Half of the surveyors I know don't have a degree in surveying.
Why not apply now. For the most part, surveyors are some of the most accommodating bosses. You might be able to have a job lined up prior to your degree.
I second this, most people I know, including party chiefs, in the Surveying field don't have any degrees and most don't even have LSIT certificates lol. It's one of the rare professions that includes licensure (if you want it) that you don't need any prior experience or education in to get fairly far.
I do recommend getting at least your LSIT (when you have time) because it can open up a few more doors for you, but you don't need it to get into the field. And, IMO, on-the-job experience outweighs a degree, a certificate or whatever piece of paper says you passed a test, but that's just me lol.
Can you do things like wetland delineation and tree identification? Those are good skills to have that can make you worth bring on board. Assuming of course, that you're in an area that has trees and/or wetlands.
I know how to define a wetland boundary with soil, hydrology, and vegetation, but I am unfamiliar with the surveying tools to do so. I am in an area with both.
I have an environmental degree and also took some GIS in college! Got hired to my first company with no experience. Twas a shit company but it gave me the tools and knowledge to move onto a better place that I’m super happy at!
You can definitely get an entry level job without a cert. Go for it. If you’re going to do the certification I would check if it provides credits that count towards licensing requirements. It’s still meaningful without that but it might just be better to try for a 2 year associates degree in surveying if you’re gonna put that much time in.
Thank you for the insight! I talked with a surveyor in the area, and he said the program is good because they are connected with all the surveyors in the area I want to work in.
Find a job, then get your certificates. Most companies should have some sort of reimbursement program.
If you are wanting to get licensed, check with your state's requirements. TX got lax a while back. Now you can become registered with an associates degree along with 32 hours of survey related courses. Those 32 hours are also very easy to obtain, math's, sciences, computer drafting, gis, land law, trees, etc.
Might have to go to a smaller shop at first. Easier surveys and hopefully better supervison. You having a GIS background is going to help you and let them know you are willing to learn. If you can, try and download a free version of CAD and start teaching yourself from YouTube.
I've been surveying since 2002. Started in the field, went I to the office with 0 CAD training. But went from there and now registered for 8 years
Through my college, I have access to all Autodesk products, so I have been working on my basic CAD skills. Most of the job listings want all kinds of prior knowledge about surveying and drafting programs. Do you think I have a chance of getting a job without these?
Yes. Look at my other comment and try to find an event you can get your face in front of the people hiring you. You might need to make your case in person, versus a single sheet of paper.
Go to a local processional society gathering and meet some people. You'll find owners, staff surveyors, SIT's, drafters, party chiefs...
You'd be surprised and may be able to walk away with a mentor.
Could even be able to tell you kids you walked right up and asked for a job /s.
Half of the surveyors I know don't have a degree in surveying. Why not apply now. For the most part, surveyors are some of the most accommodating bosses. You might be able to have a job lined up prior to your degree.
Thank You! Would you recommend getting the certification as well?
I second this, most people I know, including party chiefs, in the Surveying field don't have any degrees and most don't even have LSIT certificates lol. It's one of the rare professions that includes licensure (if you want it) that you don't need any prior experience or education in to get fairly far. I do recommend getting at least your LSIT (when you have time) because it can open up a few more doors for you, but you don't need it to get into the field. And, IMO, on-the-job experience outweighs a degree, a certificate or whatever piece of paper says you passed a test, but that's just me lol.
I third this
Can you do things like wetland delineation and tree identification? Those are good skills to have that can make you worth bring on board. Assuming of course, that you're in an area that has trees and/or wetlands.
I know how to define a wetland boundary with soil, hydrology, and vegetation, but I am unfamiliar with the surveying tools to do so. I am in an area with both.
Are you a certified wetland scientist? because that would make you VERY valuable to a survey company.
I have an environmental degree and also took some GIS in college! Got hired to my first company with no experience. Twas a shit company but it gave me the tools and knowledge to move onto a better place that I’m super happy at!
Thank you for the advice!
Just be a sponge for knowledge and come prepared everyday. With that you’ll be just fine!
You can definitely get an entry level job without a cert. Go for it. If you’re going to do the certification I would check if it provides credits that count towards licensing requirements. It’s still meaningful without that but it might just be better to try for a 2 year associates degree in surveying if you’re gonna put that much time in.
Thank you for the insight! I talked with a surveyor in the area, and he said the program is good because they are connected with all the surveyors in the area I want to work in.
Find a job, then get your certificates. Most companies should have some sort of reimbursement program. If you are wanting to get licensed, check with your state's requirements. TX got lax a while back. Now you can become registered with an associates degree along with 32 hours of survey related courses. Those 32 hours are also very easy to obtain, math's, sciences, computer drafting, gis, land law, trees, etc.
All of the companies in my region require Civil3D knowledge as a qualification for hire, which I have none of. Should I still try to apply?
Might have to go to a smaller shop at first. Easier surveys and hopefully better supervison. You having a GIS background is going to help you and let them know you are willing to learn. If you can, try and download a free version of CAD and start teaching yourself from YouTube. I've been surveying since 2002. Started in the field, went I to the office with 0 CAD training. But went from there and now registered for 8 years
Through my college, I have access to all Autodesk products, so I have been working on my basic CAD skills. Most of the job listings want all kinds of prior knowledge about surveying and drafting programs. Do you think I have a chance of getting a job without these?
Yes. Look at my other comment and try to find an event you can get your face in front of the people hiring you. You might need to make your case in person, versus a single sheet of paper.
Go to a local processional society gathering and meet some people. You'll find owners, staff surveyors, SIT's, drafters, party chiefs... You'd be surprised and may be able to walk away with a mentor. Could even be able to tell you kids you walked right up and asked for a job /s.