I was enlisted in the USN from 1986-1990 as a Signalman/Visual Communications. On completion of my 4 year enlistment, I worked as a property manager, while waiting to be hired with the State of California. In 1991, I was employed by State Compensation Insurance Fund as a Legal Secretary, but after 8 years of clerical work, I desired to pursue another job in the technical field. I had an opportunity to work under a Training and Development Assignment with CALTRANS. Although, I didn't have any drafting background, I excelled and became an advanced Microstation user in just a few months. Below is a list of my current duties with CALTRANS.
Research and analyze maps and legal documents, using departmental and public records, including detection of discrepancies in information between record documents and maps. Analyze field survey data and deeds to determine property, boundary lines, right of way lines, and other lines representing various types of land title for Caltrans right of way purposes. Prepare and draw maps, plans and exhibits using Computer Aided Design Drafting/Microstation software. Review others work, both departmental and private contractors; make recommendations, edits to maps, plans and exhibits for conformance with CALTRANS standards. Occasional field work in review of location of right of way boundaries to determine possible encroachments. Analyze, calculate, and plot engineering data from engineering notes using english or metric data for creation of new acquisition, relinquishment or condemnation maps, exhibits and documents. Organize and instruct CADD training classes for department personnel.