Eric Smith
@lazybarisax.bsky.social
Registered Land Surveyor in regional NSW. Leader and first alto in the Tin Roof Big Band. Also known as Lazy_Bari_Sax.
My work is mostly office-based, more in common with a lawyer than a technician. I try to get in the field a day or two a week, doesn't always work out like that.
It's a tough sell, though. You need to be book-smart, computer savvy and practical. Farm kids make the best surveyors, in general.
It's a tough sell, though. You need to be book-smart, computer savvy and practical. Farm kids make the best surveyors, in general.
November 28, 2024 at 11:13 PM
My work is mostly office-based, more in common with a lawyer than a technician. I try to get in the field a day or two a week, doesn't always work out like that.
It's a tough sell, though. You need to be book-smart, computer savvy and practical. Farm kids make the best surveyors, in general.
It's a tough sell, though. You need to be book-smart, computer savvy and practical. Farm kids make the best surveyors, in general.
You can't do the job without the knowledge. Sure, construction setout can be done with a TAFE level qualification, but the more complex stuff is full-on. Our skillset is very broad, from legislation, planning, civil design, calculations, to field techniques.
November 28, 2024 at 11:00 PM
You can't do the job without the knowledge. Sure, construction setout can be done with a TAFE level qualification, but the more complex stuff is full-on. Our skillset is very broad, from legislation, planning, civil design, calculations, to field techniques.
My training was a 4 year degree, with post graduate qualifications equivalent to a masters, and I still learn every day. Surveying is a great career, but we can't seem to attract people. No easy solution.
November 28, 2024 at 9:42 PM
My training was a 4 year degree, with post graduate qualifications equivalent to a masters, and I still learn every day. Surveying is a great career, but we can't seem to attract people. No easy solution.
Nobody uses a "fucken level" any more, the gear is a lot more complex, the expectations much higher, timeframes shorter, tolerances higher. It's a genuine skill shortage. Less than 1000 registered surveyors in NSW, demand for 2000. Regional projects struggle because we can't get surveyors.
November 28, 2024 at 9:40 PM
Nobody uses a "fucken level" any more, the gear is a lot more complex, the expectations much higher, timeframes shorter, tolerances higher. It's a genuine skill shortage. Less than 1000 registered surveyors in NSW, demand for 2000. Regional projects struggle because we can't get surveyors.
72% humidity here atm. Once the temp starts to go up, it's going to be either intolerable, or pissisting down.
November 27, 2024 at 7:54 PM
72% humidity here atm. Once the temp starts to go up, it's going to be either intolerable, or pissisting down.
I was proud of getting "bigboobs" - but you had to turn the screen upside down to read it!
November 17, 2024 at 11:27 AM
I was proud of getting "bigboobs" - but you had to turn the screen upside down to read it!
Yeah, we're alright, Jack. Must be a particular transformer down near or in the substation on Wheelers Lane near the railway crossing, I reckon. Probably a Transgrid problem.
November 17, 2024 at 8:26 AM
Yeah, we're alright, Jack. Must be a particular transformer down near or in the substation on Wheelers Lane near the railway crossing, I reckon. Probably a Transgrid problem.
Yeah, I might have accidentally tripped the transformer on you... we're ok, though! So all's well that ends well!
November 17, 2024 at 8:12 AM
Yeah, I might have accidentally tripped the transformer on you... we're ok, though! So all's well that ends well!
Yeah, look, not gonna lie... you guys are royally fucked.
Unfortunately, when the US sneezes, the world catches a cold.
Thanks for that.
Unfortunately, when the US sneezes, the world catches a cold.
Thanks for that.
November 14, 2024 at 11:30 PM
Yeah, look, not gonna lie... you guys are royally fucked.
Unfortunately, when the US sneezes, the world catches a cold.
Thanks for that.
Unfortunately, when the US sneezes, the world catches a cold.
Thanks for that.
You are so full of shit!
November 14, 2024 at 11:47 AM
You are so full of shit!
One doesn't preclude the other!
November 12, 2024 at 10:47 AM
One doesn't preclude the other!
Best view in town!
November 12, 2024 at 10:33 AM
Best view in town!
Love the old Marlboro HDT sticker. Had one like it many moons ago.
September 19, 2023 at 12:26 AM
Love the old Marlboro HDT sticker. Had one like it many moons ago.
Have you seen the one where some weird tries to cook a pasta meal in a toilet? 🤮
September 18, 2023 at 9:50 AM
Have you seen the one where some weird tries to cook a pasta meal in a toilet? 🤮
Our neighbours were complaining about it, and you know how far away we are. It's bringing the whole town down.
August 23, 2023 at 8:14 AM
Our neighbours were complaining about it, and you know how far away we are. It's bringing the whole town down.
It's really a case of choosing your poison, I guess. Dubbo is toxic in a different way.
August 22, 2023 at 10:53 PM
It's really a case of choosing your poison, I guess. Dubbo is toxic in a different way.
Kate and I are heading to Broken Hill on the 4th! Work trip, but hey, make the most of what you've got!
August 22, 2023 at 6:22 AM
Kate and I are heading to Broken Hill on the 4th! Work trip, but hey, make the most of what you've got!
Looks like Kate's not keen. Given the weather, I'm happy to head home and crash there after work as well! Reconvene another time!
August 18, 2023 at 6:05 AM
Looks like Kate's not keen. Given the weather, I'm happy to head home and crash there after work as well! Reconvene another time!
Almost certainly saved his life. Certainly saved him the trauma. Thumb dangling by a bit of skin, dad expected it to be amputated, but it was replaced in surgery. He calls it his "gammy thumb" but that sure beats not having a thumb!
August 18, 2023 at 4:03 AM
Almost certainly saved his life. Certainly saved him the trauma. Thumb dangling by a bit of skin, dad expected it to be amputated, but it was replaced in surgery. He calls it his "gammy thumb" but that sure beats not having a thumb!
My dad was in the Nashos. Did basic training, was sent home to say goodbye. Dropped into the workshop where he had been an apprentice mechanic. They were splitting the track on a dozer. Mate asked for a hand. Dad held the pin, old mate swung the sledgehammer and took dad's thumb off!
August 18, 2023 at 1:49 AM
My dad was in the Nashos. Did basic training, was sent home to say goodbye. Dropped into the workshop where he had been an apprentice mechanic. They were splitting the track on a dozer. Mate asked for a hand. Dad held the pin, old mate swung the sledgehammer and took dad's thumb off!
Option 2 sounds bloody good!! Quiet at work today.
August 18, 2023 at 1:43 AM
Option 2 sounds bloody good!! Quiet at work today.
A father of one of my school friends was there. Saw his mate shot between the eyes right beside him. Still mentally scarred. Legends, to the last man.
August 18, 2023 at 12:36 AM
A father of one of my school friends was there. Saw his mate shot between the eyes right beside him. Still mentally scarred. Legends, to the last man.