Join us for the final NCSS Seminar of 2023 in Rocky Mount, NC. We will be meeting in the Gateway Technology Center, Room 129 - Media Center, at NC Wesleyan University. Click Here for PDF Campus Map  |  Click Here for Interactive Campus Map

THIS CLASS IS FULL.  ONLINE COURSES  ARE AVAILABLE 24/7.

**Bring a personal check or cash to buy NCSS PAC raffle tickets (1 for $5, 5 for $20) for a chance to win a $700 VRBO Gift Card!**

Schedule

7:30am - 8:00am - Sign-In
8:00am - 10:00am - Survey Data Integration for Today's Demanding Projects by Peter Brennan, PLS
10:00am - 12:00pm - Surveyor Safety in Remote Locations by Peter Brennan, PLS
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm - 3:00pm Board Case Analysis: What Went Wrong (covers NCBEES Ethics and Standards of Practice Requirements) by Mike Benton, PLS
3:00pm - 4:30pm The "Pragmatic" Approach to Surveying by Chris Barron

Topics

Survey Data Integration for Today's Demanding Projects - The combination of rapidly emerging technologies and the recent economic upturn has resulted in a gap between what surveyors have traditionally provided for projects, and what is now expected that we provide. This presentation will provide a quick review of traditional deliverables and contrast those deliverables with those produced using some new techniques. Examples of survey deliverables produced using a variety of software will be shown.

Surveyor Safety in Remote Locations – This session prepares surveyors and field personnel to conduct surveys in remote, challenging environments safely. It covers hazard identification, risk assessment, safety planning, first aid, equipment use, and real-life case examples, equipping participants with the skills to mitigate risks and respond to emergencies in isolated areas.

Board Case Analysis: What Went Wrong (covers NCBEES Ethics and Standards of Practice Requirements) - This session will focus on the Board Rules, specifically Title 21, Chapter 56, Section .1601 to .1609 of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC). These rules are collectively known as the Standards of Practice for Land Surveyors in North Carolina. Mike will also discuss the surveyors' ethical responsibilities. This session will meet the recent updates stated in 21 NCAC 56.1703, necessitating land surveyors in North Carolina to acquire 1 PDH each year in the Standards of Practice for Land Surveying and 1 PDH each year of Ethics.

The "Pragmatic" Approach to Surveying - This course offers a comprehensive understanding of various continuous improvement methodologies, such as Poke Yoke, Kaizen, 5S, and Six Sigma, applied in business contexts. Participants will learn how to implement these improvement approaches effectively to optimize processes and drive positive changes within their everyday surveying operations.

Instructors

Peter J. Brennan Jr., PLS - Peter graduated in 1994 from Wake Technical Community College with an AAS degree in Surveying Technology and in 2019 from NC A&T with a B.S. in Geomatics. He founded Brennan Land Surveying in 1996 and began providing surveying services in the Triangle area of North Carolina and later, in New York. In 2011, he accepted the position of City Surveyor in Wilmington, North Carolina. With a very capable staff, he has been advancing the capabilities of the Survey Section and Engineering Department. Grateful for the opportunity to live and work in North Carolina again, he has been a strong advocate for both the North Carolina Society of Surveyors and the Geomatics program at NC A&T. He has been fortunate to team up with the North Carolina Society of Surveyors, Southeast Chapter and SPAR 3D Conference and Expo to provide informative presentations and professional development credits to licensed professional surveyors. Peter also served as President of NCSS in 2021.

Richard M. (Mike) Benton - Mike Benton was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC. He graduated from Eastern Wayne High School in 1976 and attended the college transfer program at Wayne Community College from 1976-1978. He graduated from Coastal Carolina Community College with an AAS degree in Surveying Technology in 1982. In 1991, after living and working several years in Greenville, NC, Mike moved back home to Goldsboro and established Benton & Associates Land Surveying and Mapping, PA. Mike has been an active member of the North Carolina Society of Surveyors (NCSS) since 1991, serving as the chairman of the Formal Education Committee from 1993-2000, President of NCSS in 2003 and the North Carolina Delegate to the Board of Governors for the National Society of Professional Surveyors from 2008-2013. On November 06, 2012, Mike was appointed by Governor Beverly Perdue to serve on the Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

Chris Barron, CCFM - Chris has a history of effective management across diverse environments. With experience ranging from being a US Navy nuclear reactor operator to supervising critical departments at GlaxoSmithKline, Chris has honed operations, compliance, training, and leadership skills. As a Six Sigma Professional for Johnson Controls, he helped multiple accounts optimize processes for better outcomes. Chris has also made significant contributions as the Director of Education and Executive Director for the National Association of Church Facilities Managers, where he played a pivotal role in developing educational programs and providing strategic leadership. In his current position as Facilities and IT Manager at Faith Youngsville, Chris adeptly juggles daily tasks with overarching objectives while fostering personnel growth. His educational foundation includes degrees in Business Administration and Nuclear Engineering, underscoring his multifaceted expertise.