So I've been in the surveying trade for about 20 years, give or take. Seventeen of those years have been with my current employer. During that time I've done most types of terrestrial surveying to include mobile mapping and aerial but one thing I've never done is layout of a large project such as a bridge. Sure, I've as-built my share of large structures when I was surveying for the local DOTs but nothing on the layout side of things.
I now get my chance to do that. I'm ending my tenure at my current employer to start a new one as a field surveyor/supervisor. I'm taking all of the years of survey knowledge I've gained and going to put it to use with boots on the ground and we're going to get it done! I'm really excited for this new chapter in my life. I'm excited to see the progress of my hard work and see what we can build. As a bonus, my son is at the same company and doing the same thing, just on a different project.
I'm working my two week notice this week and next, then I'm taking a week of time to see friends and pack. The second week of March I'll be in South Dakota for the duration. Wish me luck!
Cheers!
T. Nelson - SAM
for the duration of what??ÿ south dakota??ÿ this week didn't kick enough teeth out??ÿ lmao- happy trails, good luck.?ÿ i've been to south dakota once- in 1986.?ÿ we ate at what i think had to be the original jack in the box- in yankton.?ÿ looked like a set piece from attack of the 50 foot woman.
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Hmmm.?ÿ Noticing a trend on this board, with all vectors pointing AWAY from The Big Survey Machine, Inc!
Good luck on your next chapter!
Hmmm.?ÿ Noticing a trend on this board, with all vectors pointing AWAY from The Big Survey Machine, Inc!
I not only think this is a common step for a lot of surveyors; I think it is a step that is necessary for the profession to flourish in new environs.?ÿ
"The Big Survey Machine, Inc." is a definitely solid fixture in the industry.?ÿ But time and time again it seems they fall short in providing a professional intimacy to the client.?ÿ There is so much more that can be done for a client without the eye-popping price tags.
Cookie cutters are for cookies.
Best of luck!?ÿ In my younger years in the field I enjoyed taking a large project from the initial outbound and topo survey to it's developed completion.?ÿ Many of them took several years before completed with thousands upon thousands of stakes being pounded in all extremes of weather.?ÿ I look back fondly on those days, but don't miss them.?ÿ A few years before I became licensed I moved into the office to learn the office end, boundary resolutions and layout calcs at the beginning of the data collector age.?ÿ Flash ahead over three decades, I'm still in management, and, a little less than 5 years ago started a survey department for a small engineering firm of about 10 people.?ÿ Yesterday, I purchased a sets of new robotic TS and GPS to equip my 5th crew, with the new truck being delivered in two weeks.?ÿ It's truly a rewarding career, especially when you see what you started run to completion with your involvement from beginning to end.?ÿ What I enjoy most these days is the mentoring aspect of my position.?ÿ Regardless of the new technology, old school ways of thinking, checking, and reading deeds and plans remain important, instead of being just a touch key robot.?ÿ Enjoy your new endeavor and exposure to a different aspect of the career, it's important not to stay in the same place doing the same things, day in and day out.?ÿ If you ever have an urge to come to NJ, look me up, I'm always looking for good people!
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Sounds like a lot of fun.?ÿ I grew up in North Dakota and both states are very pretty, imo.?ÿ It took me about 30 years for the winters to drive me away so in hindsight a 3-year project sounds just about right.
In my early years I work for the Oregon DOT. Building Hwys, Bridges and all kinds of stuff. Interchanges were particularly challenging. It was a great learning experience.
Good luck and make sure your plumb bob and handlevel are in good adjustment, HA!
Prepare your youngsters for some radical changes, if you have any still at home.?ÿ Both weather and local political scene.?ÿ You will still be two states away from Mom and Pop out on the farm, just in the opposite direction.?ÿ
Wally World a mile south of the fort in 1991 was my first big adventure.?ÿ Of course it's now Tractor Supply and other things because about 10 years ago they had to climb to the top of the hill and look newer and bigger next to the new (now abandoned) hospital.?ÿ Heck, my job was replacing the first version of Wally World there.?ÿ I think WardKraft is in that building.
BTW, it was more than 20 years ago when you set your first section corner on November 18, 2000.
Congrats! I too just left. I swear it feels so good! Congrats and best of luck!?ÿ
N10,000, E7,000, Z100.00
PLS - IL, MO, AR, KS, MN, KY
Dakota. Dress warm. Electric jacket. Battery powered socks. Whole head hat.?ÿ
Ahem. The really, really big money is to be made in the construction industry.
Thats awesome! Beautiful mountains and wide open spaces up there.
Bon voyage and keep posting on the details!!
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J
Wide open spaces is an understatement if that's possible.?ÿ You can see the car you will meet coming at you for at least five minutes and you are both exceeding the posted speed limit.
The tom cats carry suitcases when they go prowling.?ÿ The hawks have to carry their own posts to sit on when they tire of flying.?ÿ The storks run a relay service akin to the pony express method of delivery.
No youngsters at home. Youngest is about to be 26 and surveying for a bridge over Lake Texoma. I??m one proud papa for sure!
Yeah, folks have already asked if I??m going to visit.?ÿ
One of my best memories, to be honest. Those were good times and I appreciate everything you taught me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with this punk kid back then.?ÿ
T. Nelson - SAM
I saw your departure ticket come through the system (I see all HelpDesk tickets being in the AT dept).?ÿ
Good luck to you as well!?ÿ
T. Nelson - SAM
Well, I don??t plan to become registered at any point so I feel this is a good road to take. I can??t do CAD support for the rest of my life, I feel.?ÿ
Granted, doing consulting or drafting services may be an option at some point. Time will tell.?ÿ
T. Nelson - SAM
Thanks J! I??m really excited! I??ve been to SD before but I was a young in?? and I??m ready to return.?ÿ
T. Nelson - SAM