PLSO The Oregon Surveor September/October 2021

Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org 9 OrYSN Corner Why did you take your present position? Aquila: HWA was my first choice. I worked with them in my previous career in the title industry, and I thought that their surveys were always well done. Tyler: I wanted to work in Central Oregon, and ODOT provided a good starting wage. Arlo: I previously worked at MacDonald & Associates and like living in McMinnville. Lee: I knew ODOT would be a steady job. Why have you continued in your present position? Aquila: I enjoy the variety in private survey- ing. In one week, I can work on a topo, ALTA, easement, and plat. HWA also takes good care of its employees and makes us feel valued. Tyler: I have continued togainmore knowledge and experience as well as compensation. We have a generous budget for survey hardware, and I have a set schedule with little travel. Aquila Reed Tyler Puzey Lee Hanson Arlo MacDonald Arlo: Eventually, I would like to take over the family business. I also enjoy the varied work—it is not boring. Lee: I have been able to promote since I began, and I am nearly licensed which will continue to raise my value to the team. What do you think is better about your position, public or private, than it would be if you switched to the other side? Aquila: I think that I will be a more well- rounded PLS having worked in the pri- vate sector. Tyler: I enjoy the job security and rarity of overtime, and I feel rewarded seeing my completed projects. Arlo: I am rarely doing the same project week after week. Lee: The best thing about the public sector is the consistent workload and being able to forecast future projects. What do you think is better about a position on the other side of public/private? Aquila: I think there is more long-term se- curity in the public sector. Being private can make us vulnerable to a serious downturn in the market. Tyler: The diversity of jobs and compen- sation could be greater, and there may be less red tape. Arlo: There could bemore reliablework hours rather than some short and some long days Lee: Working in the private sector could make you a more versatile surveyor, tak- ing on more different projects, and working more hours for more pay. There you have it! Private employees have enough variety, but lack stability, and vice versa for the public employees. Do your young employees agree? When was the last time you checked? What do you think you could do as an owner or manager to increase variety or stability? If we want to keep people in surveying, we need to consider these questions. x