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3D OPTIONS-   I am a landscape contractor who still hand draws from my PennState days.  We do residential design build and the most important visual a customer wants is “how is this going to look”.  I am looking to have a quick learning curve that will show the space in 3d.  I dont need alot of plan detail as the job isnt sold yet. I will have…[Read more]

3D OPTIONS-   I am a landscape contractor who still hand draws from my PennState days.  We do residential design build and the most important visual a customer wants is “how is this going to look”.  I am looking to have a quick learning curve that will show the space in 3d.  I dont need alot of plan detail as the job isnt sold yet. I will have…[Read more]

In my day, graduating in ’95 and working in a design build firm – 35k
engineering firm 2000 – 40k
engineering firm 2005 – 52k
engineering firm (5 mos.) 2008 – 70k
after the crash – whatever i can get on a cutback schedule…
 
 
 
 
 

Not really sure GIS Tools was an appropriate term.   More than anything we use it for larger digitizing jobs because as a drafting app., it is much faster that ArcGIS.  We will generally take that digitizing product seemlessly back to ArcGIS once complete.  We also use it to overlay data, and create some very particular types of maps, and for doi…[Read more]

Why do any of you try to come up with formulas of what a pay rate should be? It does not matter what you come up with. That firm, and every other firm, is going to offer compensation as they see fit. Averages and generalities are only good for non-specifics.
Let’s not forget how data is collected. ASLA does it by survey, so only those who want to…[Read more]

There was a review of this book in Landscape Architecture magazine a little while back right? I didn’t attend the event, but the book sounded pretty good in the review at least. I seem to remember reading that the magazine found the guidelines very comprehensive, they focus on maintainable and sustainable parks, but I think I also read that some…[Read more]

p.s. Nick – I looked over your portfolio on here and it’s great!  You are not  unemployed right now right??

The line was long and wonky, people passing may have thought it was a trendy club. I was standing on the upper level but enjoyed the presentations just the same. It was noted that it was the largest attendance in The Center’s history. I enjoyed all of the presenters and the whole presentation was pretty much what I expected it to be. I would have…[Read more]

I think with some of the extensions you get better design and display options.
 
You know you can use GIS to quickly build 3d models of entire cities or regions and map out the terrain, while simultaneously overlaying an almost infinite number of spatial and network analyses onto this 3d representation.  It’s pretty valuable for large-scale env…[Read more]

Hmm – I’m curious – what Civil 3d tools use GIS?

One of the authors actually called this out, stating something along the lines of, “last time this many folks came out to anything with the words “high” and “performance” together was back in the ’60s and it was definitely a different type of performance.”
Another pointed out the absolute unwieldiness of the name “High Performance Landscape…[Read more]

I know that the company misses out on some projects (typically the “cooler” projects) because they are considered expensive. You think my salary should reflect what appears to be a higher billing rate than average?
 
I also think that on salary we do not get paid overtime, but benefits are provided for sure (dental, physio/massage, not sure what e…[Read more]

Around here, 65-85 is the going billing rate for junior levels. 85 plus seems high, but if your salary is commensurate then that makes sense.
 
You should feel lucky to get any additional benefits. Here it is not unusal for employers to cut all medical, dental, pto, etc…forget overtime too.
 
Yukonwanderer–could you upload some work samples s…[Read more]

Yes, of course I would be respectful and humble.

Above is good advice.  Definitely look at the total package and don’t get wrapped up on just your salary.

Do research specific to your area and figure out current ballpark numbers – what other people are getting in the US isn’t all that relevant – it needs to be for up north, in Canadian pesos, and for right now. There’s significant variation in starting salaries just between US states, let alone between the US sun belt and remote northern Canada. …[Read more]

That’s true, I’m sure I will be getting dental benefits and chiropractor/massage/physio benefits, etc.  So there is that.

They probably will pay you a third of that $90, but it will not be all in cash.  There are other components to a compensation package.  Vacation, sick and personal time, insurance etc.  That being said your salary rate might be $20 dollars an hour but if you look at your true compensation that the firm is responsible for it might be in the ra…[Read more]

I would not be asking for a 50% raise, not at all.  I just know that I took the intern position with what is considered the lowest rate for interns (according to my profs) and am hoping they’re not expecting me to also take the low rate in salary.  I’m hoping to get the average, or more if possible.

Have you thought, as talented as you are and with whatever extraordinary skills you bring to the table, that your employers like you and your abilities and are hoping they can get all of your skills at a reasonable rate…..slightly more than what you a currently earning?  If you demand something that increases your current wage 50% or more they…[Read more]