Meet Our People: Jamie Greenwood Surveyor - Infrastructure

I joined just after graduating from Newcastle University with a degree in Land Surveying. I knew I wanted to work in infrastructure, so I landed in the right place from day one. I started as a Graduate Surveyor, learned the ropes from some great Lead Surveyors, and then stepped up to Surveyor.

Lots of planning, problem-solving, and believe it or not - night shifts!

I help plan jobs with the Lead Surveyors, brief the team, prep equipment, and make sure everything runs smoothly on-site. We usually work overnight when the trains aren’t running, capturing data with tools like laser scanners and our Amberg track trolley. It’s not your typical 9-to-5!

They’re more technical and demanding in some ways. I have a wide technical knowledge of the standards required and expected by Network Rail and London Underground, as well as physical features such as track bed sleeper identification. These skills are required by our clients so we can provide them with the highest accuracy drawings and models. It’s niche knowledge, but it becomes second nature after a while.

In 2024 we had the opportunity to survey both Box Tunnel and The Royal Albert Bridge. These structures were designed back in the 19th century by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, whom I admire greatly. It was fantastic to experience these megalithic feats of British engineering up close.

Honestly? Trainspotting, and knowing that our work has a real impact. We undertake a lot of survey work related to stations preparing for improved disability access through the introduction of lifts or accessible ramps. This infrastructure removes barriers for so many people, and it feels good to be part of something meaningful.

We have some of the most advanced high-tech equipment, which allows me to produce incredible 3D models of intricate parts of the rail network. This makes the life of a surveyor far less physically demanding than it was 20–50 years ago.

It's certainly not conventional! I usually wake up around midday, owing to the fact that I will have been working the previous night. I then get to enjoy my afternoon before heading to the office as the sun goes down to collect my equipment. We only have a tight working window to get the maximum amount of work done during a shift, before the rail network needs to be open and ready for the morning commuters. The work may include a whole range of tasks such as traversing, laser scanning, or even pushing our Amberg track measuring system. As the sun rises, I head home and upload the night’s data, ready for the office to begin processing it at 08:30 hrs for tip-top efficiency.

I started my career by studying at university, but there are many apprenticeships and entry schemes that enable talented people to join the survey family. It's about finding what suits you best and doing a job you find fulfilling and enjoyable.

This job is as much about passion and curiosity as it is about qualifications. You’ve got to enjoy it.

You must be adaptive and flexible, yet assertive, as unexpected hurdles can present themselves at every turn. Each job we undertake is different and requires the ability to think outside the box.

I (probably) hold the company’s fastest 10K time - 39 minutes and 40 seconds! Also, I might be described by colleagues as “fun, fast, and a little chaotic” … in a good way!

Hiking and photography. I love heading to remote parts of the UK and capturing the landscape through my lens. There’s something peaceful about it.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” – Alfred Wainwright.

Turns out, there is such a thing as too much clothing on some occasions - and Wainwright didn’t have to wear hi-vis thermals!