We’re excited to welcome RJ Phiambolis to the GHH team. RJ brings five years of field experience and a strong, hands-on approach to surveying. As a Survey Party Chief, RJ plays a key role in delivering the precision and reliability our clients depend on—day in and day out in the field.

Here is a quick Q&A with RJ to give you a look into his path into surveying, what drives his work, and what a typical day in the field really looks like.

Who are you and how long have you worked at Godfrey Hoffman Hodge?
RJ Phiambolis.  I started at GHH December 8, 2025 but have been in the career field for about 5 years.

How did you get into the career field of surveying?
After completing a four-year enlistment in the US Navy, I was looking for a job.  I was familiar with surveying from my undergrad major, Geo-Environmental Sciences, so when I saw a job opening for a survey tech in the New Haven area, I applied and was hired.

What do you do and why do you do it?
Survey party chief.  I do it for gainful employment and for the independent nature of the work.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Arrive at the office at about 8 in the morning, organize gear, files and mission briefing, then off to the field for the day.  I return to the office around 3 in the afternoon to download data, debrief with my supervisor, and put the batteries on the charger for the next day.

What is challenging about your day to day?
Too much traffic, other drivers, ticks and poison ivy.  Operating in challenging terrain while carrying too much gear.

What has changed during your career?
On a personal level, my “survey sense” or “site sense” has developed to where I recognize the nuances of a site much quicker which helps me get the job done more efficiently and with confidence.

What hasn’t changed?
Dead batteries at the worst possible time, tripods going out of level during last winter, chopping line and finding lost equipment such as hammers that fall out of stake bags.

What keeps you going back?
A steady paycheck!  Aside from that, outside work, working solo, being responsible for the field mission.