Soonermapper, post: 353712, member: 10973 wrote: Cool. I think I'd like that or probably making topo maps. I think that would be a super fun job.
There are guys that get a lot of work doing topographic site drawings for architects. There is also the ground control for aerial topography and/or lidar scanning. Not sure how picky you can be, and getting survey job would be a lot of good outdoor work (and these days probably office work downloading and/or processing the survey data).
Soonermapper,
I apologize if this is repeated information, I haven't read the entire string. If you're interested in Federal work, apply for the survey technician positions listed on the USAjobs website. Your veteran status will give you some "status points" (not sure of the correct term) which will help you make more lists. There are many veterans moving into these federal service positions after serving in our armed forces. The survey tech positions are generally GS 4 to 5 positions depending on experience and usually seasonal in length. This a great way to get an idea of the type of work the BLM/USFS surveyors.
If you want to chat some more, send me a message and I'd be happy to answer some questions.
Roger
Ex submarine nuke turned surveyor here, in what state are you located?
Go to the closest U.S. Forest Service Office and talk with there Surveyor or at least call him.
Roger Pedactor, post: 353746, member: 8189 wrote: Soonermapper,
I apologize if this is repeated information, I haven't read the entire string. If you're interested in Federal work, apply for the survey technician positions listed on the USAjobs website. Your veteran status will give you some "status points" (not sure of the correct term) which will help you make more lists. There are many veterans moving into these federal service positions after serving in our armed forces. The survey tech positions are generally GS 4 to 5 positions depending on experience and usually seasonal in length. This a great way to get an idea of the type of work the BLM/USFS surveyors.
If you want to chat some more, send me a message and I'd be happy to answer some questions.
Roger
Thanks Roger. I've been hearing that surveyors usually start out pretty low in the GS pay scale. Maybe I should stick with GIS Analyst? Not as much fun, but probably better pay. I currently am a GS-9 and will promote to GS-11 this June, so I don't want to take less than that.
WGD, post: 353801, member: 8001 wrote: Ex submarine nuke turned surveyor here, in what state are you located?
Hey WGD. I'm a retired Chief E-6B Flight Engineer. I live in the Oklahoma City area.
Bushwhacker, post: 353805, member: 10727 wrote: Go to the closest U.S. Forest Service Office and talk with there Surveyor or at least call him.
That's a great idea Bushwhacker. Thanks!
The reality of surveying and the dream of surveying sometimes are not the same.
Go to a local surveyor, and ask simply to shadow him for a day.
If you get a good personable one, and get mud on your boots, and outdoors on your jacket, and you like it, do it again. And again. And again. And you like it.... Well there ya go!
If not, you might try another surveyor.
You will learn, see, and participate.
You'll soon know if it's for you.
Nate.
