This week, we are celebrating the 24th Annual Women in Construction Week (March 6-12, 2022). Women in Construction Week raises awareness and recognizes the work of women in the construction industry across the United States to strengthen and amplify the success of women in the industry.
In honor of this special week, we’re highlighting one of our customers, Kyndra Tezak, project manager at Tezak Heavy Equipment. Check out her story below.
When did you first decide you wanted to pursue a career surveying in the construction/earthworks industry? What inspired you?
I decided to pursue a career in surveying during my pursuit of a degree in construction management. I began doing research on aerial surveying in construction at that time, and obtained my Part 107 license. I then developed the aerial survey program at Tezak Heavy Equipment. I worked my way through several positions, starting as a drone pilot and then working in roles as a GPS tech, GPS modeler, and survey department supervisor. Being able to play an active role in quarry production and project progression is what inspired me to pursue a career in Tezak’s survey department.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in construction management and an Associate’s degree in business management.
What’s your career background?
I have been with Tezak Heavy Equipment since the beginning of my career. Over the past seven years, I have worked in the following positions: scale house clerk, field engineer, assistant project manager, drone pilot, survey department supervisor, and now I’m a project manager.
When did you begin surveying with drones?
I began surveying with drones in 2018.
How do you use the Propeller Platform and drones within your team and role?
Tezak Heavy Equipment utilizes the Propeller Platform and our survey-grade drone to provide real-time data to our quarry, project crews, and project stakeholders. The data we collect allows our team to:
- confirm project boundaries
- produce precise inventory reports
- provide job progress tracking to look at productivity levels and billable quantities
- provide cut and fill volume reports from flight to flight
- create 3D models of the project site per flight
- compare the project CAD design files to individual flights to see how the project is aligning
Propeller allows our project team to provide more accurate project data at a faster rate and keeps our workers safer, while increasing quality assurance and quality control on site. This innovative drone technology also brings added value to our project documentation, reporting, construction strategies, and site surveying.
What do you wish you’d known before you began using drones for surveying to measure and manage your work sites?
We wish we would have known about the time and cost savings we have realized since utilizing this system. Aerial surveying allows our team to collect more data at a quicker rate, which in turn allows us to go out and survey more often, all while reducing the safety risk of having surveyors actively in the field. It also has been beneficial to have real-time data at our fingertips. That data allows our team to actively see the weekly progression of our projects, provide accurate monthly inventory reports for our aggregate quarries, and increase our quality assurance and quality control on all Tezak Heavy Equipment sites.
Can you share your thoughts on the importance of adopting technology in the heavy construction industry?
Technology is a driving factor in the heavy civil construction industry. When technology is used to its fullest capabilities, it provides best practices for our organization and allows our team to become more efficient and organized in what we do.
How do you see your industry changing over the next five years?
I foresee technology continuing to evolve in our industry, including an increased demand for aerial surveying. New autonomous technologies also will help attract and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the construction trades.
What is the most memorable project you have worked on in your career?
Building a leach pad for a private owner. This project is where I gained a large portion of my hands-on survey experience and knowledge. It also taught me the importance of collecting accurate data for progress billings and as-built plans. Our team was very pleased to make those construction designs come to life and observe the owner using the pad we had built. Looking back on this project, it actually helped build me as a professional and expanded my knowledge, character, and career.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the construction/earthworks industry?
The construction industry offers a very rewarding career. There are many opportunities to make a difference in the projects that are building our lives as we know it. It is very satisfying to look back on projects that you have built and be able to say “I helped make that happen.” There will always be job security in the construction industry because there will always be a need for roadways, bridges, utilities, homes, shopping centers, and other projects.
The financial compensation for what you do is rewarding. This is an industry in which you learn best on the job and a college degree is not required. For young women who are looking for a long-term career, this is a great option. I strongly encourage you to pursue a career in construction. The people you meet, work you do, and experiences you create will provide you with a fulfilling life.
We are proud of all of the women in construction we’ve had the pleasure of meeting and supporting. Thanks, Kyndra, for sharing your story. And to all the women in construction…we appreciate you!
