Day in the Life: Interview with a Surveyor
Ever wondered what a day in the life of a KLJ surveyor looks like? For Survey Crew Chief Dan Thomsen, no two days are alike.
With more than 20 years of experience under his belt, Dan has seen the land transform one stake, one scan, and one survey line at a time. Based in Bismarck, ND Dan has played a vital role in projects across North Dakota and Minnesota. Whether he's navigating remote terrain for boundary and cadastral surveys, staking construction sites with precision, or capturing topographic details with the latest drone technology, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to every project.
We sat down with Dan to get a closer look at what drives his passion for the field, the challenges he’s faced, and how the art and science of surveying have evolved over the years. Here’s what he had to say.
SURVEYING CAREER
What inspired you to become a surveyor?
Along with school at SCTCC, and a summer internship, just growing up working on both my parents' property and our family farm taught me good work ethic and a love for the outdoors.
What does a typical day as a surveyor look like?
We usually start early and finish late; surveying isn’t your typical 9-to-5. Every day brings something different. One moment we’re out staking construction sites based on design plans, and the next we’re collecting data to help engineers and designers bring plans to life. Whether we’re supporting crews on the ground or laying the foundation for what’s to come, surveyors play a key role in connecting design to the real world.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a surveyor?
It’s always a good feeling to come up with solutions to construction or design problems. We tend to find ourselves in the role of problem solver, so when we can help, it’s a pretty fulfilling feeling.
SURVEYING TECHNOLOGY
What tools or technology do you use on the job and how has surveying technology changed over the years?
We’re lucky at KLJ to use some of the latest technology, like Trimble GPS units and robotic total stations, which really boost our efficiency. In the last 20 years, surveying has changed a lot, especially with drone and aerial mapping. What used to take days now takes hours. And with handheld data collectors, we’ve got real-time info right at our fingertips.
LIFE AS A SURVEYOR
What challenges do you face in the field?
North Dakota weather can definitely be intense and always part of the challenge. Some days can get long and stressful, so I try to take things one task at a time. It’s also a physically demanding job, so finding moments to take a break is important. At KLJ, we’ve got a strong team culture where we look out for each other, whether that’s checking in on tough days or making sure we all get the chance to recharge.
You snapped this photo of a survey marker while vacationing at Disney World; proof that surveying is more than a job, it’s part of your everyday life. How has your work shaped the way you see the world around you?
It’s funny, but once you’ve been in surveying for a while, you start to notice things other people don’t. Monuments, boundary markers, construction staking it all jumps out at you. I can’t help it. Even when I’m on vacation, I’m still spotting survey markers and thinking about the work behind them. That Disney World monument was just too cool not to snap a photo of. I guess it’s just part of how I see the world now, through a surveyor’s lens.
Want to start your own career as a surveyor? Check out our current surveying opportunities on our career’s page!
