3–9 Applicants for appointment as Mineral Surveyor must pass a 16–hour examination with a grade of 70 consisting essentially of four parts:
1. A solar observation for azimuth consisting of six consecutive readings, with an engineer’s transit or double center theodolite, three each with the telescope in direct and reversed positions observing opposite limbs of the sun; together with the necessary calculations to determine the true meridian. The applicant will furnish the instrument used.
2. Correctly answer questions on the legal and technical aspects of mineral surveys. Such questions may be of the true/false or multiple choice type.
3. Solve a practical problem relating to mining claims, including conflicts, where a set of conditions are given.
4. Prepare a set of field notes and prepare a preliminary plat from given field data.
References and calculators including minicomputers may be used in the examination. It is an open book examination.
The examination will be held in the office of the State Director who made the request, but it is not limited to residents of that State and anyone whose application has been accepted may take the examination at his own expense. Upon successful completion of the examination, the applicant will furnish the names of three references who are familiar with his character, integrity and capability as a surveyor. The examination is prepared by the Washington Office and mailed in a sealed envelope bearing the applicant’s name to the State office. The completed examination is returned to the Washington Office in a sealed envelope for each applicant for grading.
Duties of the Mineral Surveyor
3–10 The duties of the mineral surveyor begin with an order for survey and cease with the approval of that survey. This precludes using data acquired by former surveys and by reason of having made the location or amended location survey, unless such data is verified by field work and examination after the survey order is issued.
The surveyor should not act as agent for the claimant in the signing of location or amended location certificates, although he may post such notices for the claimant. The mineral surveyor is prohibited from taking any part in the patent application; however, he may assist the attorney or agent or the claimant himself in interpreting his field notes, including the area statement. A mineral surveyor exceeds his duties if he prepares the notices of application for patent (24 L.D. 193).