When it comes to land ownership, someone has to draw the line.
You cant just decide put your picket fence wherever youd like.
Tell us a bit about your current work and how long youve been at it.
Its a career with a unique mix of physical and intellectual challenges.
For more about land surveying in BC, check out theAssociation of British Colombia Land Surveyors.
What drove you to choose your career path?
I liked the idea of working outside, using my body and my mind together.
I havent been disappointed!
Land surveying can be very physical work, but there is a strong intellectual and technological component as well.
How did you go about getting your job?
What kind of education and experience did you need?
I have a diploma of technology as well as a Bachelors degree, both in geomatics engineering.
Its a challenging process that typically takes 10 years or more!
However, being a professional surveyor is jurisdictional, and different regions will have different requirements for their members.
What kinds of things do you do beyond what most people see?
Do you spend most of your time in the field or in an office?
A lot of people dont think much about what land surveyors do.
In a nutshell, we are the interpreters and providers of landmarks and records that directly impact real property.
Learning how to weigh evidence and fairly re-establish a boundary can be as much an art as a science.
We are mathematicians, historians, project managers, advocates, engineers, and even chainsaw operators!
Im lucky enough to split my time between the field and the office.
What misconceptions do people often have about your job?
That all we do is stand by the road!
Its also important to know that, unlike lawyers, land surveyors put the public interest first.
What are your average work hours?
Is it a typical 9-5 thing or not?
It depends on the company and the season.
Some surveyors live for the work, putting in weeks or months at a time in remote locations.
With a young family and hobbies that Im passionate about, that isnt the path Ive chosen.
Like in many careers, it’s crucial that you make your own decisions and follow your own path.
What personal tips and shortcuts made your job easier?
I automate some tasks and delegate many others.
Ive found that other professionals are more than willing to lend advice about a tough problem.
The conversation can be a learning experience for everyone.
What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?
What do they do instead?
Every firm has its own unique way of arriving at the end product.
However, from a licensed land surveyor, the product should always be of the same high quality.
Others stick to strictly surveying.
The approach depends on the individual firm and the needs of the local area.
Whats the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?
Some field days can be tough.
Ive been hungry, cold, tired, lost, injured, and downright hopeless!
However, the most difficult days have been the ones Ive had to spend correcting a mistake.
Were all human, and we make errors in spite of the pains we take not to.
Its important to take ownership of the situation and to work to make it right.
Whats the most enjoyable part of the job?
It can be thrilling to travel to areas I wouldnt normally go, nearby or further afield.
Its an honor to make a mark in history like that.
What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?
Just like in other professions, salary range varies with negotiation skill, responsibility level, and location.
Professional land surveyors take on a lot of responsibility, and should be compensated appropriately.
Is there a way to move up in your field?
Legal land surveyors are few and far between and can find themselves in demand.
Some wind up working for government, private corporations, or public enterprise.
What do people under/over value about what you do?
Im required to do every job well enough that Id use it as evidence in courtthat doesnt come cheaply!
Property is a critical asset for individuals and for our larger economy.
Maintaining thecadastre(legal survey fabric) is an important job and a valuable service.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
