We recently caught up with Nathan Harrup, Drone Surveyor at PD Ports, to discuss his career journey, day-to-day work, and what the future holds for the industry.
What are the key skills required to do your job?
The role of a drone surveyor is both challenging and rewarding, offering variety and the chance to work on projects with tangible, lasting impacts.
Attention to detail is critical as a surveyor, particularly during the planning stage, as you have to ensure that the client’s requirements are fully understood and determine whether a drone is the right tool for the job.
You also need a solid technical understanding. Tools such as drones are a key part of the role, and knowing how to apply technology effectively is essential due to the possibility of errors within the data.
Finally, resilience is very important. As a surveyor, you work outdoors in all weather conditions and have to adapt to unexpected challenges - including poor weather! - is a crucial part of the job.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
For me, one of the biggest perks is working outdoors and being involved in the entire survey process, from initial design to data collection and final analysis. Seeing how the information I gather is used in major projects is highly rewarding.
What does it entail day-to-day?
No two days are the same. Mornings typically start with emails and a thorough kit check to ensure everything is ready. Once I’m on-site, I carry out a reconnaissance to confirm conditions match expectations before the surveying begins.
Some days are more office-based, where I will focus on processing data, verifying survey results, and liaising with other teams to understand their needs. However, I’m rarely tied to a desk, and I’m often working from the PD Ports van as I move between locations.
What route do you take to do your job? What qualifications are required?
My journey began at Newcastle University, where I pursued a degree in Surveying and Mapping Science. I then worked as a technician at the university for three years, furthering my skills and gaining industry exposure.
After that, I joined the Surveying company Tri-Tech, where I specialised in land surveying, utility mapping, and engineering surveying. This hands-on experience set me up for the role I’m now in at PD Ports and I am grateful to Ted Harland, Joe Haines and Jack Brittain for all their experience and guidance.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career such as yours?
I’d encourage anyone interested in surveying to go for it. Surveying plays a fundamental role in infrastructure and major projects, and it’s a rewarding career with the opportunity to work on a range of impactful projects across the country.
The job requires problem-solving, adaptability, and an ability to think outside the box, which makes it perfect for anyone looking for a challenge.
What projects have you most enjoyed working on or are you most proud of?
One of my standout projects so far at PD Ports has been working on our utilities survey projects, providing critical data to support operations.
Another career highlight for me was conducting surveys for the A66 project, which helped refine my technical skills and project management approach.
Every project contributes to my development as a surveyor, helping to shape my expertise and skillset.
What do you see as the future of your industry over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, we’re going to see a growing demand for spatial data as we tackle challenges like climate change and environmental management.
There will be a critical need for precise geospatial information in construction, flood defence planning, and port management, for example.
Technological advancements, particularly in drones and AI, will continue to improve efficiency. However, my view is that the human expertise of site surveyors will remain crucial to interpreting data and ensuring its accuracy.
How has the sector changed since you started out?
Since starting my career, I’ve become more aware of the broader impact of surveying. Technological advancements have transformed the field, introducing more sophisticated tools to solve increasingly complex problems, especially as drone and AI technology evolve at pace.
However, as the climate and environment continue to change, the surveying sector must develop a deeper understanding of the challenges we face, and work collaboratively across different industries to find solutions.
You work with Coleman James. Why do you choose them as your recruitment partner of choice?
Lauren Robson, the consultant I worked with, was brilliant throughout the whole process - from the initial approach to arranging conversations, answering my questions, and supporting me through interviews. The process was seamless, and even after starting in my role, they regularly checked in to see how I was settling in.
I strongly recommend Coleman James for anyone seeking their next career move. They helped me to make the right decision for my career, and provided exactly the right level of support for that transition.