At WGI, every associate brings a unique story to the table, but few start on a remote fishing island in Alaska and end up leading cutting-edge geospatial solutions across the country.

In this episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, Dan and Katie sit down with Scott Jones, Technical Solutions Manager on our Geospatial + Land Surveying team, to talk about a career path shaped by adventure, curiosity, and a willingness to solve problems in some of the most challenging environments imaginable.

A Childhood Built for Adventure

Scott's story begins in Petersburg, Alaska, a small fishing community where getting anywhere requires a boat or a plane and where imagination fills the gaps between long winters and remote living.

His introduction to surveying came through a high school class that quickly turned into something much bigger. One of his first projects involved surveying a glacier by helicopter, an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in the field and set the tone for everything that followed.

From Screenwriting Dreams to Surveying Reality

Surveying wasn't always the plan.

Scott originally pursued creative writing in college with the goal of becoming a screenwriter. That changed after landing an internship with the Alaska Department of Transportation, where he spent his summers traveling across the state collecting geospatial data.

What started as a job quickly became a turning point. The combination of travel, technical work, and real-world impact pulled him away from writing and into a career in geomatics.

Surveying at the Edge of the World

Before joining WGI, Scott built his experience in environments that most people would never encounter on the job.

Working in Alaska meant navigating extreme terrain, unpredictable conditions, and projects that required constant adaptation. One of the most memorable was a remote "Road to Nowhere" survey effort that pushed crews deep into the wilderness for months at a time.

From coordinating helicopter access to dealing with wildlife and harsh conditions, the work demanded resilience, creativity, and a strong understanding of the field.

Bringing That Experience to WGI

Today, Scott applies that same mindset at WGI, where no two days look the same.

As a Technical Solutions Manager, he moves between projects, helping teams identify challenges, develop workflows, and find practical solutions that keep work moving forward. His role spans aerial operations, Lidar processing, GIS support, and everything in between.

What sets his approach apart is a focus on execution. Big ideas matter, but for Scott, success comes from turning those ideas into real, actionable results.

Projects That Push Boundaries

Scott has been involved in several standout projects during his time with WGI, including a highly coordinated Grand Canyon mapping effort that required extensive planning across multiple agencies and airspace approvals.

Another favorite took him to White Sands National Park, where Lidar technology was used to help identify prehistoric sloth footprints. It's a perfect example of how WGI's work blends advanced technology with unique, real-world applications.

Why WGI?

For Scott, it comes down to the people.

He highlighted the value of working with teams that take pride in what they do and hold themselves to a high standard. That shared mindset creates an environment where collaboration is strong and the work is meaningful.

It also opens the door for growth. At WGI, associates aren't limited to one role or skill set. There are constant opportunities to expand, learn, and contribute in new ways.

Life Outside the Office

While his days of fishing in Alaska may be behind him, Scott hasn't lost his sense of adventure.

In Huntsville, he's traded ocean waters for kayaking, discovered a passion for caving, and continues to explore the outdoors in new ways. It's a different landscape, but the same mindset that has guided his career from the beginning.

Final Thoughts

Scott's journey is a reminder that there's no single path to success. From creative writing aspirations to leading technical solutions at WGI, his story is built on adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to take on new challenges.

And like many of the stories featured on WGI Unleashed, it reinforces what makes WGI unique—the people, the experiences, and the opportunity to be part of something bigger.

Tune In

If you are looking for a story that blends adventure, innovation, and real-world impact, this episode is one you will not want to miss.

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

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