thank you so much sir! I'm from a neighboring state, and was considering surveying. There's a school for it, and I just had to be sure this is the path I want to go down. This answered MANY of my questions, great video!
Am a land surveyor too and just opened up my firm last year September..bases in Kenya...and it's really refreshing to see another Surveyor who is passionate about the career
I miss being in the outdoors man, I still love working in the office but the field work in my younger days was what made me fall in love with surveying
Let them know you can do both. Maybe it will work out? In the beginning, I would work in the office and in the field nearly every week. It was nice, but I didn't like that I wouldn't know where I would be until I got to work that day. I appreciate the comment.
Man that was actually a good and helpful video and i really enjoyed watching it! I'm a Civil Engineering student and suddenly thought about learning land surveying professionally.. I'm very interested about it. Just wanted to appreciate your explanation.. nice accent btw!
Awesome. A lot of surveyors are finding the benefits of drone based data. I have a drone program, but have found that I don't like taking the time to process my point clouds and derive contours. I just stick to other type of work that I enjoy more. You should visit with your local surveyors and discuss your future. Maybe your drone could benefit them as you get your experience? God Bless.
Thank you SO much for sharing. I am also from eastern Oklahoma (McAlester), but i live in east TN now. I am a licensed civil engineer, and I am contemplating obtaining a survey license. Your video was very helpful. I wish you the best.
That's great. My brother and sister-n-law live in McAlester and I have surveyor friends there. My son is in the civil engineering program at OSU. Do you have any helpful advice? He will be starting his third year this fall.
@Lloyd Land Surveying That's awesome! Thank you for sharing. I would recommend that he not go to work for the state or federal government for at least the first 10 years of his career -- those employers will cause him to develop very poor work ethic habits, which will be extremely difficult to overcome. Working for a smaller firm will allow him to get much more experience (CAD, design, reports, business development, filing, documnent production, etc.). Big companies have great systems which are very beneficial to learn, but they typically have an employee assigned to very specific roles, and can box a person into just being good at one or two of things. Starting for a smaller company would be best, and then after several years going to work for a large company is probably the best approach. Other than that, network, build great relationships, never stop learning, and immediately transfer to OU (Boomer!), LOL. I wish you they best. Thanks again.
If the 4x4 will go through the briars then I'm staying on it! Haha. It really does feel good to put in a hard days work and the land owner appreciate the work. Thanks for the comment!
Great video. I'm a Civil Engineer and am really considering taking the few classes I need in college to be able to get my surveyors license. Civil engineering has basically turned into a cad tech job until you get to upper management. I'd love a job where I get to go outdoors and see different places and figure things out. I just need to look t finances to see if I could handle the pay cut for the time it took to start my own business. Anyway, thanks for the video. Great information.
Thanks for the comment. My son just started his third year as a civil engineering student. He has worked a lot with me and one week when he was in high school we had a really tough job in a mosquito infested swamp and he asked me how I got the job... I said "the civil engineer told me to go do it". His reply... "I wanna be THAT guy!". I have another civil engineering acquaintance in a neighboring state who also has a surveying license and he told me that in 2021 he made more with his LS stamp than the civil. I dunno. I advised my son to get a dual license also. Do you have any advice for him in the civil field??? Thanks.
Thanks for the info. I wish I had chosen this field when I was younger, but being 36 already, it seems like I'm a day late and a dollar short, lol. Take care 🤙🏼
I’m helping my son find an apprenticeship, and the Operating Engineers local in Vegas has land surveying. I think it would be good because I don’t think he’s up to the hard work involved in paving, electrician, plumber, etc. Prevailing wage is $80-90+ per hour here.
That's great! Ask questions and ask for opportunities. Watch your party chief and always try to stay ahead of him after you learn the routines. Ask if there is anything you can do while he has some down time. Good luck!
I'm thinking of doing land surveying instead of civil engineering. I'm 20 years old and a civil engineering student, and I still plan on finishing my degree as I only have a year and a half left. I had an internship last summer and I hated being in the office all day, I absolutely couldn't stand sitting down for that long. I did some surveying during that internship though, and I loved it. I'll probably have to do another semester or two of schooling to get my PLS license, but that's fine with me. I just love being active and going outside. Even in harsh conditions it's gotta be better than being in the office all day. Most people think I should just pursue engineering as it pays more, but I do not want to sacrifice my mental health for some more money. I still do plan on taking the FE exam this summer as I feel it could be useful later in life. Maybe I'll start my own business later, and having a PE and PLS could be very useful. Maybe I'll just do half surveying, half engineering, and both could still be useful. I don't know yet, but I will learn a lot about what I want to do at the next internship I accepted; My job title for it is "Surveying technician." You made me feel a lot better about my decision. When you said the person you think should be a surveyor is the one who wants to go out in those harsh conditions, that really hit home and I feel that's exactly who I am. Most people think I'm crazy for wanting to do anything outside when there's a huge snowstorm or a lot of rain, but that's something I don't mind. Thank you for this video.
Hey Dane. Thanks for the comment and I'm glad the video was encouraging. My son is currently in his third year of civil engineering. He has done quite a bit of surveying also. They both have their strengths and integrate well. My advice would be to get both licenses and get some experience in both fields. One day, before you know it, you'll be able to have your own business and hire folks to do the engineering office work under your supervision while you enjoy the surveying side of things that the engineering will require. You will also have the freedom to do some engineering from the field, on a fun trip or pretty much anywhere... not just in a cubicle. Good luck!
I met a Surveyor the other day and I had no idea that they had to have maths skills and be skilled in geography and have a love for technology. I love technology too and this American surveyor and I where talking for half an hour on the subject. 😊
Hey Dianne, Thanks for the comment. I often find that people are interested in surveying because so many people know nothing about it and it has been an instrumental service in our countries development! Maybe you can help promote the services of your local surveyors? Thanks!
Thank You soo much Sir !!!! I'm From KERALA.... I'm a Land Surveyor too....To me, it’s a great life! I never have to go to the same place everyday to work. It’s outside work 80% of the time... I would recommend surveying if your a self motivated individual! BECAUSE, a surveyors work is never done!!
Work as a painter, did construction with my father more or less for about the last decade. Joe, a man he did work for, who is a civil engineer, offered me a land surveying job because they had to let one of their guys go. Really looking forward to this new opportunity, I've already sat and talked to the Joe, really looking forward to the new opportunities I could have in the future having this position.
Very helpful video, have been looking into this as a possible career shift destination aside from commercial electrician. I know the pay cut is inevitable, but definitely wanted to get the bigger picture on the road to becoming licensed. Recently got a interview call for a Rodman/instrument man from a. Survey company, I’m guessing the first day of work all those hours will have to be documented to account for the 6 year work history?
Hey Chino. Thanks for your comment. I would check with your local state board about their requirements and talk with the surveyor who is wanting you to work. Let him know your plans. Here in Oklahoma, we had to fill out a form documenting our work experience and give the contact info for the places we had worked and the board called the places of employment and got a work history report of length of employment. Good luck!
Thanks for posting this video man. I'm in my early 30s and about to make a career shift - have been doing production and lighting design in the concert industry for a little over ten years. In that time, I've used CAD software a lot and even went and got my certificate from a local college in drafting while there was downtime during the pandemic. I'm curious to ask (and you touched a bit on it in your video-) where would be the best place to start? I see the NCEES exam is available and something I could study for - do you think that would be a good place to start? I do have lots of relevant experience in drafting, project management and all-around serious problem solving (the entertainment industry requires you to set-up an arena sized concert in about 8 hours - often walking in blind at the start of the day.) Thanks again! I think surveying could be a potentially rewarding and fitting career path for me.
Hey Chris, I would reach out to one of your local surveyors and let them know you are interested. A few surveyors are hesitant to train and help license future competition, but a lot of them see the need and are excited to help anyone interested. Also, contact your state board that regulates the surveyors and ask them where to begin. Good luck!
That's great! You need to reach out to your states society of land surveyors and get a membership. It should not be expensive and you can find them online. Let them help you with the best route for the education in your area. Hopefully you can get the required college courses online and be able to start working for one of your local surveyors to get your experience. Good luck!
Great question! There are many aspects to "land surveying". While the big picture is to be able to locate a specified point on the surface of the earth, one can survey roadways, pipelines, property boundaries, etc. I will answer your question in relation to residential property boundaries. Getting started, you can be expected to learn how to care and maintain your tools (including the surveying units). You will most like be out treasure hunting for evidence of surveys using a metal detector and likely machete to clear the search area when needed. Driving rebar and wood stakes with hammers. Don't forget the bug spray and sunscreen! I enjoy the field work. You should learn to stay ahead of your party chief (the guy in charge of your crew) and anticipate what's coming next. Ask questions and soak it in! Good luck!
I am finishing my degree in city planning. And the end of my education, I feel like I only enjoyed the GIS and Site Planning courses. I don’t know whether or not my BS counts as a physical science (required for certification) At my internship we had a guy doing a house move that required him to get a survey completed with a site plan. The man paid 150 dollars for a document I know I could have made for him, so there definitely is money involved if you are a business owner. I think I might try to land an entry gig once I graduate and determine if I need more schooling or not for my certification. Thank you for the video!
Thanks for the comment. In my experience, a survey is more than a document. It's not about a drawing, but what the drawing reflects... which is field measurements. If you have access to the document you mentioned, you can probably read the certification and get the idea. People don't pay for the document, but for the professional knowledge and expertise that the document reflects. There is a story of a man who questioned the cost of his survey to George Washington, who was the surveyor. He wanted the invoice to be itemized and justified. Mr. Washington explained that the cost of the stakes and flagging was a fraction of the bill, but knowing where to put the stakes was 95% of the cost. If you like the design/drafting side, there are nice jobs out there for CAD drafting and planning. Hope this helps.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 As I read your comment, I just accepted a position at a civil engineering/land survey consulting company. Thank you for the wisdom, I will keep it with me when I’m beginning this new path!
@@winscuntson4530 That's exciting! Be inquisitive without being annoying... haha. Soak it in. Write yourself notes to remember things. Hopefully the company has a healthy view of training and teaching. Let them know what you are interested in. Good luck and God Bless.
My father became liscened after pure experience, some of the guys with college degrees he knew had to re take their tests and he passed the first time. You have to be able to deal with unpredictable conditions while figuring out on the spot how to get the job done sometimes, you need improvisation skills. It's not just a set of rules like most jobs. Best of luck.
I was taking CAD classes during college and my instructor asked me if I wanted a part time job at a local surveying business. I asked him 'what's that?'... haha. I started out as a CAD guy, but soon found myself in the field as a rodman along with my CAD duties. When you start surveying, you will end up crossing paths with other surveyors and will work together. They are the ones who help give referrals. Good questions.
That is correct. You will work under a licensed surveyor to learn the trade as an apprentice. You can get a LSIT (Land Surveyor in Training) license earlier, but the pay and work experience may not be different. In Oklahoma, there are two paths to be able to apply for a license. The CORE college curriculum + 6 years of experience OR The surveying associates degree + 4 years of experience. Once you meet the requirements, you can file an application and continue to be approved for testing.
It sure is! I hope you have a party chief who is a teacher. Be inquisitive and learn why you do what you do and always be open to try other responsibilities in the field.
What are some good books to learn about surveying from the beginning. I’m just finding out about surveying and finding it super interesting and I’m still young enough I could career change into the field. Clearly there’s a ton to learn in addition to getting experience. Any recommendations would be great, thanks!
Hey Kyle. That's a good question. I haven't thought about this. While there is a "ton to learn in addition to getting experience", the book information just may not make sense or even be useful without doing the work of surveying. The work experience and knowledge are symbiotic in nature. For example, there are a lot of good books on survey law, which helps you decide on how to conduct your field operations and analyze your evidence data you have collected in the field, but it is also dependent on the data. There is not really a good education supplement for experience in the profession. There are not any books I can think of that just simply talk about surveying procedures you will learn in the field. How to "Survey stuff". Stuff like construction staking and how it's done. There is no book about it or manual. It's a combination of basic surveying techniques that are applied in a specific way for that task. The techniques are using the equipment per their instructions and knowledge of how to use it correctly. Hmmm. This is a great question. Sorry I'm really answering your question. I'm afraid these book recommendations are not going to fulfill what you are looking for. You will have no use for this information without practicing land surveying. Some of the books in my library are: BLM Manual for Surveying Instruction, Forensic Procedures for Boundary & Title Investigation - Donald Wilson, Easements Relating to Land Surveying & Title Examination - Donald Wilson, Boundaries & Landmarks - A.C. Mulford, The Pincushion Effect - Jeffery N. Lucas Talk to some of your local surveyors about it. Good luck!
I am a historical re-enactor with an MA in American History, and a love of research, and a love of the outdoors-do you think I would make a good surveyor? I know how to do historical research online-scads of it. As a re-enactor I am outdoors all the time, and camping out at night.
Thanks for the feedback. I would contact some of your local surveyors and ask them if you can shadow them or find out more details. It sounds like it could be a fun fit for you?
Hi there, not sure you will see this as it's an older video. How difficult was the math for the exam? I just applied for a certificate program through a university that should help me meet the requirements and supposedly prepare me for the FS exam, but I have always struggled a bit with more advanced math
Hey Joe. I won't lie, the math is challenging, BUT since the math required for the exam is specific, you can study a narrower range of example problems and you can also you programmable calculators (check NCEES site) that help. I feel like anyone who wants to prepare can learn the math. It is high level, but it's only a small portion of high level math. You can do it.
Understanding ratios and geometry are my most used daily math skills. There are harder calculations but we have tools to help. While preparing to take the surveying exams, all you get is your calculator so you must know the calculations manually, but CAD is the tool of choice for checking relative angles and distances each day. Great question.
I am working towards a degree in CADD right now. I really enjoy the outdoors and the details. Surveying has always intrigued me. What is the path that I should take to start in this field ?
Hey Steve. Thanks for reaching out to me. I'm not sure what state you are in, but I would do two things. Look up your states licensing board and get some counsel from them as to the requirements for licensure there as well as reach out to some local surveyors and see about working there to start gaining some required experience. CADD and surveying go hand in hand so it may fit better than you think. Good luck and God Bless.
Great question. It depends on the type of surveying. They are rarely used for boundary or construction staking for obvious reasons, but if you are doing topography work and the conditions are good, they are the go to to generate contours and volumes. A lot of folks are going to the high precision scanners.
I see jobs pop up for party chief and instrument tech and land surveyor. I’m not sure what the difference is between all of them is. Can someone explain? Thanks
Some of both? Haha. Surveying field work is about identifying previous work. Once you carefully learn what the tools do, it is about collecting and managing the data. For construction work, the engineering would be awesome, but geomatics is the tool to help you be a competent field analyst. Hard choice.
This is an intriguing industry, especially as I am currently a Commercial Drone Pilot and I love being outdoors in the worst conditions that nature can toss my way. Bummer that a college degree is usually required...
You should check into it. I bet you can take your courses 100% online these days after work. That's the only way I would have been able to do it. Good luck!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Thanks! I've been looking heavily into moving to the US, I prefer a red state, and I would love to try Alaska, and I have seen many publications about land survey jobs and the description sounded like my dream job to do, and the pay was nice too! I probably have to do the whole migration thing first (easier said than done but I think I'll just join the US Army for a few years and that'll grant me a green card, long process but one I have to do as my current county has nothing in common with my politics or ethics)
I work for the department of transportation for Oklahoma and I noticed they have a position for land surveyor and I looked into and it peaked my interest and being from rural Oklahoma being outside is something that’s always been in my blood so that’s not a problem. What would be the best way to get started without a college degree to become a surveyor?
Great to hear. Go tell your boss or their boss that you want to move and train in the surveying department. I think ODOT has resources through OSU to help you do school at night online and work during the day. I hope it works out. Also talk to some of your local surveyors.
I've read a lot about people saying that starting off as a surveyor is difficult. They start off in the lowest part of the job, as a rodman, and with time and experience ranking up. But, do you think that a person would benefit from have a college degree of some sort? In that way, to sort of mitigate the whole process of starting off in the lower end of the job?
Hey, Kevin. The profession is really a good balance of both technical knowledge (school) and experience (field work). I feel that Oklahoma requires such a lengthy experience requirement because the purpose of boundary surveying is to retrace and be faithful to the original surveys. This just takes time to acquire the skills. I do think there are benefits to having a surveying degree or something like drafting to help. Most rodman aren't aspiring to become a licensed surveyor. As far as I know, the business owners (who are usually surveyors) love the profession and are eager to help move people along toward their licensure. Hope this helps.
@@jasonlloyd7142 Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. I'm planning on becoming a licensed surveyor in Illinois and I'm going to get a BS in construction management!
@@Bigkev20888 there are valuable fundamentals to be learned in every position along the totem pole. The longer you spend as a Rodman, the better off you’ll be when you get promoted to Instrument man. Solid foundation is key. Ironically, in many instances, as a Crew Chief you will commonly act as Rodman once again, whether due to limited crew members, or training a new employee. All the while, you are still passing along tips to your I-man, staying a step or two ahead in planning the job, etc. The job description is essentially endless, but my point is to convey the importance of not trying to rush through the “bottom positions”. A truly efficient Rodman can make all the difference in the world on a crew. An experienced Crew Chief knows not to take good help for granted. I’ve been a CADD Tech for a little over 3 years now. Before that, I was a crew chief for 9 years. Before that, I-man for 2 years. Finally, Rodman for 1.5 years.
I started put as a rodman. Didnt know hardly a thing about surveying, fell in love with it, and worked by butt off to make it to iman after about a year and a half. Still love it and would really like to be licensed one day. But ive heard the requirements and college education to become licenced are grueling. Here in florida atleast.
@@TrevorLahey3 You are correct! The field procedures are vital to success. Good solid workflow without shortcuts is essential. The more each crew member knows about the other persons responsibilities the better the team.
Thanks for the great video. I'm not in the field but very interested in becoming a surveyor and already have a BS in environmental science. Curious about which entry level jobs I should apply for to get on a good track. Do you think an associates in geomatics would help with job prospects?
I'm not familiar with your area but I would definitely reach out to surveyors near where you want to work and just ask them. I bet they are down to earth and would help. More than likely you will need some surveying specific courses in addition to the education you have already obtained. Good luck!
Find a Rodman position and work it like your boss is Yahweh for at least 6-9 months until you can spot a loose screw from 660. After that you'll be able to groom your own Rodman and move on with life.
Good question. Typically they are looking for boundary surveying experience. Field work experience and property boundary knowledge. I have a mix of office experience (handling deeds, survey data, research experience) plus fieldwork experience (how to find and analyze survey evidence). Hope this helps.
Under what category do the survey engineers fall am kinda confused is it under civil engineering or school of artichecture land management and urban planning?
I'm not sure I understand your question? Surveying is it's own stand alone profession, but is complimentary to those other things you listed. They aren't under any of them.
Hello Jason. Thank you for taking the time to share this information. So when you say you have to have 6 years experience. Is that 6 years working for a survey firm? Do you mean you can’t own your own firm until then or do surveying in general?
In Oklahoma, they will not consider anyone for licensure without having 6 years of experience in surveying. You start out working under/for a licensed surveyor as you learn all about it and get the experience needed to apply for your license. For instance, I started working for a surveyor as a draftsman. It turned into a mix of drafting and field work. I did this for way more than the required 6 years. The Board wants applicants to be comfortable working with documents and with field evidence. You cannot own your own firm without your own license. Hope this helps.
Actually one of my former employers happened to be female. More and more women are getting licensed each year. The equipment available today really helps minimize the physical labor and the profession is more and more about good field research and data management, which women are often better at. Thanks.
I'm trying to find my property boundaries, I have 6 corner pins, I found 4 so far, 2 of them are difficult, do you guys do that? (go help someone just locate their corner pins rather than do a full survey) I would think you could find them quickly, I have the survey map, I'm just asking out of curiosity, I'm in Wisconsin I'm sure you wouldn't come up here.
Now tell them about laying in bed almost asleep, when all of a sudden in the darkness a voice speaks to you... Did you change the rod height back to 4.63 after locating the concrete behind the fence?
Many are common to other occupations, i.e. weather and terrain conditions. Some may consider the annual continuing education requirements and fees as a downside but I do not. Most of the negative thoughts I have about my profession are just tough days due to the afore mentioned conditions.
Haha. Thanks for the comment! Nothing too crazy. I've only seen a gun once. One time a guy was getting very angry because he had placed a new portable building over the line onto his neighbors property without knowing. Well, I set another line pin while he was there watching and cussing. I recognized him and called him by name, which startled him. I reminded him that I had been his youth minister at church for a while years ago. Once he realized who I was, his demeanor instantly changed. Haha. I had invested a lot of hours in him and his dad in the past.
Hey, im considering a career in surveying. I have a GIS/Geography background. If i were to become licensed in a state to survey, would I be able to move to a different state and survey there as well?
Good question! There exists what is called a "comity" license that you can apply for. Basically, if you are professionally licensed in one state, there may be a way to apply and test for the state specific exam of another state to obtain a license there. Usually the MATH and LAW exams taken through NCEES will not have to be taken for every state, but since each state has its own governing body overseeing the licenses and state surveying standards, you have to prove you know how to survey under that states standards.
Good question. That will depend on which state you want to be licensed in. You can contact that state's board and ask. Most will require an associates minimum, but it will depend.
Sorry, I missed this comment. I am a member of the Choctaw Nation Native Tribe here in Oklahoma and they helped me financially with my college courses back then. OSU-OKC is the best in Oklahoma because you can take the courses online while you are also working. You should contact the State Board for info and directions on what you need to take. www.ok.gov/pels/ They will get a copy of your college transcript if you have one. They will then give you steps to take on the path to licensure. If you don't care about the license, you can start working in surveying next week. Hope this helps.
The main math knowledge required is coordinate geometry, trigonometry and geometry. The NCEES is a US national test facilitator and the tests are the same type nationwide. There are good resources to help pass the exams, but you will need to more than likely pass the college level math courses first. Good luck!
Im currently in the army, I will get out of the military (my mos 13F) with 9 years of service and the bread and butter of my job is working with maps and a whole lot of land navigation. im really interested in surveying would you say the time in the military be considered as experience given I graduate from college with a surveying degree? im currently working towards getting my basics out of the way with an online college.
I would check in with the state board for where you want to live and work. They are friendly to answer questions. Each state may vary on the experience requirements and what qualifies. I think you might enjoy it! Good luck and thank you for your service to our great country!
HLO,WANNA LEARN SURVEYING COURSE FROM WHOM SHOULD I LEARN FROM AN SURVEYOR/ TRAINING INSTITUTE I'M LITTLE BIT CONFUSED SOLVE THIS BIT!!! WHERE R U FROM ? IS SURVEYING WORTH OF????
Hi there, I'm graduating in 1 year under DCvET (Diploma in civil engineering technology). Do you think land surveying is the best job for me? If not what can you suggest?
Hey Carlo, I'm not sure what all a DCvET entails, but land surveying is a good fit if you like the outdoors and technology. I would reach out to some surveyors local to you and ask about part time or shadowing for a little bit to see what it's like. Even if you volunteer for a week, you'll get the gist. Hope this helps!
I'm 35, have a bachelor's in economics, and am thinking of taking courses in land surveying so I can fulfill the 34 hours of survey related courses. Am I too old to get into land surveying? Appreciate any answers. Thank you
Well, I was licensed when I was 41 and it was life changing and have NO regrets. But I like surveying and started in the field when I was young. I would just do an evaluation to see if you are the type of person who likes outdoor work even when conditions are not that great and who is able to accumulate your needed experience for the pay that your local guys offer. Since I started at 20 or 21, the pay was about what I would have made elsewhere, so I stuck around cause I enjoyed the work. Before I knew it I had my required experience. It would be hard for me to start my experience now because I couldn’t sustain my current standard of living on the wages of a entry level survey career. If you have another source of income to supplement your survey income AND you really like the profession, I wouldn’t worry about it and go for it, but that’s something to evaluate. Call and ask some local guys what they pay for entry level field crew guys. Then talk to your family and see if it makes sense.
hey Jason I'm interviewing for a survey assistant position for the city and wanted to know if you could help with some terminology and standard procedures to help aid me in this interview as I'm really interested in surveying
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 well my current supervisor and all my references will let them know I check all those boxes...was just seeing if I need to know anything before hand..thank you for replying
It depends on what aspect of the field you will be working. If you want to be licensed, you will have to have the college surveying math courses. If you are doing research and drafting, you should be comfortable with trig and ratios. If you are working in the field crew, basic math is good since it deals mostly with finding monuments and identifying evidence. Hope this helps.
I have not done any pipeline surveys, but the procedures should be the same. Boundary surveying is the recovery and monumentation of boundary corners for individual tracts of land. I like it because each project is a treasure hunt for old evidence. Thanks for the comment.
Most of the licensed surveyors in my area are over 55, so I would say you could jump right in. I was 41 when I got my license, so you could be there by then. I would reach out to some surveyors in the area you want to live and visit with them about it. Good luck!
Wait you said at the end that you dont need experience at all to begin a career at surveying vut then you said that you need 6 years of becoming a surveyor?.. so which is it i am comfused i am currently working on my associates and thinking of getting a bachelors in civil engineering ir surveying just thought yiu should kno
Some jobs require certain experience before you qualify to be hired. You do not need any prior surveying experience to begin a career in surveying, BUT you will be required to have several years of experience before you can apply to get your own license. There is a difference between working on a survey crew and being a licensed surveyor. Hope this clears it up.
Watch carefully, ask good questions and take notes. Video or take photos if you need help remembering things. Show up early and don't sit around. Try to anticipate your party chiefs next move and help save him time. Good luck!
At the time I was licensed, the board required the core curriculum as a minimum requirement. I sent my college transcript to them and they let me know which college courses I had to take in order to be licensed. They have a list of surveying specific courses like route surveying, boundary law, etc. I took them through OSU. I’m not sure what the rules are now but I was able to take them in the evening while working.
That is not the case. I have no relation to any other surveyors. You just have to be willing to do the time to get your experience and complete the education requirements at the same time.
I do most of the time. I like the type of work where it is mostly just me and nature. It's great. I do enjoy collaborating with others when it's necessary.
My advice would be to really research the type of civil engineer he wants to be and do as many internships a he can in as many different civil engineering fields as he can. Some engineering jobs can be pretty boring sitting in a cubical staring at a screen all day.
Thanks. We hope to be able to get him some variety of experience and open his own business some day like I did. There is nothing like working for yourself if you have the drive.
For sure. That is one reason I'm looking into LS. My field of Civil Engineering in Roadway Design, it is tough to open a business. my goal is to be my own boss one day. @@lloydlandsurveying8124
Hello my name is Juan Quiroga, I am a surveyor engineer and I live in Tandil (Buenos Aires, Argentina) I am 29 years old and I have been licensed for 3 years. I currently have a professional studio together with an architect and another engineer.
I am looking for work alternatives in the United States to be able to work temporarily for a few months or maybe a year. I saw your video and I think we share a passion for surveying, for that reason I want to ask you if you know of any type of temporary work related to surveying. I would like to work in the USA to have a different experience, get to know another country and another way of working. Please do not hesitate to write me and tell me your opinion about my project. I really have no idea if there are job opportunities like this. But any opinion on this would be very helpful. Nice to meet you jason
Those are issues well above my pay grade! Haha. I wouldn't even know where to send you. Maybe contact www.nsps.us.com/ as I bet they have international programs. Good luck!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 You would be surprised how much a surveyor earns in Argentina. This is the reason why I am researching job opportunities abroad. Anyway thank you very much.
Hi sir. I'm a fresh grade student with bachelor's degree of civil engineering. I applied job for site engineer and they offer me a surveyor engineer job. Its hard for me to make decision.
I would simply get a sheet of paper and write PROS and CONS of each to help see the situation clearly. Engineers and Surveyor's cross paths frequently. In my experience, the Engineers ask for the data and the surveyor's collect it for them. It's symbiotic. Either way, with a bachelor' degree you will do fine. Don't settle with a job you don't like, find a career you love to work in. Good luck!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Thank you for your opinion. I decided focus on civil engineering. I just rejected their offer, and they offered me site engineer job but with lower salary. I think they really short of land surveyor at this period.
That would be crazy if it were true. Don't be fooled. The truth is that any stats you find for land surveyor income are only based on what a person makes working for a firm and tracked. There is no statistic of what licensed surveyors make when they work for themselves and have their own business. I would suggest calling some of your local surveyors and ask. Nearly all of the surveyors I know own their practice (as I do) and will pay their UNLICENSED experienced field chiefs around that. The licensed owner will make 3-5 times that much (or more) pretty easily these days if they have good work ethic. Thanks for the comment.
I was wondering if you could help me out. I am finding out surveying has to account for curvature, and what exactly does the accounting, The math, Theodolites, etc. How is it measured? I ask, because the explanation I get from someone is this: (Surveyors) "They cite perspective as curvature which of course is scientifically impossible. Observations aren't any good unless you have practicality to back up your fundamental claims, which of course they don't." One last thing; If you could send me a link to absolute and undeniable data which could never be debunked you would be doing me the BIGGEST favor. I realize this is a big ask, and don't expect to hear a word back, and that would be fine. I know your time is valuable, too much of a pain then forget it, and I completely understand. Thank you, sincerely. Show less
As far as the boundary surveying I am involved with, your premise may be unfounded. I am specifically referring to "boundary" surveying intentionally. The boundary surveying in most of the USA is actually measured on a 2D "grid". Even the oldest surveys (and it continues today) dealt with the curvature by using projections. There are a handful that have survived and still in use today. You may do some study on that. It is the way we handle the irregular terrain, including curvature. We choose a projection which is a 2D plane slicing across and through a part of the globe and we run our trigonometry and geometry on it. To compensate for earths curvature, when we get our square sections of land large enough, they will eventually overlap on the projection as we move North, so the original surveyors were instructed to start laying out the mile sections and when they came to a previously surveyed line, the error from the curvature was absorbed in the last 1/4 mile. These are correction sections. You may look at that. The short answer to your question is that we account for curvature by working on 2D projections. Hope this helps and Merry Christmas.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Hey thanks man, and Merry Christmas to you! I have found out that plane surveys don't take curvature into account, but geodetic surveys do. Looking into that one with great interest. Thanks again!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 You have been so generous with your time, thank you. I have been digging into Geodetic surveys, but cannot find any practical demonstrations anywhere. Would you send me a link? Then, I promise not to bother you anymore. Thanks so much.
@@flatearthcomic I feel like you may be searching for something that doesn't exist. I believe surveyors compensate, account for and work with curvature through projections. Either I could not be understanding what exactly you are seeking (which is possible) or your understanding needs more education? There has to be a reason why you cannot find a demonstration of what you are seeking... good luck!
To become a licensed surveyor you will, but to work as a field technician under a licensed surveyor, you can learn what you need as you train. The field portion of surveying is less math dependent than it is finding and gathering evidence. The licensed surveyor will apply most of the math, it is the field techs who search and collect the data for the office to analyze.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Thank you that was so helpful. I got offered this job they didn’t really give me a title for it. $16 for the first 90 days in CA. No experience needed. Waiting in lobby for the interview right now wish me luck.
Let me call you to something that actually grants you salvation from hellfire, Islam and Oneness of God, be like Abraham, He was not a Christian or A Jew but rather he was among The Believers and he believed in God and he never said Three, but he always said One and on that One he believed and on that fateful day He will be among the saved ones from hellfire
@@SlaveOfAllah12342 Abraham also sacrificed animals for the forgiveness of sin. Animal sacrifice no longer forgives sin because the Lamb of God died once for all. Jesus commands that every one must repent and believe the gospel.
You begin by working on payroll for a licensed surveyor. You will learn all of the necessary tasks and procedures and eventually hold roles of responsibility and charge. You will be doing the work but what I mean by 'surveyor' is a licensed surveyor. Hope this helps.
I’ve been thinking about going to trade school for civil engineering/ surveying technologies and this video helped me make that decision, Thank you!
Good luck!
thank you so much sir! I'm from a neighboring state, and was considering surveying. There's a school for it, and I just had to be sure this is the path I want to go down. This answered MANY of my questions, great video!
Am a land surveyor too and just opened up my firm last year September..bases in Kenya...and it's really refreshing to see another Surveyor who is passionate about the career
Blessings to your business in Kenya!
Looking for internship.....hope you may help from Uganda thanks🙏
I was born in Kenya (Kijabe Hospital). Best of luck with your business!
I miss being in the outdoors man, I still love working in the office but the field work in my younger days was what made me fall in love with surveying
Let them know you can do both. Maybe it will work out? In the beginning, I would work in the office and in the field nearly every week. It was nice, but I didn't like that I wouldn't know where I would be until I got to work that day. I appreciate the comment.
Man that was actually a good and helpful video and i really enjoyed watching it!
I'm a Civil Engineering student and suddenly thought about learning land surveying professionally.. I'm very interested about it.
Just wanted to appreciate your explanation.. nice accent btw!
That’s cool. My son is in civil engineering school also. Good luck. Both are cool professions.
I'm a new drone business in Oklahoma and have actually looked into this and plan on attending OSU-OKC online soon. Thanks for the great information!
Awesome. A lot of surveyors are finding the benefits of drone based data. I have a drone program, but have found that I don't like taking the time to process my point clouds and derive contours. I just stick to other type of work that I enjoy more. You should visit with your local surveyors and discuss your future. Maybe your drone could benefit them as you get your experience? God Bless.
Thank you so much for making this video.
Thank you for watching and for the comment.
Good video!!! Very enjoyable!!! Thanks!!!
I appreciate the feedback.
Thank you SO much for sharing. I am also from eastern Oklahoma (McAlester), but i live in east TN now. I am a licensed civil engineer, and I am contemplating obtaining a survey license. Your video was very helpful. I wish you the best.
That's great. My brother and sister-n-law live in McAlester and I have surveyor friends there. My son is in the civil engineering program at OSU. Do you have any helpful advice? He will be starting his third year this fall.
@Lloyd Land Surveying That's awesome! Thank you for sharing. I would recommend that he not go to work for the state or federal government for at least the first 10 years of his career -- those employers will cause him to develop very poor work ethic habits, which will be extremely difficult to overcome. Working for a smaller firm will allow him to get much more experience (CAD, design, reports, business development, filing, documnent production, etc.). Big companies have great systems which are very beneficial to learn, but they typically have an employee assigned to very specific roles, and can box a person into just being good at one or two of things. Starting for a smaller company would be best, and then after several years going to work for a large company is probably the best approach. Other than that, network, build great relationships, never stop learning, and immediately transfer to OU (Boomer!), LOL. I wish you they best. Thanks again.
Lot more to it than riding around on a 4x ! Topo a brier patch against a hill to climb a 100 times ! Loved it .
If the 4x4 will go through the briars then I'm staying on it! Haha. It really does feel good to put in a hard days work and the land owner appreciate the work. Thanks for the comment!
26 years I’ve been surveying. I’m a party chief. And the best experiences of my life has happened in the field
Me too! Thanks for sharing.
Great video!
Thanks for the comment!
Great video. I'm a Civil Engineer and am really considering taking the few classes I need in college to be able to get my surveyors license. Civil engineering has basically turned into a cad tech job until you get to upper management. I'd love a job where I get to go outdoors and see different places and figure things out. I just need to look t finances to see if I could handle the pay cut for the time it took to start my own business. Anyway, thanks for the video. Great information.
Thanks for the comment. My son just started his third year as a civil engineering student. He has worked a lot with me and one week when he was in high school we had a really tough job in a mosquito infested swamp and he asked me how I got the job... I said "the civil engineer told me to go do it". His reply... "I wanna be THAT guy!".
I have another civil engineering acquaintance in a neighboring state who also has a surveying license and he told me that in 2021 he made more with his LS stamp than the civil. I dunno.
I advised my son to get a dual license also. Do you have any advice for him in the civil field??? Thanks.
Thanks for the info. I wish I had chosen this field when I was younger, but being 36 already, it seems like I'm a day late and a dollar short, lol. Take care 🤙🏼
Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't rule it out. I was 41 when I got my license and it was life changing for the better!
How do you get your license later in life?
Great rundown! Howdy from Frontier Land Surveying out of Edmond, Ok
Howdy, neighbor! Thanks for the comment.
Thank you
I’m helping my son find an apprenticeship, and the Operating Engineers local in Vegas has land surveying. I think it would be good because I don’t think he’s up to the hard work involved in paving, electrician, plumber, etc. Prevailing wage is $80-90+ per hour here.
Cool. I still enjoy it! Thanks for the comment.
Great video, I recently got an opportunity to train under a licensed surveyor and I think it is gonna be awesome
That's great! Ask questions and ask for opportunities. Watch your party chief and always try to stay ahead of him after you learn the routines. Ask if there is anything you can do while he has some down time. Good luck!
I'm thinking of doing land surveying instead of civil engineering. I'm 20 years old and a civil engineering student, and I still plan on finishing my degree as I only have a year and a half left. I had an internship last summer and I hated being in the office all day, I absolutely couldn't stand sitting down for that long. I did some surveying during that internship though, and I loved it. I'll probably have to do another semester or two of schooling to get my PLS license, but that's fine with me. I just love being active and going outside. Even in harsh conditions it's gotta be better than being in the office all day. Most people think I should just pursue engineering as it pays more, but I do not want to sacrifice my mental health for some more money.
I still do plan on taking the FE exam this summer as I feel it could be useful later in life. Maybe I'll start my own business later, and having a PE and PLS could be very useful. Maybe I'll just do half surveying, half engineering, and both could still be useful. I don't know yet, but I will learn a lot about what I want to do at the next internship I accepted; My job title for it is "Surveying technician."
You made me feel a lot better about my decision. When you said the person you think should be a surveyor is the one who wants to go out in those harsh conditions, that really hit home and I feel that's exactly who I am. Most people think I'm crazy for wanting to do anything outside when there's a huge snowstorm or a lot of rain, but that's something I don't mind. Thank you for this video.
Hey Dane. Thanks for the comment and I'm glad the video was encouraging. My son is currently in his third year of civil engineering. He has done quite a bit of surveying also. They both have their strengths and integrate well. My advice would be to get both licenses and get some experience in both fields. One day, before you know it, you'll be able to have your own business and hire folks to do the engineering office work under your supervision while you enjoy the surveying side of things that the engineering will require. You will also have the freedom to do some engineering from the field, on a fun trip or pretty much anywhere... not just in a cubicle. Good luck!
I met a Surveyor the other day and I had no idea that they had to have maths skills and be skilled in geography and have a love for technology. I love technology too and this American surveyor and I where talking for half an hour on the subject. 😊
Hey Dianne,
Thanks for the comment. I often find that people are interested in surveying because so many people know nothing about it and it has been an instrumental service in our countries development! Maybe you can help promote the services of your local surveyors? Thanks!
Thank You soo much Sir !!!! I'm From KERALA.... I'm a Land Surveyor too....To me, it’s a great life! I never have to go to the same place everyday to work. It’s outside work 80% of the time... I would recommend surveying if your a self motivated individual! BECAUSE, a surveyors work is never done!!
Thanks for the comment! Agreed!
Work as a painter, did construction with my father more or less for about the last decade. Joe, a man he did work for, who is a civil engineer, offered me a land surveying job because they had to let one of their guys go.
Really looking forward to this new opportunity, I've already sat and talked to the Joe, really looking forward to the new opportunities I could have in the future having this position.
That's great! I hope you enjoy it. Please reach out to me if I can encourage you in any way. God Bless.
Anthony, did things work out?
Yes, please share how you liked it thus far?
Very helpful video, have been looking into this as a possible career shift destination aside from commercial electrician. I know the pay cut is inevitable, but definitely wanted to get the bigger picture on the road to becoming licensed. Recently got a interview call for a Rodman/instrument man from a. Survey company, I’m guessing the first day of work all those hours will have to be documented to account for the 6 year work history?
Hey Chino. Thanks for your comment. I would check with your local state board about their requirements and talk with the surveyor who is wanting you to work. Let him know your plans. Here in Oklahoma, we had to fill out a form documenting our work experience and give the contact info for the places we had worked and the board called the places of employment and got a work history report of length of employment. Good luck!
Thanks for posting this video man. I'm in my early 30s and about to make a career shift - have been doing production and lighting design in the concert industry for a little over ten years. In that time, I've used CAD software a lot and even went and got my certificate from a local college in drafting while there was downtime during the pandemic. I'm curious to ask (and you touched a bit on it in your video-) where would be the best place to start? I see the NCEES exam is available and something I could study for - do you think that would be a good place to start? I do have lots of relevant experience in drafting, project management and all-around serious problem solving (the entertainment industry requires you to set-up an arena sized concert in about 8 hours - often walking in blind at the start of the day.) Thanks again! I think surveying could be a potentially rewarding and fitting career path for me.
Hey Chris,
I would reach out to one of your local surveyors and let them know you are interested. A few surveyors are hesitant to train and help license future competition, but a lot of them see the need and are excited to help anyone interested. Also, contact your state board that regulates the surveyors and ask them where to begin. Good luck!
Nice video mate,,, as a surveyor in indonesia for about 11 years, i always dreaming to become surveyor in US oneday..
I hope your dream comes true! Thanks for the reply.
Where do I start?
Ok so I really want to be a land surveyor. What would my first step be? What kind of schooling do I need? Do people do apprentice ships?
That's great! You need to reach out to your states society of land surveyors and get a membership. It should not be expensive and you can find them online. Let them help you with the best route for the education in your area. Hopefully you can get the required college courses online and be able to start working for one of your local surveyors to get your experience. Good luck!
hey there Jason, quick question. what can someone except as far as duties when starting as an Apprentice in land surveying?
Great question! There are many aspects to "land surveying". While the big picture is to be able to locate a specified point on the surface of the earth, one can survey roadways, pipelines, property boundaries, etc. I will answer your question in relation to residential property boundaries.
Getting started, you can be expected to learn how to care and maintain your tools (including the surveying units). You will most like be out treasure hunting for evidence of surveys using a metal detector and likely machete to clear the search area when needed. Driving rebar and wood stakes with hammers. Don't forget the bug spray and sunscreen! I enjoy the field work.
You should learn to stay ahead of your party chief (the guy in charge of your crew) and anticipate what's coming next. Ask questions and soak it in! Good luck!
I am finishing my degree in city planning. And the end of my education, I feel like I only enjoyed the GIS and Site Planning courses. I don’t know whether or not my BS counts as a physical science (required for certification)
At my internship we had a guy doing a house move that required him to get a survey completed with a site plan. The man paid 150 dollars for a document I know I could have made for him, so there definitely is money involved if you are a business owner.
I think I might try to land an entry gig once I graduate and determine if I need more schooling or not for my certification. Thank you for the video!
Thanks for the comment. In my experience, a survey is more than a document. It's not about a drawing, but what the drawing reflects... which is field measurements. If you have access to the document you mentioned, you can probably read the certification and get the idea. People don't pay for the document, but for the professional knowledge and expertise that the document reflects.
There is a story of a man who questioned the cost of his survey to George Washington, who was the surveyor. He wanted the invoice to be itemized and justified. Mr. Washington explained that the cost of the stakes and flagging was a fraction of the bill, but knowing where to put the stakes was 95% of the cost.
If you like the design/drafting side, there are nice jobs out there for CAD drafting and planning. Hope this helps.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 As I read your comment, I just accepted a position at a civil engineering/land survey consulting company. Thank you for the wisdom, I will keep it with me when I’m beginning this new path!
@@winscuntson4530 That's exciting! Be inquisitive without being annoying... haha. Soak it in. Write yourself notes to remember things. Hopefully the company has a healthy view of training and teaching. Let them know what you are interested in. Good luck and God Bless.
My father became liscened after pure experience, some of the guys with college degrees he knew had to re take their tests and he passed the first time. You have to be able to deal with unpredictable conditions while figuring out on the spot how to get the job done sometimes, you need improvisation skills. It's not just a set of rules like most jobs. Best of luck.
Where can I go to work and gain experience in surveying?
You'll need to find the local surveyors around where you live (or want to live) and go talk to them. Good luck!
How did you get started and get referrals from licensed surveyors? What kind of company gave you your first job?
I was taking CAD classes during college and my instructor asked me if I wanted a part time job at a local surveying business. I asked him 'what's that?'... haha. I started out as a CAD guy, but soon found myself in the field as a rodman along with my CAD duties. When you start surveying, you will end up crossing paths with other surveyors and will work together. They are the ones who help give referrals. Good questions.
You mean to get your land surveyor LICENSE you need 6 years work experience as an UNLICENSED surveyor correct?
That is correct. You will work under a licensed surveyor to learn the trade as an apprentice. You can get a LSIT (Land Surveyor in Training) license earlier, but the pay and work experience may not be different. In Oklahoma, there are two paths to be able to apply for a license. The CORE college curriculum + 6 years of experience OR The surveying associates degree + 4 years of experience. Once you meet the requirements, you can file an application and continue to be approved for testing.
Is being a Rodman a good entry position to being a land surveyor?
It sure is! I hope you have a party chief who is a teacher. Be inquisitive and learn why you do what you do and always be open to try other responsibilities in the field.
What are some good books to learn about surveying from the beginning. I’m just finding out about surveying and finding it super interesting and I’m still young enough I could career change into the field. Clearly there’s a ton to learn in addition to getting experience. Any recommendations would be great, thanks!
Hey Kyle. That's a good question. I haven't thought about this. While there is a "ton to learn in addition to getting experience", the book information just may not make sense or even be useful without doing the work of surveying. The work experience and knowledge are symbiotic in nature. For example, there are a lot of good books on survey law, which helps you decide on how to conduct your field operations and analyze your evidence data you have collected in the field, but it is also dependent on the data.
There is not really a good education supplement for experience in the profession. There are not any books I can think of that just simply talk about surveying procedures you will learn in the field. How to "Survey stuff". Stuff like construction staking and how it's done. There is no book about it or manual. It's a combination of basic surveying techniques that are applied in a specific way for that task. The techniques are using the equipment per their instructions and knowledge of how to use it correctly. Hmmm. This is a great question.
Sorry I'm really answering your question. I'm afraid these book recommendations are not going to fulfill what you are looking for. You will have no use for this information without practicing land surveying.
Some of the books in my library are:
BLM Manual for Surveying Instruction, Forensic Procedures for Boundary & Title Investigation - Donald Wilson, Easements Relating to Land Surveying & Title Examination - Donald Wilson, Boundaries & Landmarks - A.C. Mulford, The Pincushion Effect - Jeffery N. Lucas
Talk to some of your local surveyors about it. Good luck!
I am a historical re-enactor with an MA in American History, and a love of research, and a love of the outdoors-do you think I would make a good surveyor? I know how to do historical research online-scads of it. As a re-enactor I am outdoors all the time, and camping out at night.
Thanks for the feedback. I would contact some of your local surveyors and ask them if you can shadow them or find out more details. It sounds like it could be a fun fit for you?
Hi there, not sure you will see this as it's an older video. How difficult was the math for the exam? I just applied for a certificate program through a university that should help me meet the requirements and supposedly prepare me for the FS exam, but I have always struggled a bit with more advanced math
Hey Joe. I won't lie, the math is challenging, BUT since the math required for the exam is specific, you can study a narrower range of example problems and you can also you programmable calculators (check NCEES site) that help. I feel like anyone who wants to prepare can learn the math. It is high level, but it's only a small portion of high level math. You can do it.
How math intensive is surveying on a typical daily basis?
Thanks for the info!
Understanding ratios and geometry are my most used daily math skills. There are harder calculations but we have tools to help. While preparing to take the surveying exams, all you get is your calculator so you must know the calculations manually, but CAD is the tool of choice for checking relative angles and distances each day. Great question.
You should know trigonometry
all the maths is done for you, the hardest part about surveying is probably processing a job
I am working towards a degree in CADD right now. I really enjoy the outdoors and the details. Surveying has always intrigued me. What is the path that I should take to start in this field ?
Hey Steve. Thanks for reaching out to me. I'm not sure what state you are in, but I would do two things. Look up your states licensing board and get some counsel from them as to the requirements for licensure there as well as reach out to some local surveyors and see about working there to start gaining some required experience. CADD and surveying go hand in hand so it may fit better than you think. Good luck and God Bless.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 I’m In Tennessee
Nice video. How often do land surveyors use drones?
Great question. It depends on the type of surveying. They are rarely used for boundary or construction staking for obvious reasons, but if you are doing topography work and the conditions are good, they are the go to to generate contours and volumes. A lot of folks are going to the high precision scanners.
@lloydlandsurveying8124 I appreciate your diligent and well informed response. Thank you.
I see jobs pop up for party chief and instrument tech and land surveyor. I’m not sure what the difference is between all of them is. Can someone explain? Thanks
Hi, Can you advise between geomatics and civil engineering degrees which one would you say is most beneficial in the field?
Some of both? Haha. Surveying field work is about identifying previous work. Once you carefully learn what the tools do, it is about collecting and managing the data. For construction work, the engineering would be awesome, but geomatics is the tool to help you be a competent field analyst. Hard choice.
This is an intriguing industry, especially as I am currently a Commercial Drone Pilot and I love being outdoors in the worst conditions that nature can toss my way. Bummer that a college degree is usually required...
You should check into it. I bet you can take your courses 100% online these days after work. That's the only way I would have been able to do it. Good luck!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Thanks! I've been looking heavily into moving to the US, I prefer a red state, and I would love to try Alaska, and I have seen many publications about land survey jobs and the description sounded like my dream job to do, and the pay was nice too! I probably have to do the whole migration thing first (easier said than done but I think I'll just join the US Army for a few years and that'll grant me a green card, long process but one I have to do as my current county has nothing in common with my politics or ethics)
I work for the department of transportation for Oklahoma and I noticed they have a position for land surveyor and I looked into and it peaked my interest and being from rural Oklahoma being outside is something that’s always been in my blood so that’s not a problem. What would be the best way to get started without a college degree to become a surveyor?
Great to hear. Go tell your boss or their boss that you want to move and train in the surveying department. I think ODOT has resources through OSU to help you do school at night online and work during the day. I hope it works out. Also talk to some of your local surveyors.
I've read a lot about people saying that starting off as a surveyor is difficult. They start off in the lowest part of the job, as a rodman, and with time and experience ranking up. But, do you think that a person would benefit from have a college degree of some sort? In that way, to sort of mitigate the whole process of starting off in the lower end of the job?
Hey, Kevin. The profession is really a good balance of both technical knowledge (school) and experience (field work). I feel that Oklahoma requires such a lengthy experience requirement because the purpose of boundary surveying is to retrace and be faithful to the original surveys. This just takes time to acquire the skills. I do think there are benefits to having a surveying degree or something like drafting to help. Most rodman aren't aspiring to become a licensed surveyor. As far as I know, the business owners (who are usually surveyors) love the profession and are eager to help move people along toward their licensure. Hope this helps.
@@jasonlloyd7142 Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. I'm planning on becoming a licensed surveyor in Illinois and I'm going to get a BS in construction management!
@@Bigkev20888 there are valuable fundamentals to be learned in every position along the totem pole.
The longer you spend as a Rodman, the better off you’ll be when you get promoted to Instrument man. Solid foundation is key. Ironically, in many instances, as a Crew Chief you will commonly act as Rodman once again, whether due to limited crew members, or training a new employee. All the while, you are still passing along tips to your
I-man, staying a step or two ahead in planning the job, etc. The job description is essentially endless, but my point is to convey the importance of not trying to rush through the “bottom positions”. A truly efficient Rodman can make all the difference in the world on a crew. An experienced Crew Chief knows not to take good help for granted.
I’ve been a CADD Tech for a little over 3 years now.
Before that, I was a crew chief for 9 years.
Before that, I-man for 2 years.
Finally, Rodman for 1.5 years.
I started put as a rodman. Didnt know hardly a thing about surveying, fell in love with it, and worked by butt off to make it to iman after about a year and a half. Still love it and would really like to be licensed one day. But ive heard the requirements and college education to become licenced are grueling. Here in florida atleast.
@@TrevorLahey3 You are correct! The field procedures are vital to success. Good solid workflow without shortcuts is essential. The more each crew member knows about the other persons responsibilities the better the team.
Thanks for the great video. I'm not in the field but very interested in becoming a surveyor and already have a BS in environmental science. Curious about which entry level jobs I should apply for to get on a good track. Do you think an associates in geomatics would help with job prospects?
I'm not familiar with your area but I would definitely reach out to surveyors near where you want to work and just ask them. I bet they are down to earth and would help. More than likely you will need some surveying specific courses in addition to the education you have already obtained. Good luck!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Thank you!
Find a Rodman position and work it like your boss is Yahweh for at least 6-9 months until you can spot a loose screw from 660. After that you'll be able to groom your own Rodman and move on with life.
When you say 6 years of work experience do you mean in a related field or just 6 years working at a job?
Good question. Typically they are looking for boundary surveying experience. Field work experience and property boundary knowledge. I have a mix of office experience (handling deeds, survey data, research experience) plus fieldwork experience (how to find and analyze survey evidence). Hope this helps.
Under what category do the survey engineers fall am kinda confused is it under civil engineering or school of artichecture land management and urban planning?
I'm not sure I understand your question? Surveying is it's own stand alone profession, but is complimentary to those other things you listed. They aren't under any of them.
Hello Jason. Thank you for taking the time to share this information. So when you say you have to have 6 years experience. Is that 6 years working for a survey firm? Do you mean you can’t own your own firm until then or do surveying in general?
In Oklahoma, they will not consider anyone for licensure without having 6 years of experience in surveying. You start out working under/for a licensed surveyor as you learn all about it and get the experience needed to apply for your license. For instance, I started working for a surveyor as a draftsman. It turned into a mix of drafting and field work. I did this for way more than the required 6 years. The Board wants applicants to be comfortable working with documents and with field evidence. You cannot own your own firm without your own license. Hope this helps.
You can own your firm without being licensed as long as you have a RPLS working for you stamping everything
@@derickhiers6707 lolzz you’re so right especially here in nigeria.
Thanks for the information! How many surveyor women have you meet? Is this a job only for men?
Actually one of my former employers happened to be female. More and more women are getting licensed each year. The equipment available today really helps minimize the physical labor and the profession is more and more about good field research and data management, which women are often better at. Thanks.
I'm trying to find my property boundaries, I have 6 corner pins, I found 4 so far, 2 of them are difficult, do you guys do that? (go help someone just locate their corner pins rather than do a full survey) I would think you could find them quickly, I have the survey map, I'm just asking out of curiosity, I'm in Wisconsin I'm sure you wouldn't come up here.
Now tell them about laying in bed almost asleep, when all of a sudden in the darkness a voice speaks to you...
Did you change the rod height back to 4.63 after locating the concrete behind the fence?
Haha. It happens.
What are some of downsides surveying? Thanks for sharing
Many are common to other occupations, i.e. weather and terrain conditions. Some may consider the annual continuing education requirements and fees as a downside but I do not. Most of the negative thoughts I have about my profession are just tough days due to the afore mentioned conditions.
Good question. Thanks.
I’ve been a land surveying field tech for about 6 years now. What is your craziest angry neighbor story? I know you have some. Lol
Haha. Thanks for the comment! Nothing too crazy. I've only seen a gun once. One time a guy was getting very angry because he had placed a new portable building over the line onto his neighbors property without knowing. Well, I set another line pin while he was there watching and cussing. I recognized him and called him by name, which startled him. I reminded him that I had been his youth minister at church for a while years ago. Once he realized who I was, his demeanor instantly changed. Haha. I had invested a lot of hours in him and his dad in the past.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 I’ve not seen a gun yet thankfully but I’ve had a fair share of not so nice neighbors that’s for sure.
Im looking to start ABET program online with probably some classess on College, is there any type of Online studying or?
There is online surveying specific courses in my area. Check with your local board where you live to see. Good luck!
Hey, im considering a career in surveying. I have a GIS/Geography background. If i were to become licensed in a state to survey, would I be able to move to a different state and survey there as well?
Good question! There exists what is called a "comity" license that you can apply for. Basically, if you are professionally licensed in one state, there may be a way to apply and test for the state specific exam of another state to obtain a license there.
Usually the MATH and LAW exams taken through NCEES will not have to be taken for every state, but since each state has its own governing body overseeing the licenses and state surveying standards, you have to prove you know how to survey under that states standards.
...you will need to sit for the jurisdictional exam for this state
What level of education is required for land surveying?
Good question. That will depend on which state you want to be licensed in. You can contact that state's board and ask. Most will require an associates minimum, but it will depend.
Thanks for the video. Can you suggest any land surveying certificate programs in Oklahoma? Schools or University. Thanks
Sorry, I missed this comment. I am a member of the Choctaw Nation Native Tribe here in Oklahoma and they helped me financially with my college courses back then. OSU-OKC is the best in Oklahoma because you can take the courses online while you are also working. You should contact the State Board for info and directions on what you need to take. www.ok.gov/pels/ They will get a copy of your college transcript if you have one. They will then give you steps to take on the path to licensure. If you don't care about the license, you can start working in surveying next week. Hope this helps.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 thanks for the info 👍👍
What type of math could one expect in the exam? Considering a major career change but advanced math is not my strong suit.
The main math knowledge required is coordinate geometry, trigonometry and geometry. The NCEES is a US national test facilitator and the tests are the same type nationwide. There are good resources to help pass the exams, but you will need to more than likely pass the college level math courses first. Good luck!
Im currently in the army, I will get out of the military (my mos 13F) with 9 years of service and the bread and butter of my job is working with maps and a whole lot of land navigation. im really interested in surveying would you say the time in the military be considered as experience given I graduate from college with a surveying degree? im currently working towards getting my basics out of the way with an online college.
I would check in with the state board for where you want to live and work. They are friendly to answer questions. Each state may vary on the experience requirements and what qualifies. I think you might enjoy it! Good luck and thank you for your service to our great country!
HLO,WANNA LEARN SURVEYING COURSE FROM WHOM SHOULD I LEARN FROM AN SURVEYOR/ TRAINING INSTITUTE I'M LITTLE BIT CONFUSED SOLVE THIS BIT!!! WHERE R U FROM ? IS SURVEYING WORTH OF????
Hi there, I'm graduating in 1 year under DCvET (Diploma in civil engineering technology). Do you think land surveying is the best job for me? If not what can you suggest?
Hey Carlo, I'm not sure what all a DCvET entails, but land surveying is a good fit if you like the outdoors and technology. I would reach out to some surveyors local to you and ask about part time or shadowing for a little bit to see what it's like. Even if you volunteer for a week, you'll get the gist. Hope this helps!
On the legal side, will you explain the (adverse possession ) law, and the ( emminate domain ) law, and the differences between them.
That, my friend, would be out of my competency. I'm sorry. Haha.
Well done.
That varies by state. You would need to visit a real estate attorney
I'm 35, have a bachelor's in economics, and am thinking of taking courses in land surveying so I can fulfill the 34 hours of survey related courses. Am I too old to get into land surveying? Appreciate any answers. Thank you
Well, I was licensed when I was 41 and it was life changing and have NO regrets. But I like surveying and started in the field when I was young. I would just do an evaluation to see if you are the type of person who likes outdoor work even when conditions are not that great and who is able to accumulate your needed experience for the pay that your local guys offer.
Since I started at 20 or 21, the pay was about what I would have made elsewhere, so I stuck around cause I enjoyed the work. Before I knew it I had my required experience. It would be hard for me to start my experience now because I couldn’t sustain my current standard of living on the wages of a entry level survey career.
If you have another source of income to supplement your survey income AND you really like the profession, I wouldn’t worry about it and go for it, but that’s something to evaluate. Call and ask some local guys what they pay for entry level field crew guys. Then talk to your family and see if it makes sense.
hey Jason I'm interviewing for a survey assistant position for the city and wanted to know if you could help with some terminology and standard procedures to help aid me in this interview as I'm really interested in surveying
I think surveyors are more interested in knowing that someone is reliable, dependable and teachable more than if they understand the lingo. Good luck.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 well my current supervisor and all my references will let them know I check all those boxes...was just seeing if I need to know anything before hand..thank you for replying
What math knowledge do you need to know in this field ?
It depends on what aspect of the field you will be working. If you want to be licensed, you will have to have the college surveying math courses. If you are doing research and drafting, you should be comfortable with trig and ratios. If you are working in the field crew, basic math is good since it deals mostly with finding monuments and identifying evidence. Hope this helps.
I am a pipeline surveyor. How is land surveying and pipeline similar. Looking to change my profession
I have not done any pipeline surveys, but the procedures should be the same. Boundary surveying is the recovery and monumentation of boundary corners for individual tracts of land. I like it because each project is a treasure hunt for old evidence. Thanks for the comment.
I’m undergraduate in Surveying from Srilanka. After the degrees Could I get work in abroad.
Can someone who's 35 looking to reskill get into this field even at an apprentice level?
Most of the licensed surveyors in my area are over 55, so I would say you could jump right in. I was 41 when I got my license, so you could be there by then. I would reach out to some surveyors in the area you want to live and visit with them about it. Good luck!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Thanks so much man
Wait you said at the end that you dont need experience at all to begin a career at surveying vut then you said that you need 6 years of becoming a surveyor?.. so which is it i am comfused i am currently working on my associates and thinking of getting a bachelors in civil engineering ir surveying just thought yiu should kno
Some jobs require certain experience before you qualify to be hired. You do not need any prior surveying experience to begin a career in surveying, BUT you will be required to have several years of experience before you can apply to get your own license. There is a difference between working on a survey crew and being a licensed surveyor. Hope this clears it up.
Was offered a job surveying I’m only 17 little job experience and no diploma they said I can work very outdoors and country
And advice
Watch carefully, ask good questions and take notes. Video or take photos if you need help remembering things. Show up early and don't sit around. Try to anticipate your party chiefs next move and help save him time. Good luck!
Did u go to osuit
My surveying specific classes were through OSU-OKC online. I already had the other college requirements.
howdy, did you graduate from osu?
At the time I was licensed, the board required the core curriculum as a minimum requirement. I sent my college transcript to them and they let me know which college courses I had to take in order to be licensed. They have a list of surveying specific courses like route surveying, boundary law, etc. I took them through OSU. I’m not sure what the rules are now but I was able to take them in the evening while working.
My job land surveyor in kerala
So basically this industry is only grandfathered
That is not the case. I have no relation to any other surveyors. You just have to be willing to do the time to get your experience and complete the education requirements at the same time.
Six years of work experience as a surveyor or just six years of work experience??
hi, brother are there any opportunities for ex-pat surveyors?
Thanks for reaching out to me. I'm not sure what that is, but I always encourage people to reach out to their local surveyors.
Do you work independently alot? I like jobs that I can work independently most of the time
I do most of the time. I like the type of work where it is mostly just me and nature. It's great. I do enjoy collaborating with others when it's necessary.
My advice would be to really research the type of civil engineer he wants to be and do as many internships a he can in as many different civil engineering fields as he can. Some engineering jobs can be pretty boring sitting in a cubical staring at a screen all day.
Thanks. We hope to be able to get him some variety of experience and open his own business some day like I did. There is nothing like working for yourself if you have the drive.
For sure. That is one reason I'm looking into LS. My field of Civil Engineering in Roadway Design, it is tough to open a business. my goal is to be my own boss one day. @@lloydlandsurveying8124
Hello my name is Juan Quiroga, I am a surveyor engineer and I live in Tandil (Buenos Aires, Argentina) I am 29 years old and I have been licensed for 3 years. I currently have a professional studio together with an architect and another engineer.
I am looking for work alternatives in the United States to be able to work temporarily for a few months or maybe a year.
I saw your video and I think we share a passion for surveying, for that reason I want to ask you if you know of any type of temporary work related to surveying.
I would like to work in the USA to have a different experience, get to know another country and another way of working.
Please do not hesitate to write me and tell me your opinion about my project. I really have no idea if there are job opportunities like this. But any opinion on this would be very helpful.
Nice to meet you jason
Those are issues well above my pay grade! Haha. I wouldn't even know where to send you. Maybe contact www.nsps.us.com/ as I bet they have international programs. Good luck!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 You would be surprised how much a surveyor earns in Argentina. This is the reason why I am researching job opportunities abroad.
Anyway thank you very much.
Hi sir. I'm a fresh grade student with bachelor's degree of civil engineering. I applied job for site engineer and they offer me a surveyor engineer job. Its hard for me to make decision.
I would simply get a sheet of paper and write PROS and CONS of each to help see the situation clearly. Engineers and Surveyor's cross paths frequently. In my experience, the Engineers ask for the data and the surveyor's collect it for them. It's symbiotic. Either way, with a bachelor' degree you will do fine. Don't settle with a job you don't like, find a career you love to work in. Good luck!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Thank you for your opinion. I decided focus on civil engineering. I just rejected their offer, and they offered me site engineer job but with lower salary. I think they really short of land surveyor at this period.
6 years of work experience and 4 years of college to make 57,000 a year,? That's crazy
That would be crazy if it were true. Don't be fooled. The truth is that any stats you find for land surveyor income are only based on what a person makes working for a firm and tracked. There is no statistic of what licensed surveyors make when they work for themselves and have their own business. I would suggest calling some of your local surveyors and ask. Nearly all of the surveyors I know own their practice (as I do) and will pay their UNLICENSED experienced field chiefs around that. The licensed owner will make 3-5 times that much (or more) pretty easily these days if they have good work ethic. Thanks for the comment.
There's no money in this industry
There is ALWAYS money in an industry where demand is high and supply is low. GOOD money. Haha.
Mammas don't let your babies to grow up to be Surveyor, lol
I was wondering if you could help me out. I am finding out surveying has to account for curvature, and what exactly does the accounting, The math, Theodolites, etc. How is it measured? I ask, because the explanation I get from someone is this:
(Surveyors) "They cite perspective as curvature which of course is scientifically impossible.
Observations aren't any good unless you have practicality to back up your fundamental claims, which of course they don't."
One last thing; If you could send me a link to absolute and undeniable data which could never be debunked
you would be doing me the BIGGEST favor. I realize this is a big ask, and don't expect to hear a word back, and that would be fine. I know your time is valuable, too much of a pain then forget it, and I completely understand.
Thank you, sincerely.
Show less
As far as the boundary surveying I am involved with, your premise may be unfounded. I am specifically referring to "boundary" surveying intentionally. The boundary surveying in most of the USA is actually measured on a 2D "grid". Even the oldest surveys (and it continues today) dealt with the curvature by using projections. There are a handful that have survived and still in use today. You may do some study on that. It is the way we handle the irregular terrain, including curvature.
We choose a projection which is a 2D plane slicing across and through a part of the globe and we run our trigonometry and geometry on it. To compensate for earths curvature, when we get our square sections of land large enough, they will eventually overlap on the projection as we move North, so the original surveyors were instructed to start laying out the mile sections and when they came to a previously surveyed line, the error from the curvature was absorbed in the last 1/4 mile. These are correction sections. You may look at that.
The short answer to your question is that we account for curvature by working on 2D projections. Hope this helps and Merry Christmas.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Hey thanks man, and Merry Christmas to you!
I have found out that plane surveys don't take curvature into account, but geodetic surveys do. Looking into that one with great interest. Thanks again!
@@flatearthcomic Even planimetric surveys utilize geodetic data. Good luck!
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 You have been so generous with your time, thank you. I have been digging into Geodetic surveys, but cannot find any practical demonstrations anywhere. Would you send me a link? Then, I promise not to bother you anymore. Thanks so much.
@@flatearthcomic I feel like you may be searching for something that doesn't exist. I believe surveyors compensate, account for and work with curvature through projections. Either I could not be understanding what exactly you are seeking (which is possible) or your understanding needs more education? There has to be a reason why you cannot find a demonstration of what you are seeking... good luck!
Do u need to know math? I was told they were gona train me
To become a licensed surveyor you will, but to work as a field technician under a licensed surveyor, you can learn what you need as you train. The field portion of surveying is less math dependent than it is finding and gathering evidence. The licensed surveyor will apply most of the math, it is the field techs who search and collect the data for the office to analyze.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 Thank you that was so helpful. I got offered this job they didn’t really give me a title for it. $16 for the first 90 days in CA. No experience needed. Waiting in lobby for the interview right now wish me luck.
@@scatpack7172 Just be teachable and show you care about the quality of things you do and they should be able to see it. Good luck!
Believe in Jesus Christ and be saved from hell before it’s eternally too late if you haven’t already. May God bless
Amen. Jesus is Lord!! May God bless you🙏🏾
Amen
Evolutionary psychology doctor David buss
Let me call you to something that actually grants you salvation from hellfire, Islam and Oneness of God, be like Abraham, He was not a Christian or A Jew but rather he was among The Believers and he believed in God and he never said Three, but he always said One and on that One he believed and on that fateful day He will be among the saved ones from hellfire
@@SlaveOfAllah12342 Abraham also sacrificed animals for the forgiveness of sin. Animal sacrifice no longer forgives sin because the Lamb of God died once for all. Jesus commands that every one must repent and believe the gospel.
How are you getting your 6 year experience before becoming a surveyor? Thanks for the video by the way straight to the point 🫡
You begin by working on payroll for a licensed surveyor. You will learn all of the necessary tasks and procedures and eventually hold roles of responsibility and charge. You will be doing the work but what I mean by 'surveyor' is a licensed surveyor. Hope this helps.
Six years of work experience as a surveyor or just six years of work experience??
I’m my state (& likely others) it has to be 6 years of survey related experience. Field work, drafting, research, etc. Good question.
@@lloydlandsurveying8124 thanks for responding