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Best States For Surveying

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(@matt-mckeegan)
Posts: 9
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I've been in business for myself since 2005 and have licensed in five states. I would like to get a sense of what the best states are for surveying opportunities in terms of working for large firms (maybe multi-state), economy, possible long term employment, or possible subcontract work, etc. Also is there a national registry of job listings? Any information would be helpful. I may have a move in the future (within 1-2 years, or less). Currently am in Mississippi. Lots of small, blood from a turnip boundary surveys. No complaints, but circumstances may prompt a relocation. Licensing would not be a problem (can license within 6-12 months depending on the state). Thanks.

 
Posted : 17/06/2017 11:44 am
(@thebionicman)
Posts: 4437
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The Northwest is on fire right now if you have the right skill set. You have to do your homework as the cost of living can vary dramatically in a relatively short distance. Giod luck

 
Posted : 17/06/2017 11:58 am
(@nate-the-surveyor)
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Any place retracing Jerry Penry, it's gonna be good!
N

 
Posted : 17/06/2017 12:43 pm
(@tommy-young)
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Inebriated.

 
Posted : 17/06/2017 2:00 pm
(@kent-mcmillan)
Posts: 11419
 

Or at least mild sedation.

 
Posted : 17/06/2017 3:44 pm
(@tommy-young)
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On a serious note, Nashville is booming.

 
Posted : 17/06/2017 5:42 pm
(@bk9196)
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Matt McKeegan, post: 433032, member: 12709 wrote: I've been in business for myself since 2005 and have licensed in five states. I would like to get a sense of what the best states are for surveying opportunities in terms of working for large firms (maybe multi-state), economy, possible long term employment, or possible subcontract work, etc. Also is there a national registry of job listings? Any information would be helpful. I may have a move in the future (within 1-2 years, or less). Currently am in Mississippi. Lots of small, blood from a turnip boundary surveys. No complaints, but circumstances may prompt a relocation. Licensing would not be a problem (can license within 6-12 months depending on the state). Thanks.

Man, you're licensed in 5 states, look into marketing your skillset.

 
Posted : 17/06/2017 6:19 pm
(@jon-collins)
Posts: 395
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Yes northwest is fire. Seems Florida and Texas always hiring. But I won't tell you the usa best kept secret is the plains. Average cost of living, average wage, best quality of life.

 
Posted : 17/06/2017 6:47 pm
(@hillsidesurveyor)
Posts: 95
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Any recording state

 
Posted : 18/06/2017 6:56 am
(@mark-mayer)
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The best place to survey is near where you live. Where do you want to live?

 
Posted : 18/06/2017 7:49 am
(@chris-bouffard)
Posts: 1440
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Matt McKeegan, post: 433032, member: 12709 wrote: I've been in business for myself since 2005 and have licensed in five states. I would like to get a sense of what the best states are for surveying opportunities in terms of working for large firms (maybe multi-state), economy, possible long term employment, or possible subcontract work, etc. Also is there a national registry of job listings? Any information would be helpful. I may have a move in the future (within 1-2 years, or less). Currently am in Mississippi. Lots of small, blood from a turnip boundary surveys. No complaints, but circumstances may prompt a relocation. Licensing would not be a problem (can license within 6-12 months depending on the state). Thanks.

There are many more things to consider when it comes down to the "best States to survey". First and foremost would be your experience, I'm assuming that you work primarily in Public Land (aka rectangular) states. The second thing to consider is the cost of living. I have surveyed my whole 33 year career in NJ and the cost of living here compared to Mississippi would blow your mind, not to mention the taxes and regulation. Working in the 13 Colonial states is far different than working in the public land system states and often requires good detective skills to track down needed documents.
I think you'll find that the pay is always better in Metro areas, but again, cost of living and expenses go with the higher pay.
I run a survey department in NJ and live 45 minutes from Philly and a little over an hour from NYC. Except for the specific town that my office is in, development here in NJ has been relatively flat since the market crashed and it's difficult to make a living out of title surveys for re sales unless you are very well connected in the real estate and title company circles.
If you want to look into firms that have a multi state foot print I would suggest starting with a look at Dewberry although I'm not sure how far out west their presence is but they are a large successful firm.
I'm not aware of any national registry but I would consider posting your resume on CareerBuilder.com, that's where the recruiters go to find candidates and most of the larger firms retain recruiters to fill their professional positions.
I hope some of this helps and good luck!

 
Posted : 18/06/2017 9:03 am
(@matt-mckeegan)
Posts: 9
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Chris Bouffard, post: 433118, member: 12313 wrote: There are many more things to consider when it comes down to the "best States to survey". First and foremost would be your experience, I'm assuming that you work primarily in Public Land (aka rectangular) states. The second thing to consider is the cost of living. I have surveyed my whole 33 year career in NJ and the cost of living here compared to Mississippi would blow your mind, not to mention the taxes and regulation. Working in the 13 Colonial states is far different than working in the public land system states and often requires good detective skills to track down needed documents.
I think you'll find that the pay is always better in Metro areas, but again, cost of living and expenses go with the higher pay.
I run a survey department in NJ and live 45 minutes from Philly and a little over an hour from NYC. Except for the specific town that my office is in, development here in NJ has been relatively flat since the market crashed and it's difficult to make a living out of title surveys for re sales unless you are very well connected in the real estate and title company circles.
If you want to look into firms that have a multi state foot print I would suggest starting with a look at Dewberry although I'm not sure how far out west their presence is but they are a large successful firm.
I'm not aware of any national registry but I would consider posting your resume on CareerBuilder.com, that's where the recruiters go to find candidates and most of the larger firms retain recruiters to fill their professional positions.
I hope some of this helps and good luck!

Thanks!

 
Posted : 18/06/2017 9:21 am
(@matt-mckeegan)
Posts: 9
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Mark Mayer, post: 433104, member: 424 wrote: The best place to survey is near where you live. Where do you want to live?

Has a lot to do with where She wants to live and work...

 
Posted : 18/06/2017 9:22 am
(@chris-bouffard)
Posts: 1440
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Matt McKeegan, post: 433126, member: 12709 wrote: Has a lot to do with where She wants to live and work...

I can understand that for sure, at 52, I'm pretty much locked into NJ until my daughter graduates and have no wife to consider but I also have absolutely no interest in relocating to anywhere outside the town I live in because of the outstanding quality of life. I'm at 5 figures now with a full partnership in the works from the company I started the Survey department for.
I may downsize soon as it is only my daughter and I is a home that is much larger than we need but have had some pretty attractive offers, even in NJ, to relocate for a higher rate of pay and turned them down.
Like I said, post your resume, you will have to create a profile and it will ask if you are willing to relocate. I know somebody that also got laid off when the market crashed and interviewed with a firm in TX, they flew him out and back, he accepted their offer and they paid for his housing until the kids got out of school for the summer and also paid his moving expenses.
Post your profile and resume and I guarantee you will be contacted with opportunities.

 
Posted : 18/06/2017 9:35 am
(@dwayne)
Posts: 20
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Besides the mid-day summers, Arizona has good working conditions & substantial growth. There is no machete, axe, or chain saw line clearing, little digging for monuments, & wide open reception for GPS. If inclined to do so, you can wear shorts & tennis shoes all year. There are practically no flies, mosquitos, or chiggers in the desert areas.

 
Posted : 20/06/2017 4:28 am
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