Tom Jeffrey
Licensed Cadastral Surveyor
Employer
Alexander Symonds Surveying Consultants
Length of time working in Surveying
Over five years
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Tasmania on the Tasman Peninsula. I always enjoyed being outside surfing, bushwalking, rock climbing, white water kayaking and mountain biking. Whilst I was at university, I obtained a scholarship offered by Alexander Symonds which included summer work in Adelaide. After I completed my Honours degree I moved to Adelaide to continue working for Alexander Symonds.
How did you first hear about surveying?
When I was at high school I was planning to become an engineer. However, three weeks before my university application was due, my parents sold our country property and the astute buyer requested the boundaries to be marked with pegs. I spent two days following the surveyor around the bush finding old pegs, rock trenches and blazed trees. I enjoy the outdoors so when I learnt that engineers are mostly office bound, I was hooked!
What inspired you to choose surveying over other careers?
The idea of working outside was really important to me. I’m one of those people who can’t sit still for long when indoors. I have always felt more comfortable outside and love seeing new places.
What does a typical day at work involve?
That’s a hard one! An interesting aspect, that keeps me wanting to go to work, is that most days are different from the last. We work in different suburbs or country towns, with different equipment and for different clients all the time.
What are your career goals?
To continue as a surveyor, eventually becoming a director of a surveying business. To further the growth of the industry by becoming involved in the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) and Surveyors Board of South Australia, as well as educating graduates and students into the future.
Why did you decide to undertake your License?
For me I enjoy cadastral surveying more than the other surveying disciplines. Also, it’s a door to more opportunities and I have always been taught to be careful about closing doors.
How would you describe the Licensing process?
The process was long at times but that was partly to do with what work the company could provide, and time spent away for rural cadastral experience. UniSA and the Surveyors Board of South Australia are working together to make the process more seamless.
How have you benefited from having your license?
The biggest benefit has been the responsibility that comes with working on a project from start to finish, and not having a supervisor checking your work. I started to learn more about the complete process of land development. For me, obtaining a cadastral license is a step towards becoming a project manager and a director.
Tell us about your most interesting project.
It’s as much about the project as it is about the locations we worked in. I’ve worked in every suburb of Adelaide, the Eyre Peninsula, York Peninsula, Mid-North, South East, as well as in Victoria and central Queensland.
How would you describe surveying as a career opportunity to other young people?
If you like to work outdoors with state of the art technology visiting different locations every week then this is the job for you.