National Surveyors Week (March 20-26, 2022) was created by the National Society of Professional Surveyors to celebrate the surveying profession, which often goes unrecognized. This week, Dawood is shining a spotlight on some of our surveyors to highlight the breadth of knowledge and experience among our staff. Today, we speak with Survey Manager Jody Carter, PLS.
Hi Jody! Please tell us a little bit about how you got into the surveying field and what your current position at Dawood is like.
When I was a Scout Section Sergeant in the U.S. Army, I performed reconnaissance involving a lot of map reading, navigation, and use of GPS technologies. When it came time to find a new career outside the military, I discovered surveying, which I’ve been doing for more than 20 years now. In 2019 I joined Dawood, where I manage 25 surveyors throughout Georgia, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. We support all disciplines in the company, from transportation and municipal to utility and environmental clients. Our broad-spectrum of work includes mobile LiDAR, drones, and as-built surveys.
What’s so special about surveying, and how does it motivate you?
The diversity of surveying work and associated challenges is what really interests me. It’s never boring, and you rarely do the same thing twice.
Tells us about one or two of your favorite Dawood projects and what makes them stand out to you.
The Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was an incredibly challenging project. Tasked to use terrestrial scanning and survey a 115-year-old historic structure, Dawood provided detailed measurements and profile elevations of the existing superstructure. Our work involved fabrication of precast decking as part of the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail improvements. Despite several logistical and environmental obstacles, we developed a great plan delivered on schedule and leading to seamless new decking placement.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I like to camp and travel with my wife and two kids. We own a tear-drop camper that we use for fishing, hiking, and getting outdoors. We prefer visiting new places each time—the more remote the better.