At the end of 2025, Sean Netherton, a graduate of the BCIT Bachelor of Science in Geomatics, returned to campus for a milestone moment—his commissioning ceremony as a British Columbia Land Surveyor (BCLS). At Sean’s request, the ceremony was held at BCIT and marked the culmination of a journey that began a decade earlier when he first enrolled as a student. The event carried special significance since this is where Scott also started his career in Geomatics.
Travelling from Prince George, where he lives and works today, Sean was commissioned as BCLS #1103, making the ceremony a meaningful return to where his professional path began.
Finding a path outdoors
After graduating from high school, Sean wasn’t sure what career direction to take. While working in landscaping, he discovered he enjoyed being outdoors and working hands-on, qualities that aligned with surveying.
“Surveying felt like a good fit,” he says. “I liked being outdoors and wanted work that was practical and engaging.”
Growing up with a parent in the profession offered Sean early insight into what a career in Geomatics could look like. Conversations at home helped to frame the diploma option as a solid foundation—one that offered long-term value and flexibility.
“My dad always said that if I completed the diploma, I’d always have it,” Sean says. “No one could take it away, and I could pivot later if I wanted to.”
The BCIT Geomatics Engineering Technology diploma program stood out for its applied learning, clear pathway into the profession, and strong employment outcomes.
“The biggest draw was the placement rate,” he says. “When I graduated, I had six job offers without applying anywhere.”
Sean began the Geomatics diploma in 2015 and later returned to complete the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics, graduating with distinction in 2021. He describes the program as fast-paced and demanding, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and instructor support.
From fieldwork to commissioning
In late 2022, Sean began his period of articles at McElhanney—a required, supervised training period under a licensed professional as part of the path to professional designation. He spent much of his early articling time working in the field before transitioning to a more office‑based role at the Prince George branch in late 2024.
In 2025, he completed his professional exams, including the professional assessment interview, before being commissioned later that year.
Becoming a BCLS is a major milestone on par with becoming a lawyer or a P.Eng. In British Columbia, the law is unique: only a BCLS or a judge has the authority to officially determine a property boundary.
It’s a “quasi-judicial” role that provides legal and financial certainty for the public. The rigorous path of articling and exams is the essential safeguard ensuring that every commissioned surveyor is ready to protect the integrity of BC’s land registry for decades to come.
Some of Sean’s most memorable experiences came in the field—working in icy mountain passes, wading into lakes to set drone targets, capturing natural boundaries along the Okanagan Lake, and flying by helicopter to flag right-of-ways in Northern BC.
“There were many days I thought, ‘I can’t believe they’re paying me for this,’” he says.
Being commissioned on campus added special meaning to this milestone.
For students considering Geomatics at BCIT, Sean encourages patience and perspective.
“Study hard, don’t rush the process, and embrace every step along the way,” he says. “Nobody wants a senior manager without good stories.”
Interested in a career that blends technology, problem‑solving, and work in the field? Learn more about Geomatics at BCIT and explore how the program can set you up for a rewarding career.
Featured image (left to right): Dr. Steven Kuan, Associate Dean, Engineering and Geospatial Technologies; Scott Netherton, Geomatics instructor and Sean’s father; Sara Netherton; Sean Netherton; and Mark Dailey, Geomatics Program Head. Scott, Mark, and Sean are all current members of the Association of BC Land Surveyors (ABCLS), with Mark serving as ABCLS President this year.