Qualifications for Licensure

[7702]

Is it true that one no longer needs a minimum of a year's experience as a crew chief/lead to satisfy the field experience requirements?

Thank you!

[E_Page]

I don't know how one would fulfill the "one year of responsible field training" without being in a position of responsibility in the field.

[pls5528]

I don't know if that is now a requirement or not, but, if not, it should be. I have seen so many situations through my years of people who have got their LS without having been in responsible charge in the field (at all), let alone a year's worth. Most of the situations which I refer to have been passing the torch from father to son or family or friend. Same thing for the "office end of the requirement". After they get the LS, it's hard to dispute or prove, but those who worked around the candidate know the truth.
It's a real slap in the face to the ones which have sacrificed in this industry to do it right.

[7702]

Evan and Michael,

Thanks for your responses.

Could someone, maybe Ric Moore, please explain what qualifies as "responsible field training"?

It's my understanding that one can acquire the necessary responsible field training while working under the direction of a designated field lead/crew chief. How is that possible?

Thank you,

Mark

[Ric7308]

8742(a)(2) states "Actual broad based progressive experience in land surveying for at least six years, including one year of responsible field training and one year of responsible office training satisfactory to the board."

BR 425(c) describes examples of what is meant in 8742 by the term "responsible field training" (too long to retype here - you can look here:

http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/laws/boardrules.pdf

Board staff reference these laws when reviewing applications for licensure. In addition, Board staff is aware of certain restrictions placed on potential candidates by some employers that can be taken into consideration. Example of this is Caltrans (and maybe other state agencies that employ land surveyors) where a "Transportation Survey Party Chief" must have a valid license before being hired / promoted to that position. Board staff has worked with several agencies to collaborate on ways that allow for potential candidates to obtain "responsible" time towards the legal requirements. It is not always available and many times it may take the candidate 2-3 times longer to obtain the required minimum 12 months. And of course, a great deal of responsibility is on the shoulders of those licensed mentors / professional references on the quality of that "responsible training".

Pat Tami, Land Surveyor Board Member, and Ray Mathe, Staff Land Surveyor, are currently working with the LSTAC to evaluate BR 425 making sure it is still viable due to changes in the industry. I encourage anyone interested to subscribe to the Board's web site notification list so when there are meetings, you can attend and chime in.