A big welcome to the lovely Analisa Gonzales from California, USA
Where did you study?
California State University, Fresno
Degree in Civil Engineering and Geomatics Engineering
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?
Pass the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) examination.
Six (6) years of equivalent full-time experience in land surveying, including other credits, with one (1) year each being responsible field and responsible office training. The six years can be made up of the following:
A maximum of four (4) years of experience will be granted for graduation from a Board-approved curriculum with an emphasis in land surveying.
One-half year of experience will be granted for each year of study in a Board-approved curriculum without graduation.
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 state board.
Licensure as a civil engineer with two years of actual broad based progressive experience in land surveying satisfactory to the state board
Pass the NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS), California state-specific Professional Land Surveyor and California Professional Land Surveyors State Laws and Board Rules Exam.
How did you get into surveying?
I grew up watching my father transition from a CAD drafter to a Project Manager at a Civil and Land Surveying firm in the Bay Area. I was always interested in the site plans he drafted and the topographic maps. During my senior year of high school, I was on the fence about what career path I wanted to pursue, so my Dad asked the surveyors at his work if they wouldn’t mind introducing me to Land Surveying. After talking with a co-worker that graduated from Fresno State with a degree in Geomatics Engineering, it sounded like a great fit. I loved the idea of history, math, science and law mixing into one hybrid career.
How long have you been in the industry?
I graduated from Fresno State in 2014… so about 7 years.
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention?
Fresno State Geomatics Program, Advisory Council Member
Lyles College of Engineering Alumni Association, Past President
In the past I have also held the role of Secretary for the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of CLSA and served as K-12 Outreach Chair for the Fresno ASCE-YMF Chapter.
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador?
Because sharing the amazing opportunities that Land Surveying offers is priceless. Many students don’t know about Land Surveying, so any chance to bring excitement to the next generation of potential surveyors is well worth it!
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry?
A lot of kids aren’t aware of Land Surveying and the unique career paths you can pursue. If more students were shown what they could do in the geospatial industry, I think it would help boost the interest in the profession as a whole. By bring awareness I think there is an opportunity to inspire a new diverse generation of Geospatial Professionals.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS?
I want to spread the word about how amazing Land Surveying is of course! Bringing awareness to K-12 students is a passion of mine and I hope to share that excitement by continuing to present to classrooms of students and attending career fairs. Any student that is persuaded to look into Land Surveying as a career path after a presentation is consider a win!
What are your hobbies?
Cooking, volunteering, softball and yoga.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be?
A Cheetah, because they are intelligent, stealthy and adaptable, and I forgot to mention speedy. As a surveyor, we brave the elements, adapt to changing work environments and problem solve in high pressure and fast pace project sites.
What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS?
If I had to choose what the next poster or resource would be, I would pitch agriculture and irrigation, Yosemite, or the California High Speed Rail.