How to choose a competent professional

John W. LeBlanc
UC Cooperative Extension

We all have to hire specialists at one time or another. Either a job is too large, requires special tools or training to do correctly, or we just don¹t have the time to do it ourselves. In some cases, like preparing a Timber Harvest Plan, laws or regulations require a specialist to perform the work.

So how do you go about choosing the best professional? Whether choosing a logger, a Registered Professional Forester (RPF), wildlife biologist, or tree service, some simple steps will help you choose the best professional for your needs.

Identifying Professionals

The type of professional depends on your particular situation. Your local UC Cooperative Extension office, Resource Conservation District (RCD), or California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) all have lists of resource professionals that work in your area. The county office usually has contact information for professional organizations and regulatory authorities.

Personal recommendations are usually the best way to find a professional. Do you have a friend, neighbor or relative that has had similar work done? Who did they use? Were they happy with the results? What would they have done differently? Many of the most talented and experienced professionals rely solely on word of mouth to gather new business.

Professional organizations and associations will usually supply lists of members that offer consulting services. They often certify members with experience in particular specialties, continuing education, or special training. You might also contact regulatory agencies, like the Board of Forestry, which maintain lists of consultants registered with them.

Many service professionals advertise in the phone book. This will give you an idea of the range of services available.

Rating Services offer advice to consumers on common specialists. Found under ³consumer protection organizations² in the phone book, these rate local providers of goods and services. Check policies to see if you are comfortable with the rating system and methods.

Some poll users and ask for their level of satisfaction. Others simply charge a fee for companies to be listed.

The internet is a great place to find out all kinds of information. News groups, web searches, and mailing lists all offer ways to locate professionals to meet many of your needs.

Qualifications

Licensing: Many professions have specific licensing requirements. Registered Professional Foresters are licensed by the State Board of Forestry. The Board has set requirements for education, experience, and comprehensive testing. Other professions, like Land Surveying and Pest Control, have similar licensing requirements (see table below).

Check with the appropriate agency to see if a professional¹s license is in good standing. Licensing agencies will usually provide information on violations reported against an individual professional . The number of outstanding complaints, records of reprimands, fines and other legal actions may be available.

Certification: Boards, agencies and professional societies may offer certificates of specialization or training. For example, the CDF offers a training course in archaeology for Registered Professional Foresters. RPFs that complete the course can make preliminary archaeological checks on private property.

Every professional meets certain qualifications based on education, experience, training, or certification. Participation in continuing education and certification programs is an indicator that the professional is keeping up with new developments in the field.

Most professions have an organization that represents members. These organizations will usually confirm if an individual is a member and has met their requirements. Check on requirements for certification. Some only require a warm body and a cleared check. Others require very strict testing and continuing education.

References

Any professional you are considering hiring will provide recent references. Avoid those that promise to provide a list, but never seem to get around to it. You should check references. People are surprisingly candid when asked their opinion. Prepare some questions ahead of time and be ready to take notes. The first phone call will be the most difficult.

If you are nervous about calling a stranger, you might prepare a script to help get started. Remember that you share something with this person you are calling. They recently went through an experience you are preparing for. How would you feel if someone called asking similar questions about a professional you had hired?

A suggested script follows. Add specific questions for the type of professional you are checking on and any other questions specific to your needs.

• ³Hello my name is _________ . I am considering hiring ___________ who provided you as a reference. Do you have a few minutes to answer a couple of questions?² (If not, ask for a more convenient time to call.)
• Were you satisfied with the services that < your professional > provided? Why or why not?
• Did < your professional > respond to your questions in a professional manner?
• Would you hire < your professional > again? Why or why not?
• What would you have done differently?
• Are there any questions you should have asked but didn¹t?
• Were there any surprises I should avoid?
• If I have any more questions, would it be okay to call again?

Since you might get an answering machine, be prepared to leave a message and include a good time to return your call. You might also offer to accept collect calls.

Lawsuits

Another place to check the reputation of a professional is the county courthouse where you can find out if that person is a party to any lawsuits. If they have a number of lawsuits pending, that could be a sign of trouble.

Insurance

Ask for proof of insurance. When you hire someone to work on your property, you can be held liable for any injuries or damage they cause unless they have liability and workers¹ comp insurance.

Addresses and Phone Numbers

The California Forest Stewardship Helpline has names of agencies and professional organizations. 1-800-738-8733.

—from Working in the Woods: A guide for California¹s forest landowners. (Copyright 1998 UC Regents.)