News

A varied group of 11 Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) Subject Matter Expert (SMEs) met at the Board office in Olympia on January 23-24, 2025, to review and validate the questions on two new PLS State Exams.

The questions reviewed were written by a separate SME group and resided in our question bank for several years. Recently, our contracted psychometrician used the bank of questions to create the two new exam forms.

One of the new exams will be used for the March 2025 PLS State Exam.

This was a combined effort of agency staff, board members and subject matter… Read more

BRPELS was at the Tacoma Dome, for the Home & Garden Show the weekend of February 1st, talking with homeowners, landowners, contractors, etc., on the importance of hiring licensed, professional land surveyors, engineers and on-site designers. Our “Don’t Cut Corners” campaign explained it with signs, swag and links to our special webpage https://brpels.wa.gov/protect-yourself

We also promoted the campaign “Get Kids Into Survey,” using our special character “Blaze, the BRPELS Bigfoot,” with a life-size cutout for kids… Read more

BRPELS presented at this year’s “Septic-Con,” the conference for on-site designers and inspectors, at the Tacoma Convention Center, January 24 and 25, 2025. Speakers reviewed rule changes, secondary safety barriers, age trends for on-site licensees, design considerations and complaint trends. About 80 people packed the event, with standing room only.

This year’s presenters included Ken Fuller PE, BRPELS Director, Bob Goodman, Designer and BRPELS On-Site Committee, Bob Suggs, Regulator, Tacoma Pierce County Health District and On-Site Committee, Kyle Goodman, PE, Goodman Engineering… Read more

At a meeting of the Land Surveyors' Association of Washington, Northwest Chapter, members learned more about our agency and its many functions.

Presentations were by BRPELS Deputy Director, Kristina Horton, PLS, and Communication Manager, Greg Schieferstein. Kristina explained the recent history of the agency, makeup of the Board, licensing and investigations.  

“Members were very inquisitive, especially about investigations” Kris said. “Some shared their experience, which matched the process we explained. We were also impressed by the wide variety of knowledge in… Read more

It’s Matthew Rasmussen, PE, PLS

Rasmussen has over 22 years as a registered Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor in Washington.

• Current Deputy County Administrator for Benton County
• Former Benton County Public Works Administrator and County Engineer
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Geospatial, from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Rasmussen replaces James Wengler, PLS CFedS who retires after serving two 5-year terms. He'll remain a Pro-Tem Board member, assisting with… Read more

Two BRPELS staff members visited the South Puget Sound Chapter of the Land Surveyors’ Association of Washington in Tacoma, on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Presentations were by BRPELS Deputy Director, Kristina Horton, PLS, and Communication Manager, Greg Schieferstein.

“Our Board seems mysterious to so many surveyors. But with our presentation, along with questions and

Letter from the Director

BRPELS staff presented to the Cascade Columbia Chapter meeting of the Land Surveyors’ Association of Washington in Yakima, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Agency Deputy Director Kristina Horton, PLS, spoke with the group along with Communication and Outreach Manager, Greg Schieferstein. Kris reviewed pathways to licensing, the complaint and investigation process, upcoming WAC changes and professional development hour units. Greg reviewed the BRPELS new website and outreach events.

Both Kris and Greg will be presenting at the South Puget Sound LSAW Chapter on Thursday, December 5. If… Read more

Students, faculty, Board members, staff, local professional engineers and land surveyors gathered for a “Meet & Greet,” at Gonzaga University, School of Engineering & Applied Science in Spokane on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

It was an opportunity for each group to interact with Board members and for students to meet professionals for internships and career possibilities. About 100 people attended the late afternoon pizza party.

BRPELS Board member, Mike Harney, PE, P.Eng., ENV SP, spoke to about 40 students and faculty at Gonzaga University, School of Engineering & Applied Science on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The group included first and second year engineering students.

Mike spoke on the importance and process of professional licensure and reviewed professional engineering ethics. He took students through an example of an engineering mistake on a client’s project, how it was identified and making the correct ethical choice.

… Read more