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Mentorship & Job Shadow Opportunities
One of the best ways to learn about land surveying is to connect directly with the professionals who do the work. LSAW helps connect students, emerging professionals, career changers, and others interested in surveying with participating surveying firms throughout Washington.
Opportunities may include ongoing professional mentorship, job shadow experiences, internships, or other career development activities offered by participating firms.
Who Can Participate?
Opportunities may be appropriate for high school and college students, emerging survey technicians, professionals entering the field, and individuals considering a career change.
Availability, eligibility, age requirements, and the type of experience offered are determined by each participating firm.
How It Works
Connecting with a participating surveying firm is simple.
Explore Participating Firms
Review the companies below and identify a firm offering the type of opportunity you are interested in.
Contact the Firm
Reach out directly to the listed contact person to ask about availability, scheduling, eligibility, and next steps.
Plan the Experience
The participant and host firm work together to determine an appropriate schedule and experience based on interests, availability, and company requirements.
Participating Surveying Firms
The surveying firms below have volunteered to provide mentorship, job shadow opportunities, internships, or other career-development experiences. Contact the participating firm directly to learn more about availability and requirements.
Delta Zero Land Surveying
Maven Mapping Solutions
Contact:
Branden Bowie
City:
Buckley, WA
Email:
branden.bowie@maven-mapping.com
Phone:
(253) 334-5163
Sitts & Hill
WSDOT
Guidelines for Mentors & Job Shadow Hosts
LSAW encourages participating professionals and firms to provide a welcoming, professional, and educational experience. The following guidelines help establish consistent expectations while allowing each firm flexibility in how it participates.
Mentorship Expectations
- Initiate the first contact. Reach out to the mentee after being connected and arrange an introductory conversation.
- Discuss goals and expectations. Learn what the mentee hopes to gain from the relationship and agree on an appropriate communication schedule and format.
- Maintain regular communication. Mentorship may take place by phone, video conference, email, or in person. The mentor and mentee can determine the frequency that works best for them.
- Share professional experience. Discuss your education, career path, current position, lessons learned, and experiences within the surveying profession.
- Provide career guidance. Depending on the mentee's interests, this may include resume feedback, education and licensure pathways, professional development opportunities, networking, or insight into different areas of surveying.
- Help build professional connections. When appropriate, introduce the mentee to other professionals and encourage involvement with LSAW, local chapters, the Young Surveyors Network, and other professional activities.
- Maintain a professional and respectful relationship. Mentors should maintain appropriate professional boundaries and respect confidential information shared by the mentee.
Job Shadow Host Expectations
- Designate a host or point of contact. A specific employee should coordinate with the participant and oversee the job shadow experience.
- Set expectations in advance. Confirm the date, schedule, meeting location, appropriate clothing, required PPE, transportation expectations, and any age or site restrictions.
- Provide a meaningful introduction to surveying. Whenever possible, expose the participant to a variety of field and office operations.
- Explain the work. Encourage employees to explain what they are doing, why it matters, and how their work contributes to the overall surveying project.
- Prioritize safety. Participants should receive appropriate safety instructions, follow company policies, and remain under appropriate supervision while participating in field or office activities.
- Complete the Job Shadow Waiver. Participants should complete the applicable LSAW Job Shadow Waiver before the scheduled experience. Parent or guardian authorization should be obtained when required.
- Provide a professional environment. Participants should be treated respectfully and should not be exposed to confidential client information, proprietary materials, or unsafe situations.
Suggested Mentor Conversation Starters
- Tell your mentee how you entered the profession and how your career has developed.
- Discuss education, experience, certification, and licensure pathways.
- Talk about different career options within surveying.
- Review a resume or discuss interview preparation.
- Introduce the mentee to other surveying professionals.
- Recommend conferences, chapter meetings, volunteer opportunities, or other ways to become involved with LSAW.
- Discuss skills employers look for in new survey technicians and professionals.
- Share lessons you wish you had known when you were starting your career.
Job Shadow Waiver
Participating firms and job shadow participants are encouraged to review and complete the LSAW Job Shadow Waiver before the scheduled experience.
Is Your Firm Willing to Help Build the Next Generation?
LSAW is looking for surveying firms and professionals willing to provide mentorship, job shadow experiences, internships, classroom presentations, and other career-development opportunities.
Surveying Firms: Add Your Company to the ListSubmissions are reviewed by LSAW before contact information is added to the public website.