We’re planning on moving to the Bismarck, ND area as early as next summer. How’s the surveying community in that area? I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon, and I’m hoping someone will hire an older person.
I grew up in Minot and have been to/through Bismarck a number of times. Not sure what the survey scene is like down there though. I assume there's a ton of work due to the oil stuff happening out by Williston.
I really enjoyed working out around Dickinson a decade ago. I miss the days of not having to worry about vegetation and GPS. Nearest tree is over in MN somewhere...
Not sure what their needs are but doing construction survey for HDR out of their Bismarck office might be an option for you particularly if you're licensed. Construction survey for DOT jobs is done by the state or subcontract parallel to the construction administration contract and not by the contractor. Construction Management group with Joel and Jason at HDR were great to work for. Wife wanted to move otherwise I'd have stay a quite a while I think.
I'm glad I grew up there and I love visiting in the summer, but the winters are nasty. Like @simongilliland said there are few trees so wind that starts in Montana does not stop until it hits Minnesota. In the middle of winter that got really, really, really old for me. 😆
spent winter on ft peck reservation west of Minot. Spent time in Minot and Dickinson in the early 80's. Remember a restaurant in Minor whose theme/menu changed and was a different country/culture every day. Wolf Point was depressing with alcoholism and mental illness. Some members of reservation took pleasure in shooting up my F250 with a rifle and broadcasting the kill on the radio.
Cold place to survey in the winter. Moose hide lined mittens, snow boots, block heaters and Carhart insulated coveralls layered up inside. All to ward off that cold cut bank Montana wind that blew in from the west.
Just learn the North Dakota state song and sing it at the interview, you’ll be a shoe-in…..
n is for the n in North Dakota
o is for the o in North Dakota
r is for the r in North Dakota….
😉 😉 😉 😉 😉
Cold place to survey in the winter.
I'm anticipating not working for several months in the winter. Isn't that normal for the northern latitudes?
Used to know a fellow whose childhood was spent in Minot. He explained that his father was a recruiter for the Navy. I guess that makes sense to those forced to live there during their childhood years. One heck of a long ways to anywhere that would float a big boat.
@field-dog Not necessarily. Lot of work in the oil patch happens here in winter and it's a lot easier getting around with all the wetlands. Really all just depends on what kind of work you're doing. I try and save up as much drafting work as I can for those winter days it's just too ugly to go out.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
I'm anticipating not working for several months in the winter. Isn't that normal for the northern latitudes?
You would think so, but I ended up doing some fieldwork in the winter anyway.
My nephew got stationed in Minot for six years in the Air Force. They said there was a beautiful girl behind every tree. Turns out there aren't any trees there and minus 57 degrees ambient temperature.
@tom-bushelman I think that joke is older than I am.
Did your nephew bring a rice rocket with him? That's a classic wing nut mistake.
Cold place to survey in the winter.
I'm anticipating not working for several months in the winter. Isn't that normal for the northern latitudes?
Hahaha,,,,that's so cute.
Being from Florida you should have heard of Mickey (mouse) boots. Might want to find some or something similar. Mine were military surplus, used them for many years then got something less extreme but more comfortable (way more expensive). Summer boots, fall boots, winter boots, wet boots, build the foundation from the ground up.
And no, surveying doesn't stop just cause it's winter.
Being from Florida you should have heard of Mickey (mouse) boots. Might want to find some or something similar. Mine were military surplus, used them for many years then got something less extreme but more comfortable (way more expensive). Summer boots, fall boots, winter boots, wet boots, build the foundation from the ground up.
Never heard of Mickey (mouse) boots. Looking forward to going on a cold-weather attire shopping spree.
Did your nephew bring a rice rocket with him? That's a classic wing nut mistake.
He did start off with a low slung Mustang GT up there. Ended up with an F-250 before he switched to the dark side and went Dodge.
Oh yeah, and we don't survey in rain here in the Pacific NorthWet.
That reminds me, I need to go grease my boots. Winter is coming.
we called them Bunny Boots and made fun of the prima donnas who wore them. Little did we know they were far more comfortable and warm as our Sorels
@hpalmer Bunny boots, if they fill with water, say you get caught in overflow on a frozen lake and water gets inside, they will warm the water up and not lose their insulation value, however if it's a pack boot with a felt liner, like Sorels, they become completely useless to keep your feet from freezing. Worthless.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.