Surveying is a career that blends technical precision with variety and unpredictability. For Ben Ledford, a Survey Crew Chief based in Phoenix, Arizona, no two days are quite the same.

“Surveying can be fun, challenging, and stressful at times,” Ben said. “But what makes it worth it all is the day you make it to another project knowing you completed the last one.”

Preparing for the Day
Most mornings begin with preparation. Ben verifies he has the right equipment and paperwork outlining the day’s tasks, loads up on water and ice to tackle Arizona’s summer heat, and checks two traffic apps to find the quickest route to his job site. Once in the field, his first priority is making sure the survey is tracking on the correct coordinate system.

In the Field
As the day progresses, Ben reviews his progress to ensure he has collected the necessary data for the office team to review. Photos play a key role in documenting conditions and making the engineers’ jobs easier when it comes to data reduction. Along the way, there are sometimes memorable encounters with wildlife, from elk to rattlesnakes.

Teamwork is also a crucial component of the role. “Some days, a Crew Chief will act as a helping hand to another Crew Chief,” Ben said. “Ego doesn’t get in the way of this department. I enjoy being able to run the show on some days, but I still act as a helping hand for the other Crew Chiefs. We all understand the goal at the end of the day, and our teamwork is and always will be the accelerant.”

Collaboration and Purpose
Back in the office, Ben checks in with the CAD team to ensure they have what they need before closing out a project. Whether working independently, supporting another Crew Chief, or helping in the office, he finds value in every role.

“It’s never dull and never the same story,” he said. “That is the type of environment I want to thrive in.”