On the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, we travel to WGI's Huntsville, Alabama, office to sit down with Jason Alvarez, Senior Operations Manager for our Geospatial + Land Surveying group.

In this episode, hosts Dan and Katie explore Jason's 23-year journey at WGI, from starting in the field as a rod person to leading operations in one of the firm's growing offices. His story highlights persistence, curiosity, and the impact of saying yes to opportunity.

From Florida Roots to Geospatial Leadership

Jason grew up in Central and South Florida, including time in Lake Wales, where he balanced football and marching band. Yes, marching band. And yes, there were kilts involved.

Before surveying ever entered the picture, Jason thought he might become a computer programmer. He built computers in high school and enjoyed working with technology, but he quickly realized that sitting behind a screen all day was not for him. He wanted something that blended tech with the outdoors.

Enter surveying.

Through a family connection, Jason got his first exposure to the field. What began as data entry and CAD work turned into a genuine interest in geospatial technology. When an opportunity at WGI opened up, he took it and started as a rod person on a survey crew.

And that is where it all began.

Building a Career by Saying Yes

Jason did not map out a 20-plus-year plan. Instead, he leaned into every opportunity that came his way.

He asked to learn new equipment. He stepped into office production. He volunteered for projects. He even spent two years working in IT to expand his technical skill set before returning to Geospatial.

If someone asked, "Can you do this?" Jason's answer was usually, "Sure."

That mindset helped shape his career. Over time, field experience turned into project management. Project management turned into operational leadership. Today, he oversees geospatial operations in Huntsville, bringing both technical expertise and years of institutional knowledge to the table.

Lessons from Brightline and Beyond

One of Jason's most memorable projects was supporting the Brightline construction effort. Managing multiple crews operating seven days a week required coordination, adaptability, and the integration of advanced technology, including robotic total stations and monitoring systems.

It was a demanding assignment, but one that pushed him to grow both technically and as a leader.

Implementing new technologies, coordinating teams, and navigating the pace of construction taught him lessons that continue to shape how he leads today.

Watching WGI Grow

After 23 years, Jason has had a front-row seat to WGI's evolution.

What started as a smaller firm focused primarily on land development has grown into a multidisciplinary powerhouse offering transportation, lidar, planning, architecture, and more. With that growth has come expanded opportunities, new technologies, and a broader range of projects.

Through it all, Jason says two things have remained constant: opportunity and people.

He credits WGI's collaborative culture and the willingness of associates to help one another as the biggest reasons he has stayed. Whether learning a new system, tackling a complex project, or transitioning into leadership, there has always been someone willing to share knowledge and support the team.

Fun Facts and Family Time

Outside of work, Jason is a self-proclaimed big kid at heart. These days, most of his free time is spent with his two-and-a-half-year-old son building Lego sets and playing with toy trains.

He also shared a few memorable facts during the episode:

• He does not drink tea. Under any circumstances.

• He has never used the restroom on an airplane. Not even on a 14-hour international flight.

• Despite attending a Scottish-themed high school, he did not play the bagpipes.

You will have to tune in to hear the full stories behind those...

Tune In

Jason's journey is a reminder that careers are not one-size-fits-all. Growth can happen through curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to step up when opportunity knocks.

If you are looking for a story about starting at the ground level and building a career through determination and adaptability, this episode is for you.

Listen to this episode of WGI Unleashed on your favorite podcast platform and stay tuned for more conversations with the people, projects, and culture that define WGI.

Visit your favorite podcast app now and subscribe to WGI Unleashed to receive alerts every time a new episode drops.

You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.