Meet The Team: Lucas, Graduate Utility Surveyor

Meet Lucas, one of the newest members of the Kemp team. Lucas joined Kemp in June after graduating from the University of Bristol earlier this year. Before joining the company, he spent three months backpacking through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. On returning home, he set out to find a role that combined technology, problem-solving, and time outdoors, which led him to the world of surveying.

Lucas joined the team as a Graduate Utility Surveyor and has quickly become an integral part of the Exeter-based team. “The variety of work was a big draw for me,” he says. “Kemp undertakes such a wide range of projects, which means there’s always something new to learn.”

A typical day for Lucas begins at the Exeter office, where the team loads up equipment before heading to site. Once there, they carry out surveys using electromagnetic locators and ground-penetrating radar to detect underground services such as water, gas, electric, drainage, and communications. The data is then collected with GPS or a total station before being processed back in the office.

One of the most memorable projects Lucas has worked on so far was a five-week survey at Hartopp Road in Exeter, which involved both day and night shifts. Working in a residential area brought plenty of challenges — from unpredictable weather to densely packed utilities — but perseverance and teamwork ensured the job was completed successfully. “It was a tough project at times,” Lucas says, “but it really helped me develop my skills and gain confidence working across different conditions and service types.”

Outside of work, Lucas enjoys playing and watching sports, supporting both Manchester United and his local club, Exeter City. He also likes playing golf with friends, going to the gym, and relaxing with a good film. A keen traveller, Japan is next on his list, drawn by its mix of vibrant cities, culture, and natural beauty.