California Surveyors Forums

I'm thinking of having my son work as a rod man. He's 15 years old. I looked up California labor laws and it says that minors need to have a permit, but it excludes agriculture, domestic work, etc. and states that they wouldn't need one if the parent owns, operates or controls the property where the business resides. I own and operate the business, but rent the space. So I'm not sure if I fall in that category. It also says that to obtain a work permit, that it needs to obtained through the child's school. Can't I go down to the EDD office and get one there if I need it? I'm looking for any advice on this sort of thing. This is all new to me. Thanks.

Nope, work permits are through the school district. They have to verify that your son is still going to scholl and that you aren't keeping him from his education.

As for "leasing" your office space, you control the space in which he will work, including the field.

A word to the wise: Do NOT treat him any harder that you would any of your other employees. Do NOT treat him any easier than you would anyone else. Do NOT expect him to follow your footsteps. Do NOT expect him to have learned anyhting about surveying genetically. The minute he starts complaining about the hard work or how hard you are on him, STOP!!! It probably isn't a good fit.

Been there. Done that. Got that dirty t-shirt to prove it.

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I've worked for and now with my father for years. It is seemless. All it really takes is a mutual respect and some understanding and compromise, just like everything else.

Go get the permit, which is not difficult, and put him to work.

And I'd hold him to a higher standard than everyone else. He's your Son, he should take pride in making you look good.

Thanks for your responses. My son is in private school, so do I still need to get a work permit?

Yep. Call the office and speak to a Guidance Counselor.

I worked for my dad up until the day he passed, a total of 25 plus years. Nothing better than following in his foot steps and being taught this great profession of land surveying from your own dad. One downside was he still had to pay for state disability insurance yet if I got hurt I could never collect on it. But then its just another strange dichotomy of state regulations. :)

surveysays wrote:I worked for my dad up until the day he passed, a total of 25 plus years. Nothing better than following in his foot steps and being taught this great profession of land surveying from your own dad. One downside was he still had to pay for state disability insurance yet if I got hurt I could never collect on it. But then its just another strange dichotomy of state regulations. :)

That depends. I started under my dad, but went elsewhere to learn more and get qualified to take the test for registration. Where I started I could not use him on my application other than to verify experience.

Also he was real crotchety.

check with your tax man, you get a break on taxes by employing him.

Those child labor laws really messed up the family owned farms. Kids can only work on their farm not a neighbors. Score one for big business.

Also, if your wife doesn't work put her on the payroll so she can earn social security points.

Mike . .I hope all of this gets straightened out for you .

Working at the family business is such a great way to bond with and teach a young person the importance of work. Especially Land Surveying, which is held to a very high standard of prudence. Applied Mathmatics makes it so much fun. Have a great summer . . .