Doug Turner, RPLS

Doug Turner, RPLS was a valued member of IDS Engineering Group since joining in 2011 and played an essential role as Director of our Survey Practice. Doug joined IDS with 40 years of experience and became a shareholder in 2014.

Doug was born in Houston, Texas, on April 19, 1952, and graduated from Milby High School in 1970. He attended San Jacinto Community College, where he met his wife of 49 years, Kay.

A high-school summer job as an entry-level rodman kindled Doug’s enthusiasm for surveying. He began his career in 1972 as a land surveyor and, in 1973, joined the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS), formerly known as the Texas Surveyors’ Association. In 1981, Doug earned his Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) license.

Doug served as TSPS Vice President in 2016 and TSPS President in 2018. He was a long-time active member of many TSPS committees over the years. Additionally, he served on the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying, a Texas Gubernatorial appointment, for 12 years.

In 2017, Doug was awarded the TSPS Surveyor of the Year. During the awards ceremony, the TSPS said, “He is not just an outstanding candidate for this award; he is the definition of professionalism among Texas Surveyors.”

Doug was well respected in the surveying field. His passion for mentoring others was unmatched. As a surveying specialist, he contributed to the education of Texas surveyors through various seminars. In addition, he represented his profession with numerous speaking engagements and presentations to institutions such as the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M University, Texas State Technical College, and Lone Star College. He also served in advisory roles for two surveying college programs.

• Registered Professional Land Surveyor, State of Texas
• San Jacinto College, Associates Degree in Arts