Hydrographic Surveyor at Fugro
Navy hydrographic surveyor continues his career mapping the ocean floor with Fugro.
By Warren Duffie 

When describing his work mapping the sea floor, Patrick Nissen likes to use artistic imagery.

“My crew travels in a 27-foot boat that has high-resolution sonar attached to the side,” said Nissen, a former Navy officer. “Think of the sonar as a paint brush and every ping is a bristle. We basically cover an entire area – ‘painting the bottom’ to get an accurate picture of the bottom.”

On the Job
It’s an art form Nissen first mastered in the Navy and continues to love as a civilian. Based in Ventura, Calif., the former lieutenant is a hydrographic surveyor for Fugro, a global company specializing in land and underwater surveys, providing the data of such studies to corporate clients.

Nissen and his team map out ports, harbors and coastal areas in Southern California – serving customers such as oil and gas companies looking to lay pipeline, the state’s Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Nissen, 31, spends a couple of days each week on the boat, conducting surveys. The other days are filled with data processing, report writing and creating proposals for future client jobs.

“The best part of my job is the regular travel,” he said. “I don’t have to go to a cubicle every day and punch a clock. Each day is different. The biggest challenge is jobs often fall into our laps, so proper communication and organization are crucial to staying on top of things. The Navy did a great job of instilling those qualities in me.”

In Uniform
Growing up in northwestern Ohio, Nissen always wanted to serve in the military. As a high school freshman, Nissen’s guidance counselor handed him a brochure about the U.S. Naval Academy. Nissen was immediately attracted to the idea of receiving a world-class education while serving his country.

After graduating in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in oceanography, Nissen served on USS Harpers Ferry and at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Nissen really enjoyed his job with the Fleet Survey Team, but by 2008 knew he would have to leave that assignment as he advanced through the ranks. He decided to leave the military and pursue a civilian career in underwater surveying.

The Transition
To prepare, he took transition classes and had fellow officers review his résumé. He made sure to highlight his technical abilities, as well as his leadership qualities and accomplishments.

Then Nissen did research on the top companies in the industry. Fugro’s name loomed large. He visited the company’s website, saw the Ventura opening and applied.

“It seemed like the perfect fit,” he said. “I could still do the same thing I did in the Navy and my wife is from the area. The job was very appealing.

There was some sticker shock when he left the military. The Fleet Survey Team was based in Mississippi, which has a much lower cost of living than California. Nissen also received BAH and health care from Uncle Sam. So while he makes more money as a civilian, things are more expensive.

“The good thing is that I planned early, about a year,” he said. “Once you decide to leave the military, give yourself at least a year to plan.” 

• Don’t rush into your transition. “Make sure it’s what you want to do. The military has a lot to offer. Don’t throw that aside without thinking. I still miss the Navy. The friendship you make and things you accomplish will always stay with you.”
• Enjoy your work. “Make sure your civilian job is something you would enjoy doing for awhile.”
• Consider the financial picture. “Don’t just look at how much you could make as a civilian. Consider the full cost of civilian life and the benefits you currently receive in the military.”
  

How’d You Get That Job?
To prepare, Nissen took transition classes and had fellow officers review his résumé. He made sure to highlight his technical abilities, as well as his leadership qualities and accomplishments.

Then Nissen did research on the top companies in the industry. Fugro’s name loomed large. He visited the company’s website, saw the Ventura opening and applied.

What Nissen Likes About His Job

• The travel and sense of adventure
• Working for a company that evolves in a changing market
• Not having to punch a time clock
  

Fugro World Wide
HQ: Houston (U.S.); Leidschendam, Netherlands (Corporate)
Employees:13,500
Veteran Employees: 249 in U.S.
2010 Revenue: $3.26 billion
www.fugro.com

Did You Know?
Fugro provides the people, equipment, expertise and technology that support the exploration, development, production and transportation of the world’s natural resources. Fugro also provides its clients with the technical data and information required to design, construct and maintain structures and infrastructure in a safe, reliable and efficient manner.