Cross post from Job network board. Figured there might be a wealth of knowledge from so OBers.

Need some advice from anyone that is or related to the surveying field.

I have a CoSci degree and employed with a large firm as as Project Engineer, but I've been getting the itch to go back in the field and get my surveyors license. I can go to A&M corpus for 2 years to get my classes in and qualify for my Surveyor in Training exam (SIT). Then 2 years working under a licensed surveyor before taking the exam to get my license. Eventually I'd like to start my own surveying company. TAMUCC offers two curriculum : Geomatics ir Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Any advice on the current surveying industry and what I can expect when I graduate? Also which curriculum I should pursue?

Thanks in advance.

The answer to the header question is "Maybe". Don't go back to school for it though. Your CoSC BS is plenty for the hours you need.

My survey job (and lots of my past career and most of my future outlook) is an office job. Consider yourself warned.

We need some field engineers in Austin for a large GC if you want to dabble in the surveying side of things first. Will definitely get you out of the office.

schmellba99 said:

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If being behind a gun or level is the ideal world for you, then sure - have at it. Find what makes you happy and pursue that (I'm still looking, BTW).

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If that's what you wanna do then getting your license is completely unnecessary.
As was mentioned above, a license is almost an assured life sentence behind a desk. It can be great, just make sure you know what you're getting into.

I own my own (inherited) Surveying company in North Texas. My days of late consist of 7a-12p in the office 12p-5p in the field and 8p-11p in the office.

This morning started for me at 0530. Was at a client's site at 0630 setting corners for a new house. If you want to be an RPLS and still get in the field expect to work really long hours.

Agneck nailed it. Im constanly dealing with customers that think I can come out and do work for $20.

agneck said:

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Starting a surveying business is not that hard to do. Initial investment is manageable.. people are begging for surveyors. Problem is that surveyors are old school and work too cheap.

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Lot of retirements and clean living are mopping up some of this crowd. It's a good time to be young (ish) and registered.

normaleagle05 said:

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agneck said:

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Starting a surveying business is not that hard to do. Initial investment is manageable.. people are begging for surveyors. Problem is that surveyors are old school and work too cheap.

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Lot of retirements and clean living are mopping up some of this crowd. It's a good time to be young (ish) and registered.

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Lets partner up

If you can succeed in making the switch, go for it.

I spent all of last summer and early fall applying (online and in person), and only had a handful of response/interviews. But nothing came from them. I was even applying for rodman jobs, to get my foot in the door and gain experience. I have some collegiate background in the field from A&MCC, but none of it was true hands on field work.

I'm still interested in it, especially for the long term prospects of having a career. The only reason I went back to the oilfield was because I'd been out of work for 10 months, and an opportunity with a former employer popped up. I'd like to get out of the oilfield, due to the long term un-sureness. Plus sleeping on a cheap twin mattress for 3-4 weeks at a time, is getting old.

If any of ya'll in the field have any leads, I'd appreciate them.

P.S. This reminds me, I need to start bringing my laptop with me more, so that I can brush up my gis knowledge/skills.

This may bear some discussion and barbeque.

Yeah I've done the whole field engineer position and have since been promoted to PE but I really did love doing all of the building and site layout with the total station, auto-level, and lasers.

To be honest I did not know that most people who get their license stay inside. Are the long hours mentioned above due to a high volume of work for your company or is that normal even when work isn't that busy?

Sounds like you really enjoy the measurement science. If you think you'd like land surveying I'd encourage you to explore it as a career option. Just know that all the measurement land surveyors do is a tool in the box for doing a much different job.

Most of the work I do as a land surveyor are tasks I'm hired to do because my client knows I have the measurement (and/or positioning) expertise, but it isn't what I'm licensed to do and it doesnt require a license. Topographic surveys, construction staking, machinery layout, etc.

The reasoning for the long hours varies, lots of workaholics in land surveying.

I started my Engineering and Surveying company in 1976, when you could use your PE to survey. My surveyor's number was 2777. Surveying is like engineering for development....boom and bust, with the economy. If you want your own company, and want to make a comfortable living, you will be in the office doing PR, marketing, personnel, fighting lawyers, etc while you have employees doing what you would like to do. I eventually sold my business for the same reasons....lawyers, personnel issues, finances, and not doing what I loved.

I will say, I would likely do it again and stuck it out for 13 years. The company is still going strong in North Texas. It us very fulfilling being your own boss, but also a lot of responsibility and pressure. FYI.

My long hours are mainly due to a small company i am trying to grow. And to get out in the field at all requires them.

To get a surveying job contact HMT in new braunfels tx. They are all aggies.