90 day plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to ensure a successful onboarding experience.
With this plan, new city surveyors can:
- Establish foundational knowledge of city surveying standards and equipment
- Engage with cross-departmental teams to understand project workflows and compliance requirements
- Track progress on fieldwork assignments and reporting accuracy
Whether you are transitioning from private sector surveying or starting fresh in municipal services, this plan equips you with the tools and milestones to excel in your new position.
Benefits of the 30-60-90 Day Plan for City Surveyors
Implementing this structured plan offers several advantages:
- Provides a clear timeline for mastering essential surveying techniques and city-specific regulations
- Facilitates early relationship-building with engineering, planning, and public works teams
- Helps prioritize safety training and compliance to reduce on-site risks
- Enables measurable progress tracking through defined milestones and deliverables
Main Elements of the City Surveyor 30-60-90 Day Plan
This plan is divided into three key phases, each with specific objectives and tasks:
First 30 Days
- Complete orientation on city policies, safety protocols, and surveying equipment
- Review current and upcoming municipal projects to understand scope and requirements
- Shadow experienced surveyors on field assignments to observe best practices
- Attend cross-departmental meetings to learn communication channels and reporting structures
Days 31-60
- Conduct supervised field surveys, ensuring adherence to accuracy and safety standards
- Begin preparing survey reports and documentation for review
- Participate in project planning sessions to contribute insights from surveying data
- Identify areas for skill development and request targeted training if needed
Days 61-90
- Lead independent survey assignments with minimal supervision
- Submit comprehensive reports and collaborate with engineers and planners to integrate survey data
- Evaluate and suggest improvements to surveying processes and tools
- Establish ongoing communication routines with project stakeholders
Throughout each phase, document progress, challenges, and feedback to facilitate continuous improvement and ensure alignment with city goals. This structured approach supports new city surveyors in becoming effective, confident contributors to municipal infrastructure projects.
