After more than four decades shaping communities through precision land surveying, Civiltec’s longtime Survey Manager, Eugene ‘Chris’ Duncan, PLS, is officially retiring from full time work. His career is one marked by exceptional leadership, technical mastery, and a deep commitment to field work.
Chris’ journey began in the late 1970s as a Chainman with Charles Wolhiem, Surveyors, and later with Lind and Hillerud, Inc. His strong work ethic and growing expertise quickly led him to Civiltec Engineering in 1986, where he served as Vice President from 1986-1992, contributing to the firm’s early success.
In 1992, Chris founded Western States Surveying, Inc., where he served as President and Principal Surveyor for more than 25 years. While successfully leading his own firm, he continued providing surveying services to Civiltec, maintaining a strong partnership and dedication to shared project success. Under his leadership, Western States completed hundreds of surveys for both private and public sector clients, including work on water, sewer, storm drain, street improvements, reservoirs, site grading, buildings, and pump stations.
Chris also brought clients extensive expertise in land title matters, including boundary establishment, cadastral surveys, easement and right-of-way establishment, maps and plats, legal descriptions, and Records of Survey. His work consistently safeguarded the title interests of the public. County surveyors came to associate his name with precision, quality, and pride in workmanship and often breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing his submissions, knowing their review process would be smooth and straightforward.
In 2018, Chris returned to Civiltec as Land Surveying Manager, bringing with him decades of field experience, business acumen, and a deep wealth of industry knowledge. His contributions since returning have been instrumental in supporting high-profile projects across California and Arizona, including:
✔ Water system improvements in Beverly Hills, Brea, and Buena Park.
✔ Pump station and reservoir projects for the Valley County Water District and La Habra Heights County Water District.
✔ Surveying for critical PFAS, nitrate, and TCP treatment plant upgrades.
✔ Infrastructure improvements in Glendale, Pico Rivera, Santa Clarita, and Garden Grove.
Chris has always blended hands-on field expertise with cutting-edge technology, using tools like Trimble GNSS, total stations, and advanced CAD systems to deliver precise mapping and documentation. His dedication to keeping closure errors well within industry standards reflects his commitment to quality and precision at every stage of the survey process. He has also been a trusted expert witness in land surveying, recognized by California’s Superior Court for his authority in the field.
Throughout his career, Chris has embraced collaboration and mentorship as essential to project success, often crediting the many mentors and colleagues who helped form his path. His leadership style has shaped Civiltec’s Survey Department and helped foster a culture of precision, growth, and teamwork. “Truly no design project was able to start and for the most part finish without the contributions that Chris made in the field,” said Principal, Shem Hawes.
“Chris is a great friend, excellent surveyor, advisor and quality-guy who always puts others ahead of himself. He is irreplaceable as a principal surveyor but his impression and legacy will positively affect each of us, and the profession, forever. His work ethic is proven by his willingness to be at his desk or arrive at his field destination in the wee hours of the morning and stay until late in the day. Best of all attributes is his deep laugh and continuous smile. An inspiration to all of us that were lucky enough to have worked with him.” – Rick Shroads, Founder.
“After decades of navigating landscapes, charting unknowns, and helping build the foundations of our communities, Chris’ time to relax has arrived. His precision, dedication, and eye for detail have not only shaped complex surveying and mapping but also influenced careers, Civiltec projects, and friendships. Thank you, Chris, for the countless miles walked, the boundaries clarified, and the standard of excellence you’ve upheld. You’ve left your mark on both the land and on all of us. Wishing you a retirement filled with well-earned rest, new adventures, and the satisfaction of a job well done. May your days ahead be wide open and full of joy, just like the horizons you’ve spent a career measuring. You are an amazing co-worker and good friend!” — W. David Byrum, President
“I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible experience of working with Mr. D (Chris) over the years. It has truly been an honor and privilege. Mr. D’s work ethic, dedication, unwavering support, and profound knowledge are unsurpassed and deeply appreciated by all of us. He is an inspiration, a remarkable asset to our team and credit to his profession. Wishing you and Janie all the best as you begin this next chapter of your lives. Thank you, Mr. D, for everything you do. Looking forward to seeing you back here for Halloween!” – Diana Occhipinti, Operations Services Manager.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time with his family. A well-deserved next chapter that awaits as he closes this remarkable professional journey. Chris has agreed to continue to assist Civiltec on a part time basis on mapping projects as long as these projects do not get in the way of his relaxation!
Congratulations, Chris, and happy retirement—you’ve truly earned it!
