Kellie Dean
Senior Licensed Surveyor and President of the Institution of Surveyors Victoria (ISV)
Employer
Spiire
Length of time working in Surveying
Almost 20 years
With more young people entering the surveying profession, including females, and the increasing need for specialist advice in land development, the old stereotype of a surveyor being a middle-aged man peering through a lens and trudging around a work-site in muddy boots is changing.
Kellie is one of the female licensed surveyors in Victoria who have helped pave the way for more women to enter the profession.
Please tell us a little about yourself
I have two children and cherish spending time with my family. I enjoy playing netball, all water sports and beach holidays. I focus on balancing my time between work and family and I enjoy being an active member of my local community.
How did you first hear about surveying?
In year 12 I came across the course just before I put in my university preferences and it instantly appealed.
What inspired you to choose surveying over other options?
I liked the mix of engineering and science.
What does a typical day at work involve?
Managing projects to ensure clients’ needs are met, which includes client meetings, briefing surveying and drafting teams, report writing and correspondence, liaising with other consultants, referral authorities and councils. Some days I go on-site to check specific details of projects.
Tell us about your most interesting surveying project.
The Commonwealth Games Athletes Village subdivision in Parkville. This was a really unique subdivision using aspects of subdivision law that are not commonly used, and required in-depth research and expert knowledge to achieve the project outcomes. It was also a high profile project due to the site being used as the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village.
Commonwealth Games Village
Image reproduced with permission from the Surveyors Board of Victoria.
What appeals to you as a female working in the profession?
I am suited to this profession as I am organised, diligent and ambitious. I enjoy the problem solving and mathematics involved, together with the cadastral law and report writing aspects.
Are there any drawback or main challenges?
My main challenge is balancing home and work life. This would be the same in any career.
Why did you undertake your license and how has this benefited your career?
I undertook my license because I would like to be the most successful surveyor I can be. This has benefitted me due to the knowledge gained and has allowed me to advance within my company to become a member of the leadership group. Both clients and colleagues look to me for specialist advice with respect to cadastral law, easements and covenants, title re-establishment surveys, plus all aspects of land and building subdivisions.
