Well.... I posted on here awhile back with a question. I got many answers. So I set out to give it a try. Sadly, I never had a single call back or reply through mail. Now I know it's hard with no experience, but any pointers? I even started applying with some pipeline companies, nothing.
I've been discouraged and let time slip btwn the cracks for weeks at a time but I always come back and try again. I know women work this field and most start as rodman, so now I'm really confused to my problem. I have an associates in system technologies and 2 semesters from graduating in Cisco at the time in '03, but was ready to set out and work so I didn't complete my final 2 semesters for my 2nd degree. When it come to hard work I'm no stranger. My dad's a logger & I've helped w the saws. I've did my share of maintenance in Colorado in crawl spaces w busted copper pipes (property manager), level mobile Homes, small janitorial business owner handling harsh chemicals and so forth....... So why is it so hard for me in this field getting work?
I've even stayed on top of companies with calls & emails.
I just want that chance to prove myself!
Thanks in advance, any advice is good advice at this point.
I would of course like to work pipeline survey!! I know all to well how the schedules, hours and atmosphere takes it's tole.
No one was hiring in surveying around here since 2008, until this summer. The economy is starting to look better so keep trying. It is not just you who has been getting turned down.
A rodman is a good place to start, but why not get a degree in surveying. Then you can become much more than a rodman. Sounds like you have no trouble with school.
Best of Luck
Thanks Scott For reply. Honestly, I don't relish the idea going back to school. I've considered it, but I'd like to work the field some and get familiar with what's to be expected before committing to a degree I know nothing of. I hope that makes sense. I'm sure I'll enjoy it, but would like that hands on, first.
Lose The Come Hither Avatar, Female Sex Symbol & Name
Image is important, as in look serious.
Even if Belle is your given name, do not lead with it.
Then get some education.
Rodman seems easy, but fairly useless to any firm if you cannot do more.
A degree is not neccessary but education shows you are interested in the field.
Choices are kind of thin in LA, Nicholls State seems too intense for your liking.
Consider distance learning, any intro course in geomatics.
At a minimum take an AutoCAD course at any community college. It may be the difference in getting that first rodman job, that a firm knows you can do something else when fieldwork slows.
Stop in the nearest Carpenters Union Hall and check out an apprenticeship program.
Also post some more info on your actual education and current work experience.
The women I know in surveying all began with education.
Rodmen do not just wander around then stand still, they must know why they are where they are and were to go next. They have to be able to find the right stuff to be shot. The guy at the other end of the gun does not want to direct your steps, nor walk you around prior to him doing his job.
In fact in most two man crews the rodman knows more than the instrument man.
Paul in PA
Refuse to deny who & what I am ... Far from a fake & liar!
I wasn't aware, Paul, I was on indeed or LinkedIn. I'm merely on a forum. I see your point to an extent, but I also see your insults sticking out as sore thumbs. Avatar as sex symbol? I don't remember cleavage showing or even a smile across my face. Just A simple black & white photo. Is this where another issue occurs due to me placing a face shot of myself, just as others? Or Due to me being a split tail? I will not apologize for my photo nor my name. I choose to use my nick name on a public site. I see nothing wrong with that.
Get some education you say? Well my time spend in school, after graduation and beyond, I've learned you always want to learn as much as you can about a profession before committing. I don't know about you, but not all us can throw money into the pot for a profession we aren't to familiar with. So once again, I believe, by me requesting experience and hands on is pretty responsible.
Lastly, I will not apply for a party chief of coordinator position without becoming a rodman first. So of course applying for that position says I have no experience. Kinda common sense don't ya think?
Btw I do know how to apply with a company using my real name, but thank you for the heads up. O & if Belle was my real name, what would you suggest then? Lie on my application.
BELLE
One point, the rodman (or woman) is NOT an entry level position on a typical crew. So if that's what you are applying for with zero experience, it might be hurting your chances to get a foot in the door. I would focus on being a "quick learner" with some technical skills to show you could pick up operating an instrument.
Good luck!
Refuse to deny who & what I am ... Far from a fake & liar!
Hell, if I had any employees I'd hire you just for your response to Paul. Now that's a surveyor kinda post!
Refuse to deny who & what I am ... Far from a fake & liar!
:good:
Wow, very tacky Paul
At best. rude and sexist more likely.
exactly- the rod sets the pace of the crew.
good advice from Andy-
Thanks for the input and luck, Andy. I'll keep that in mind..... I have a few friends in the survey business. Some rodman and 1 party chief. From my understanding that's the position I'll need to start trying to apply. I'm actually engaged to an I-man. We've traveled a lot with his work. He is currently with a company that doesn't hire couples. Plus this is something I'm wanting to do on my own. I'll appreciate any position greater in doing so.
No!
First click on your name, belle is followed by the female sex symbol O over +, that is all.
I said do not lead with Belle, as if that was all there is.
Also post some more info on your actual education and current work experience.
Systems Technology, how strong is your math?
How about Excel?
The women I know in surveying all began with education.
Rodmen do not just wander around then stand still, they must know why they are where they are and were to go next. They have to be able to find the right stuff to be shot. The guy at the other end of the gun does not want to direct your steps, nor walk you around prior to him doing his job.
In fact in most two man crews the rodman knows more than the instrument man.
The rodman as a simple starting starting position disappeared with the 3 to 4 man survey crew. Being in the timber industry might have also helped 50-100 years ago when survey crews had axemen.
Education does not have to be a financial investment, you can instead invest time.
Some self education suggestions:
Go to a Boy Scout Shop, buy Drafting, Engineering, Orienteering and Surveying merit badge books.
Buy a see through plastic compass that you can overlay on a map.
Get some local USGS maps.
Volunteer as a Scout leader if you like.
Join an orienteering or geocaching club to learn more.
Get a handheld GPS or a GPS app for your phone.
Go to a courthouse and find out how to find deeds. Get the deed for where you live. Better yet if you can get the filed map for your neighborhood.
Paul in PA
Wow, very tacky Paul
My thoughts exactly.
exactly- the rod sets the pace of the crew.
Agreed.
> Thanks for the input and luck, Andy. I'll keep that in mind..... I have a few friends in the survey business. Some rodman and 1 party chief. From my understanding that's the position I'll need to start trying to apply. I'm actually engaged to an I-man. We've traveled a lot with his work. He is currently with a company that doesn't hire couples. Plus this is something I'm wanting to do on my own. I'll appreciate any position greater in doing so.
Just a thought... Have you asked at your fiancee's company if they know of any openings at another firm ?? Surveyors are usually pretty tight, they might have a contact with another local firm. As a business owner, I know if a fellow surveyor called me to give someone a chance, I'd be more likely to say yes than just getting a resume.
No!
Epic back pedaling!!!
Actually I'm glad you brought that up. Yes, I recently went to a local company (in town jobs) he worked with 3 years prior. I originally went up there with my deed needing my land surveyed. He noticed I knew a little more than most & asked if in the future Would I be will g to work. Of course I jumped with a yes. It's a family business & it would be fll in work. That was about 2 months back.
As far as his current company, LW, I don't want to step on his toes going above his head. So I'm trying to get a bite else where. He's asked other friends in companies who have called to rehire him and they don't seem interested in me. I'm not giving up though.
No future in rodman. I don't think it really exists at this point. Measuring technology has left it behind. We have GPS, reflectorless, scanners and other sensors that enable measurements without rodmen.
I suppose you could drag a bag a stakes around a construction site but with machine control taking over most of that even the surveyor is eliminated.
Learn the tech skills to work in a surveying/engineering office and then see if they will give you some field time. If you are interested in land surveying learn the law. Finish your education with a 4 year degree and get in that way. I suggest the same to a man.
Refuse to deny who & what I am ... Far from a fake & liar!
Awesome post.
Belle means beautiful; WTF does spledeus mean? Some folks take this place far too seriously.
Did you ever consider the CST (Certified Survey Technician)?
Over the years we have had a couple women rod persons (is rod broad offensive?). One worked for about a year before moving on to her area of study. Another made it one day: Do not wear a tank top and cutoff shorts into the field especially when the site is covered with green briar, pucker brush and poison ivy.
Good luck with your endeavors.
Thadd