Howdy Ags,

I'm a former oilfield worker (MWD and Mud Logger), and I'm still looking for a job. I'm interested in the environmental science field, working in a environmental testing lab or refinery chemical lab, entry level GIS, or entry level engineering/geology technician jobs/fields.

I'm currently living in the Corpus Christi area, but I'm open to and able to relocate. San Antonio area would be at the top (family lives there). Austin area would be next (friends and some family). DFW and HOUSTON areas are equal as far as living situations, but would be better for more opportunities.

My degree is in Marine Fisheries, and I almost finished a Masters in Geospatial Surveying Engineering.

I have experience both working in the field and in the laboratory. I'm proficient in Microsoft Office. I'm good at entering, organizing, and working with data in Excel and some other formats (Halliburton's software and while mud logging). I'm very adaptable in learning and working with various software. I have some experience with ArcGis (it has been awhile, but it wouldn't take long to familiarize with it again).

If anybody has any leads or available opportunities, I would greatly appreciate the help. I can be reached by email (username at gmail)

Thank you

Bump

Didn't like surveying? Or what? You should be a no brainer hire for almost any surveying company that's hiring techs. Unless there's a strange reason I'm not imagining for not finishing the MS.

Like the third listing here.
http://www.tsps.org/?page=classifieds

Lots of factors.

Was mainly interested (still am) in GIS work. Called the Dept at AM-CC to get info about the post-bach. program for GIS. Somehow, I got convinced to enroll in the brand new (at the time was approved a week before classes started) online masters program. I had no knowledge or experience except for an introductory class at TAMUG in GIS. The 1st semester was let's say slightly disorganized, I really didn't learn anything. The 2nd semester was more organized, but since I had no prior knowledge it was a little difficult. The organization for the class project (which would serve basically as a non-thesis option) was almost non existent, and it all feel apart. When I talked to my chair about what course I should take for a project, I basically got no direction or help. I basically gave up(which I've come to ultimately regret) because I was just turning circles.

The other thing was at the time, the local (personal reason kept me from looking elsewhere) job outlook wasn't that great. I was looking late 2008-2009, when the economy was down and oil was down. The couple people in the program at the time who had businesses didn't have any openings.

I'm talking with a recruiter in DFW for a survey assistant job. It's super entry level and doesn't pay a lot, but it's a way to get my foot in the door.

I picked up some of the get to know ArcGis books to get familiarized with it again. I'll also look into some of the online training stuff. Also, thinking about looking into a certificate or associates for CAD.

An ABET accredited BS and some want to will see you registered (RPLS) in five years. Your GIS skills, however meager, will blow the socks off of most land surveying and civil engineering operations.

Do a little research into what surveyors really do and see if it interests you. The industry is hiring like crazy right now and the registration numbers are in your favor.

Still looking.

Don't have leads for you, but thought I'd give you some helpful GIS info. The link below will take you to Dr. Olivera's class site for his GIS class. There are a lot of good tutorials/walkthroughs for entry level or first time users. I took his CVEN 658 class, and it was enough to give me a solid foundation.

GIS Tutorials/Presentations/Excersise

I don't have particular leads, but check out all the big environmental consulting firms if you haven't already. HDR, CH2M Hill, URS/AECOM, Cardno, Tetra Tech, Terracon, Manntech, Parsons, Cardno, TRC, etc.

A few that I know have relatively strong presences in TX: CSA, Trinity, Marstel-Day, Sage, Amec, Fluor... there's a bunch.

I'd also check the universities. Several of my co-workers have been nabbed by universities or the feds. Which reminds me, check usajobs.gov as well. I will say, most of those fed jobs are rigged for a particular person, in my experience (usually a consultant that the feds want to bring on full time/internal). Cities and municipalities are another source to check. I work with several of these, and most have some internal environmental/GIS staff in addition to using us as contractors. One of my best friends does planning/GIS for City of Denver and another good buddy is GIS specialist with Colorado State.

That brings up another good point. I kind of get tickled when people say "willing to relocate...... to Houston or Dallas". There's 49 other states and a whole bunch of countries out there. Limiting yourself to 4 major cities in TX really hamstrings you, especially if you're looking entry-level. If you're young and/or single, get out and see the country/world, get your entry level job wherever you can get it, and in a few years you have standing to move within your company to relocate back to TX or experience to better your odds with another company in TX. Just my two cents.

Best of luck!

This has been such a depressing process.

Finally had an interview. It sounded like they were just looking for bodies to go pound stakes and I was over qualified for the position (I'm willing to do so if it means a foot in the door).

Spent time in DFW knocking on doors. Pretty much everywhere wasn't hiring. Went to do the same in San Antonio and after talking to one place, got the same vibe. It seems that those who are hiring want a minimum of 2 years experience, or they are hiring for the extremely entry-level positions and think I'm over qualified.

Starting to wonder if it would be worthwhile to get an Associates in GIS or CAD/Drafting. Or to get one in IT/Network Systems and switch to a field that is better long term.

^ Anyone?

TPWD had a few jobs posted in their fisheries.

Just an idea. Good luck

I could use someone inWichita falls. 3d scanning, surveying,etc. id love to expand and get some gis jobs. Basically I'd like someone who can come in with some ambition and help grow the company.

Obviously youd be paid at a party chief rate at first whie you learn but where it goes from there would be entirely up to you

Edit: also you would be required to get your RPLS as soon as you could.

quote:

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I could use someone inWichita falls. 3d scanning, surveying,etc. id love to expand and get some gis jobs. Basically I'd like someone who can come in with some ambition and help grow the company.

Obviously youd be paid at a party chief rate at first whie you learn but where it goes from there would be entirely up to you

Edit: also you would be required to get your RPLS as soon as you could.

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Email sent

Got it. Its been a hell of a day. Ill get back to you on the morrow

And thanks

quote:

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Got it. Its been a hell of a day. Ill get back to you on the morrow

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No problem.

I welcome the opportunity to provide you a complimentary resume review and assessment. No obligation. No strings.

http://texags.com/forums/18/topics/2766393/replies/46804417

www.jamespshelley.com

Any interest in teaching? Mathematics specifically?

quote:

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Any interest in teaching? Mathematics specifically?

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Negative on teaching. Mother is a teacher, and I know plenty of other who are or have taught.

My mother jokingly says that I'm out of the will if I become a teacher.

Still looking.

Still looking. Nothing but a bunch of dead ends lately.

If San Antonio is at the top of your list here are the companies I would call on...

Raba-Kistner
Terracon
Alpha Testing
Burge-Martinez
Arias

Check out San Antonio Water System saws.org. they have a few water quality positions in their labs if you are interested in that.