MALSCE News

A monthly Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and

Civil Engineers member newsletter



June/July 2024

2023-2024 MALSCE Sustaining Members: Allen & Major Associates, Inc., Beals and Thomas, Inc.,

Bluesky Geospatial Limited, Brennan Consulting, Inc., BSC Group, Inc., Crocker Design Group,

DiPrete Engineering Associates, DGT Associates, Eastern Topographics, E.T. Engineering Enterprises, Feldman Geospatial, Field Resources, Inc., Hancock Associates, Maine Technical Source,

Merrill Engineers and Land Surveyors, Nitsch Engineering, R.J. O'Connell & Associates, Inc.,

Samiotes Consultants Inc., Spiller's, Tighe & Bond, Topcon Solutions Store, VHB, Inc.,

Waypoint Technology Group, WSP

MALSCE President's Message

By Ken Conte, PLS, Principal, Beals and Thomas, Inc., and MALSCE President


Dear Members of MALSCE,


This is the first installment of my President’s Message for the new fiscal year and I would like to acknowledge a few of our achievements over the past year. Most notably, we continue to increase our membership and attendance at our convention. Our 2024 convention attracted the highest number of attendees in more than a decade. Participation in the Plan and Field Notes Contests also had the highest number in many years with 42 entries. We will continue to improve and promote these events in order to increase member participation and continue on our path of success. ... Read more

MALSCE Events

Rising Tides & Changing Waters: NOAA's Plan to Update the National Tidal Datum Epoch


Friday, August 23, 2024

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

This Zoom Video Webinar will be recorded for later viewing


Speakers: 

Alexis SluderCommunications and Outreach Specialist, IBSS Corp.

Katherine FitzenreiterOceanographer, NOAA


Maintained by NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS), the National Tidal Datum Epoch (NTDE) is the collection of water level observations over a 19-year period to generate a set of tidal datums. Accurate tidal datums are critical for federal, state, and private-sector coastal zone activities, including navigation, storm warning, and marine boundary determination. This webinar’s featured presenters will discuss how CO-OPS plans to replace the existing 1983-2001 NTDE with the new and enhanced 2002-2020 NTDE.


Click here to learn more and register.

Principles and Practice of Surveying Exam Refresher Course


Saturdays, September 14, 21, & 28, 2024

First two Saturdays 8:00 AM - 10:45 AM and 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM Sessions

Third Saturday 8:00 AM - 10:45 AM Session

Zoom Meeting


Instructors:

Carlton A. Brown, PLSAssociate Professor, University of Maine

Ian C. Wisuri, PLSSurvey Department Head, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services LLC

 

MALSCE is offering a Virtual Principles and Practice of Surveying Exam Refresher Course this fall to help participants prepare to take the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam. This course will take place over three consecutive Saturdays. The first two days will feature two sessions with a break in between. The third day will be one session in the morning. Subjects to be covered are as follows:

  • Exam Format and Preparation
  • PLSS Boundary
  • Single/Double Proportion
  • Riparian Rights/Boundaries
  • 250 CMR & Massachusetts General Laws
  • Subdivision Control Law/Zoning
  • Massachusetts Land Court
  • Massachusetts Boundary Law/Statutes


Click here to learn more and register.

Fundamentals of Surveying Exam

Refresher Course


Saturday, September 21, 2024

Aldrich Center at The Engineering Center

One Walnut Street, Boston, MA 02108

Registration: 7:45 AM, Course: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM


Instructor:

Clark Donkin, PLS, District Survey Supervisor, MassDOT Highway Division

 

MALSCE is offering a Fundamentals of Surveying Exam Refresher Course this fall to help participants prepare to take the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam. This course features an eight-hour review of the knowledge areas you are likely to be tested on during the FS Exam. Utilizing two practice exams and other attendee handouts, course instructor Clark Donkin, PLS, will discuss the following subjects.

  • General Information
  • Water Boundaries
  • Basic Boundary
  • PLSS Overview
  • Survey Math/Calculations
  • GPS/Photogrammetry


Click here to learn more and register.

MALSCE News

Renew Your MALSCE Membership Today


MALSCE dues invoices for the Fiscal Year 2025 were mailed out earlier this month. Prompt payment of your dues invoice will ensure that you continue to receive the numerous benefits that MALSCE has to offer through June 30, 2025. These include discounted registration fees for MALSCE-sponsored programs; membership in the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) for a nominal fee; invitations to discussions during which you can engage and learn from your peers; opportunities to have input on legislative and regulatory matters impacting the land surveying and civil engineering professions; and periodic email communications that keep you informed about your chosen profession.


If you have any questions regarding your dues, please email malsce@engineers.org.

Become a MALSCE Sustaining Member


MALSCE is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 Sustaining Membership Program. Promote your organization to over 400 MALSCE members and demonstrate your support of the land surveying profession by becoming a MALSCE Sustaining Member today! For $550, your organization can become a Sustaining Member for Fiscal Year 2025 as well as the FY26 Sustaining Member renewal period which lasts until the fall of 2025.


Dues renewal invoices were sent out to current MALSCE Sustaining Members earlier this month. Click here to learn about the program benefits and how your organization can become a MALSCE Sustaining Member.

Join the MALSCE Proprietors' Council


Join the growing list of MALSCE members who represent their company as a member of the MALSCE Proprietors' Council. You will have the opportunity to work with your fellow leaders from across the Commonwealth to help define the direction of MALSCE. There are also opportunities to meet and bounce ideas off of peers regarding staffing, business opportunities, marketing, and sustainability in our industries.


Click here for a list of Proprietors' Council members. To learn more about the Council, including how you can join, click here.

MALSCE Government Affairs Update June/July 2024

 

Click here for government affairs activities and news for MALSCE members. Learn about FY25 state budget progress, relevant legislation, and recent Massachusetts Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors discussions.

Join the MALSCE Public Awareness Committee

 

The recently reconstructed MALSCE Public Awareness Committee is charged with promoting the general recognition and acceptance of the practice of land surveying and survey engineering and stimulating a greater interest in public perceptions affecting the profession. Committee chair David Prince, PLS, from WSP, has been holding regular meetings and member of the committee have made several visits to promote a career in land surveying to secondary school students.

 

To see a full committee description, click here. If you would like to volunteer to serve on the committee, email David Prince at david.prince@wsp.com.

Donate to the MALSCE Education Trust


The MALSCE Education Trust is a 501(c) (3) organization that invests in students and educators for the future of the land surveying and civil engineering professions. Current initiatives include the annual MALSCE Education Trust scholarships, ongoing support for the University of Maine Surveying program, and funding for annual high school Trig-Star competitions. Donations to the MALSCE Education Trust make these and other undertakings possible and available for you and future professionals. Please consider contributing today! 


MALSCE members' recently-mailed annual dues packet includes a donation form that you can send back with your donation check, or click here to donate online.

Job Board

Multiple Positions - Hancock Associates

Hancock Associates has been a leader in the land development industry since 1978 and is growing. Our Civil Engineering, Land Surveying and Wetland Science experts provide services in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island through offices located in Boston, Chelmsford, Danvers, Marlborough, Newburyport, Palmer and Princeton, MA and Concord, NH. Positions we are hiring for include Professional Land Surveyors & Professional Engineers, Project & Staff Land Surveyors, Project & Staff Civil Engineers, Senior Level Project Managers, Field Crew Chiefs, Instrument Operators and Wetland Scientists.


Click here to learn more and apply.

Looking to promote a job to MALSCE members? Click here to learn more about posting on the MALSCE job board.

Surveying Education Opportunities

Franklin Cummings Tech Offering Introductory

Land Surveying Courses in the Fall


Franklin Cummings Tech offers online courses for people currently working in the land surveying field. All classes are held online, in the evenings, to accommodate working adults.


You can earn up to a potential of 20 credits, which fulfills the approved coursework requirements to become registered as a Professional Land Surveyor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


Fall courses (begin September 3, 2024)

Principles of Boundary Law I

Surveying and Geomatics I with Lab


For more details, including course descriptions and schedule, please see the Franklin Cummings Tech website

University of Maine Fall Courses Begin September 3


The University of Maine Surveying Engineering Technology program offers six certificate and degree programs, all available in-person or online. Click here to learn more about the programs offered.

Look to MALSCE News and the MALSCE website for information on available surveying education opportunities. Other universities with online surveying and geomatics programs options include Ferris State University and Oregon Institute of Technology.

NSPS News

Check Out "Surveyor Says" NSPS' Podcast

 

Want to hear from the movers and shakers of the surveying profession? Each week, NSPS brings you conversations with the trendsetters and difference-makers that are helping to shape the world of surveying. Your host, NSPS Executive Director Tim Burch, sits down with various personalities to discuss all things surveying, all bundled in a 30-minute conversation.


Click here to listen to recent podcast episodes.


Become a Certified Survey Technician

 

No matter what the future holds, prepare to meet challenges head on. Future-proof your resume by becoming a Certified Survey Technician (CST). This unique four-level certification program indicates official recognition by NSPS that a person can perform surveying tasks at a specific technical level. Show what you can do! Decide between the field or office track. Click here for more information.

Check Out NSPS' Redesigned Beasurveyor Website


Developed through a collaborative effort between NSPS and the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the redesigned beasurveyor.com now includes more outreach resources to engage young people and teach about surveying.

Affiliate Association Events

Connecticut State Plane Coordinate System C. 2024


Friday, August 9, 2024

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Webinar


Speaker:

Dr. Thomas H. Meyer, Associate Professor of Geodesy, University of Connecticut


Join members of Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors for a webinar about the State Plan Coordinate System!


Click here to learn more and here to register.

Surveyors Rendezvous 2024


Wednesday - Saturday, September 18 - September 21, 2024

Hotel Julien, Dubuque, IA


Join members of the Surveyors Historical Society for their annual Surveyors Rendezvous, featuring educational sessions, outings, networking and more.


Click here to learn more and register.

MALSCE News is a monthly publication of the Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers. This newsletter highlights the program and activities of MALSCE and reports on national and local matters of interest to land surveyors and civil engineers. While we cannot promise to print all news items that we receive, if you have one to share with your fellow MALSCE members please forward it to Rich Keenan at rkeenan@engineers.org.
Questions or comments?
Michelle Monette, MALSCE,  One Walnut Street, Boston, MA 02108, mmonette@engineers.org 
P: 617/227-5551 | F: 617/227-6783, www.MALSCE.org