Progressing from Peak to Peak
From using cutting-edge technology and precise techniques to connecting the past to the present by surveying historical landmarks and translating them into digital models, the Geospatial team are experts in providing novel solutions and data.
14 April 2024 | 4 min read
Stephen Postians
Get to know our team
Meet Steve, his role in the Geospatial business requires that he consider all the details of this fast-moving machine, whilst aiming for precision, accuracy, and an extraordinary outcome.
When dealing with new ideas and implementing opportunities, the small stuff is everything. And no one knows this better than Steve. With a passion for the Geospatial business and years of dedication to building knowledge and experience in surveying, Steve has learned invaluable lessons over his rich career.
From the highest mountain possible to a career high point, Steve explains how he navigates from one peak to another.
What is your role and how long have you been at RPS?
I’ve been at RPS since 2009. My role has changed over the years from carrying out the surveys on-site to where I am now as the Regional Manager for the Geospatial business within Asset Survey & Inspection.
Back in 2009, RPS was awarded a framework for the University of Warwick for the delivery of Geospatial Surveying Services. I was approached to lead this framework. This was a great opportunity for me to progress in my career and to grow the Geospatial business. There were just 2 staff and one client back then when we started. We now have over 30 staff and 100s of clients.
What does your job entail?
I support the Geospatial business both operationally and commercially. I am heavily involved in compiling technical responses for new opportunities and innovative ideas. Developing and maintaining client relationships is high on the agenda as is ensuring the geospatial team can safely perform their roles.
What three words would you use to describe your role?
Compliance, Diverse & Innovative
How did you gain and build your expertise over the years?
I finished school way back in 1993 (now you can work out how old I am) and noticed a job advert in the local paper which was for a “chain lad” working on an opencast mine for British Coal. I applied and was offered the position which involved working with the chief surveyors and carrying out measurement surveys daily. Back then though, it required me to stand alone behind an instrument set up on the highest peak possible so that we could see everything in the mine, as you can imagine it was extremely cold during the winter months. Nowadays, these surveys can be done using robotic total stations or UAVs (Drones). I progressed in my role and increased my knowledge and capabilities by going to college part-time and university part-time to achieve my surveying qualifications and further move up.
What makes this work so special, what’s your favourite part?
Surveying is a fantastic discipline. We get to spend time outdoors, exploring diverse landscapes that combine precision/accuracy, history and technology. We get to connect the past to the present by surveying historical landmarks and converting them into digital models. We get to use advanced survey equipment and techniques to measure land features with incredible precision, but the most enjoyable part is the cutting-edge technology we get to embrace. (who doesn’t like playing with gadgets) So while respecting the traditional methods of surveying using Theodolites (now total stations) we get to innovate using GNSS, Laser Scanners and UAVs (Drones).
What's the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?
Starting a career can be both exciting and challenging. Some valuable advice would be;
- Venture outside your comfort zone, and try new things.
- Meet new people as this can lead to new opportunities.
- Arrive to work early (not too early though). It helps you get an understanding of the area you will be surveying and work out a methodology to survey safely.
- Learn from people you meet, and pass these learnings on so the traditions are not lost.
Finally, and probably the most important, prioritise your well-being. Implement and maintain a realistic work-life balance.
How does your role help contribute to a better world, for RPS and everyone else?
The surveying services we provide play a crucial role in various sectors. Survey data is required throughout the project lifecycle “before, during and after” and by providing these surveying services we can ensure we provide clients with accurate data collection to enable informed decision-making.
Remember, accurate survey data is essential for successful project outcomes!
SurveyingBetween You and Me – Fun Q and A
What does your ideal Sunday look like?
I think the answer to this question would change throughout every period in life but for me, at this moment it would be going and watching my son play football. I’m a little old now to play and my knees aren’t up to it anymore but to keep me involved I do end up being a linesman which certainly has its challenges as everyone has an opinion on what is deemed to be off side!!!!
What’s your proudest accomplishment? Personal or professional.
Cliché, I know, but my family is my proudest accomplishment. Having my partner of 27 years (I have though, stepped up, this year we are finally getting married!!) and also my son who has just turned 15. Big decisions for him coming up soon. I don’t think he knows what he wants to do, but how many of us did back then? Except, that we all wanted to have a great time.
What’s your favourite movie/TV series?
I don’t have a favourite film, to be honest, there’s so many that I like, particularly action/comedy etc, but they would certainly fall into the cheesy 1980’s era. I’m a big fan of the original Magnum PI series. Something is appealing to me about driving around an exotic sun-blessed island in a red Ferrari but without the moustache though!
Favourite song/album?
I don’t have a favourite song/album either. My partner says my music taste isn't great and very random. I was brought up on Elvis, and Boney-M, so I don’t mind these. I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s so I enjoy this era of music.
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Interested in a career at RPS?
We pride ourselves in making complex easy, and we encourage and value team members that can bring different ideas, perspectives and styles of thinking to all our surveying and inspection activities.
We want you to grow and succeed with us. If you want your work to be varied, to have a sense of purpose and to feel part of a team yet valued as an individual, then RPS is the home you are looking for.
