Meet Jahdal Jordan

1. What is your current role with Beca?

My role with Beca is a surveyor. I am based in Auckland where I started in March.

2. Tell us a bit about yourself and what gets you out of bed in the morning?

I am a proud Taranaki boy who has just moved to Auckland after studying in Dunedin. Helping people meet their goals through the surveying methods we offer is what gets me out of bed on a weekday.

3. On your first day at Beca, what stood out to you? 

My first day at Beca was a little different to most as it was under COVID Alert Level 3, meaning I was at home. What stood out to me was how accommodating Beca and specifically my team were. They made sure that I was getting all the support I needed in this unique circumstance.

4. What sorts of projects have you been involved in and how are you and the team making everyday better? 

I have been lucky enough to be involved with a range of projects quite early on, from laser scanning and drone flights to topographic and cadastral surveys. One project I believe has helped make everyday better is the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway which Beca has been involved with. The survey team has been in charge of much of the legalization surveys and subdivisions in order to make the project possible. I believe that this motorway will help the drive of many New Zealanders, ultimately making everyday better.

5. What does a typical day in our Survey team like? 

I don’t think there is such a thing as a ‘typical day’ in the survey team. One thing that I get to do regularly for projects is to go to a site, measure, record and setout marks or refences of some sort. We use a variety of tools, equipment and methods to achieve whatever the task is. We will often combine methods in order to achieve tasks. Regardless of what job we are doing or how we are doing it, we do have consistent methods and checks in place in order to confirm that the work we are doing is to a high standard.

6. What three words would you use to describe the Survey team? 

Problem solving, adaptability.

7. Beca’s values are partnership, tenacity, enjoyment and care – how would you say you experienced these values in our team? 

I have experienced all of these values in my time so far. Partnership has been with others in the team as well as clients and other teams within Beca. I have experienced tenacity when dealing with problems as they arise. I witnessed and admired the mental strength and ability of people at Beca when solving problems. Enjoyment has come both from completing work to a high level and while actually doing the work. The environment at work allows for tasks to be completed in an efficient manner while still allowing for fun to be had within the team. We take a lot of care in our work as we understand that what we do can be very important and have a flow on effect for many things. We make sure to be accurate, precise and thorough in our work. We also do our work in a way which allows for it to be checked and verified in order to assure quality.

8. What advice would you have for new grads who are just starting out in their career?

A piece of advice I would have is to try and gain experience in new areas of your field and not to limit yourself to what you already know.

9. What was the most unexpected/incredible thing that has happened so since joining our team? 

The most incredible thing that has happened since joining has been being able to go behind the scenes of some big projects. I can see how these major projects are run and be involved with allowing them to run successfully. Beca is a diverse business with a wide variety of services so being able to integrate with other divisions has taught me a lot in my time here so far.

10. What does the next 12 months hold for you? 

In the next 12 months I plan to continue to learn as much as possible as well as make a start on the licensing process for surveying.

11. Beca’s Survey team are hiring – what are you looking for in a new colleague? 

We are looking for someone who is willing to solve problems as well as making an effort with communicating. There are many problems which only arise when on site or when halfway through a job. I believe it would be valuable if a new colleague can communicate whatever they have encountered in a way which will allow the rest of the team to go about their work efficiently.

12. Outside of your work, what do you love to do? 

Outside of work, I love getting outdoors and playing sport. I play football, picking up golf and learning to surf. I enjoy watching sport with mates as well as heading out for a walk or a swim.