Land Surveyor

Location: Kampala, Uganda (with fieldwork in various districts)
Experience Level: 3+ Years

About Us

Terra Portal is a leading organization dedicated to sustainable land management and equitable land ownership in Uganda. We partner with local governments and international stakeholders to deliver impactful land governance projects, ensuring accurate mapping and registration for communities across the region.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Land Surveyor with over 3 years of professional experience to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will conduct field surveys, manage geospatial data, and support land registration initiatives, ensuring precision and compliance with project goals. This role requires strong technical skills, teamwork, and the ability to work under minimal supervision in diverse field conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Field Surveying: Conduct topographic, cadastral, and boundary surveys using high-precision equipment (e.g., GNSS/GPS receivers, total stations, theodolites).
• Mapping: Create accurate maps for land registration, utilizing GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD).
• Data Management: Collect, verify, and record spatial data, ensuring quality and integrity for land ownership documentation.
• Collaboration: Work closely with mapping teams, Area Land Committees, and local stakeholders to coordinate field activities and resolve discrepancies.
• Community Engagement: Liaise with communities to facilitate land demarcation and support dispute resolution processes.
• Reporting: Prepare and submit timely daily/weekly reports on survey progress and deliverables.
• Additional Tasks: Provide logistical support, attend project meetings, and perform other duties as assigned to support project objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a Diploma in Land Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: At least 3 years of professional experience in land surveying, with a focus on cadastral surveys and GIS mapping.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency with surveying equipment (GNSS/GPS receivers, total stations, digital levels).
  • Expertise in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and CAD software (AutoCAD, Trimble Business Centre).
  • Strong understanding of measurement principles (distance, angle, levelling, trigonometry).
  • Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, data management tools).
• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to follow instructions and solve problems independently.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Stamina to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry surveying equipment.
  • Adherence to safety protocols.
• Added Advantage:
  • Familiarity with local languages (e.g., Langi, Acholi, or others relevant to project areas).
  • Experience working with local communities or government land registration projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Membership in a professional body (e.g., Institute of Surveyors of Uganda).
• Experience with Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification (SLAAC) or similar projects.
• Knowledge of community-based land adjudication tools (e.g., QGIS Social Tenure Domain Model).

Working Conditions

• Hours: Standard working hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), with flexibility for fieldwork demands.
• Travel: Frequent travel to project sites across various districts.
• Equipment: Surveying tools (GPS, tablets, etc.) provided by the organization.
• Tenure: Initial 12-month contract, with potential for extension based on performance.