experience
Heather L. Keenan has been around the surveying profession her whole life but started her land surveying career at age 16. She is the field crew coordinator for her family business, Diamondback Land Surveying, managing up to six crews a day while attending college for business administration and land surveying. She also provides administrative support for project setups, proposals, and accounting. Keenan is currently a director on the board for the southern chapter of the Nevada Association of Land Surveyors (NALS), a student member of the California Land Surveyors Association (CLSA), and a student member of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). In addition, she is the social media coordinator for multiple land surveying accounts, vice president of Get Kids into Survey–West Coast, president of the Nevada Young Surveyors Network (YSN), and was previously the secretary of the national YSN.
How did surveying become a passion of yours?
Surveying became a passion for me because it’s been a part of my life since childhood, influenced by my family’s involvement in the profession. I officially started my career in land surveying at 16, and since then, my responsibilities have grown—from coordinating field crews and handling administrative tasks to active involvement in professional organizations and pursuing my education. The most fulfilling aspect is seeing the tangible impact of our work on communities.
What are your surveying career goals?
I aim to become a licensed land surveyor so I can take on more responsibilities and lead larger projects. I want to keep learning and gaining expertise in different areas of land surveying, especially with the latest technologies. My goal is to take on more leadership roles within professional organizations and my family business, contributing to the advancement of the profession.
Being involved with NALS, CLSA, and NSPS, I want to help shape the future of surveying. As the field crew coordinator for my family business, I plan to expand our operations, improve our services, and ensure we stay at the forefront of the industry.
I also want to mentor and inspire young surveyors, helping them navigate their careers and promoting the profession to future generations. I value working on projects that significantly impact communities, improve infrastructure, and contribute to sustainable development. Finally, I plan to complete my business administration and land surveying degrees to further enhance my career and our business operations.
How has the Young Surveyors Network helped you in your career?
YSN has been pivotal in my career growth. It’s connected me with peers and mentors, providing valuable guidance and collaboration opportunities. Workshops, seminars, and conferences have helped expand my surveying knowledge. Leading roles in YSN have enhanced my leadership skills and confidence. Staying updated on surveying technologies and engaging in community initiatives like Get Kids into Survey has been fulfilling. YSN has also opened doors to new career paths and projects, fostering both professional and personal growth.
What type of surveying are you currently doing, and how are you able to juggle work and school responsibilities?
In my role as field crew coordinator at Diamondback Land Surveying, I oversee a variety of surveys, including boundaries, topographical surveys, and construction staking, and I manage multiple crews daily. Balancing work and school involves careful planning. I schedule classes around work hours and dedicate evenings and weekends to studying. Family support and flexible work arrangements are crucial in managing both responsibilities effectively, allowing me to gain practical experience while advancing my education.
What advice would you give to others who are thinking about pursuing surveying?
To the next generation going into land surveying, here’s my advice: Keep learning. Always be open to picking up new skills and staying updated with the latest technologies. The field is always changing, and keeping up will give you an edge. Get practical experience and start working in the field as soon as you can. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Join professional organizations and attend events. Meeting experienced surveyors can open doors and give you valuable insights. Learn to manage your time and responsibilities well. Being organized is crucial in this profession. Love what you do and stay committed. Seeing the tangible results of your work and its impact on the community is incredibly rewarding. Good communication and teamwork are essential. You’ll work with many different people, so sharing your ideas clearly and working well with others is important. As you progress in your career, remember to mentor others and contribute to the profession. Helping the next generation is a great way to keep the field strong.
