As we celebrate Women’s History Month and National Surveyors Week, it’s a perfect time to honor the exceptional contributions of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Among these remarkable individuals is Alicia Tabachnick, a licensed surveyor with over 20 years of experience, currently based in Timmons Group’s Raleigh office.
Alicia started her professional journey at Suffolk County Community College in New York. “I didn’t even know what land surveying was before I took a couple of classes in college,” she admits, unaware at the time those classes would lead her to where she is today.
Land surveying is the process of mapping land, it generally shows property lines, permanent and natural site features, and terrain. Surveyors use special tools such as transits, total stations, 3D scanners, and global positioning systems (GPS), to measure distances and heights, which is the basis for all design work used by civil engineers, builders, architects, and governments to plan where to build roads, houses, and other structures.
Her transition from fieldwork to office responsibilities marked a pivotal moment in her professional journey. “It’s probably one of the only professions where you have a visual progression of your career. As you progress in your career, not only does what you’re doing change, but your environment changes,” Alicia said. While working her way up from hands-on experience in the field to conducting research and drafting in the office, Alicia was also taking the initiative to train the new employees working with her.
As a mentor, Alicia provides guidance and support by imparting technical skills through corrective feedback and thorough explanations. “The best way to become successful is to pull up the person behind you, and I’m a big believer in that. I’m explaining to them the reason behind my corrections to support their improvement and progress in the long run.”
Alicia goes beyond her technical responsibilities, actively empowering the next generation of surveyors. When asked what advice she gives to others entering this field, Alicia said, “Don’t give up,” drawing from her own experiences navigating challenges in the field. “If you enjoy what you’re doing, just know the path you’re on is worth it.”
Outside of work, Alicia is involved in initiatives like the Future Surveyors Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing an inclusive and diverse workforce in the fields of land surveying and geospatial engineering. Each year, the Future Surveyors Foundation hosts the Women Surveyors Summit, where women surveyors across the nation come together to grow professionally. “All of the women I’ve met in the surveying field are rock stars. They’re all doing something to improve the profession, make it better and greater,” she said. These events serve as invaluable platforms for networking, professional development, and celebrating the achievements of women in surveying.
Through her involvement in these events, Alicia has developed lasting connections with other women in the industry. Together, they form a supportive network, inspiring one another to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. “All of the women I’ve met involved in the Future Surveyors Foundation are amazing and inspiring — They all want more, and they all have that drive,” she said, emphasizing the collective goal to enhance the industry for women.
Looking ahead, Alicia sees vast potential in surveying, particularly as the industry faces a generational shift. “There’s so much opportunity in land surveying,” she said. As a strong advocate for inclusion in her profession, Alicia embraces alternative pathways into surveying, ensuring that diverse talent is welcomed and valued. From LinkedIn posts to community outreach, she enthusiastically shares career opportunities within the surveying field with anyone eager to learn.
As we commemorate Women’s History Month and National Surveyors Week, let’s celebrate leaders like Alicia who continue to pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future in the surveying field. If you’re interested in learning more about Alicia and her role in survey, follow her on LinkedIn here!
