California Surveyors Forums

Wondering if I am the only one noticing increased use of job titles such as:
Project Surveyor, Lead Surveyor, Senior Project Surveyor, etc. for roles filled by folks who aren't yet licensed? Especially at larger corporate-type outfits. This may or may not be an accurate reflection of the role filled by these folks and their capabilities, knowledge etcetera but it always seemed a bit not-so-accurate and in conflict with what I thought was generally understood: that only licensees could use the title "Surveyor" and its variations. PLS 8708 and so on. Not to mention a discrediting of the license itself - why struggle for the licensure if you can get the job anyhow?

Is this common in your area? What am I missing?

Legislation that protects the title is called a "Title Act". Legislation that protects the function is called a "Practice Act".

The two are not interchangeable and the legislators are loath to enact laws that perform both functions.

The PLS Act is a Practice Act.

Thank you Ian, I was not aware of this distinction in types of legislation.

It seems this covered by the PLS 8708 however. Are we saying anyone can title themself a Surveyor or variation thereof?

8708 “Licensed Land Surveyor” – “Professional Land Surveyor” – “Land Surveyor”
In order to safeguard property and public welfare, no person shall practice land surveying unless appropriately licensed or specifically exempted from licensure under this chapter, and only persons licensed under this chapter shall be entitled to take and use the titles “licensed land surveyor,” “professional land surveyor,” or “land surveyor,” or any combination of these words, phrases, or abbreviations thereof.