Craig Johnson PLS, Principal of Merrell-Johnson, Victorville, California
Q: What states are you licensed in?
CJ: CA & AZ
Q: How long have you been surveying and how did you get into it?
CJ: 23 Years. I earned a civil engineering technology degree in Washington, moved to California and started on survey crew as a chainman.
Q: What is the primary focus of your practice?
CJ: Currently it is developing solar farms, military and municipalities.
Q: Does the state you practice in require a degree in which to obtain an LS?
CJ: Not at this time.
Q: Is continuing education a requirement? If so how many credit hours per 1-2 years?
CJ: No
Q: Do you believe that a minimum 2 year degree in surveying and continuing education should be mandatory for licensing?
CJ: Yes
Q: Can a person get a degree in Land Surveying in the State of California?
CJ: Yes
If so please describe the curriculum. If not, are there surveying courses available to apply toward credit hours?
CJ: Fresno has a geomatics degree and a handful of other schools that have surveying courses.
Q: What do you like the most about surveying and why?
CJ: The math, solving old boundary problems, being able to work outside (when I was on the crew) and the history of surveying
Q: What do you like the least about surveying?
CJ: The employee problems and dealing with some of the clients
Why?
CJ: Some employees complain about things I could not even imagine when I was coming up.
Q: What do you find to be the biggest difference between Arizona and California regarding rules, regulations, methods and professional attitude?
CJ: I have not practiced that much in Arizona, but I know the Arizona Board is much more proactive in going after violators of survey regulations.
Q: What is your favorite technological advancement for surveying and how has is positively impacted the profession?
CJ: Data collection made a dramatic impact on productivity, GPS is nice (but see next question).
Q: Do you believe that technology has enabled people to think less and we are creating surveyors that lack a basic understanding of the fundamentals?
CJ: Yes, yes, yes…. How can anyone call themselves a Surveyor if they don’t even own a plumb bob or know how to pull a chain???
Q: In your opinion how do we present Land Surveying as a viable career option for future generations?
CJ: Hook them with the high tech then try and teach them the history and basics.
Q: Does the state you practice in have a code of ethics written by surveyors for surveyors in which to adhere to?
CJ: Yes, California Professional Land Surveyors Act, www.californiasurveyors.org
Q: Do you belong to a PLS society?
CJ: Yes California Land Surveyors Association (www.californiasurveyors.org)
Q: What is their role in governing the conduct and procedures of surveyors?
CJ: Recommendations to the State Board
Q: What is the name of the state governing board for professionals?
CJ: California State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Q: What is the majority in charge of governing boards and societies, big company, government or small business people?
CJ: Government
Q: What is the standard procedure if one is turned into the board as far as review and disciplinary action?
CJ: In California they ignore it.
Q: In your state what constitutes the preparation of a record of survey in which to be filed?
CJ: Business & Professions Code, California Land Surveyors Act Article 5 Section 8762
Q: Is mapping governed by state, county or individual municipal regulations?
CJ: State
Q: If you could change 1 thing about the Land Surveying profession what would it be?
CJ: I believe the national test is too easy to pass. Too many “Surveyors” think that a section corner is a street intersection.
I want to thank Craig for this Q&A.
Craig is a personal friend, a great surveyor and an extremely good person.
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