We’re thrilled to welcome Chris Bickford to our Survey-Geomatics team at Sebago Technics! Chris’s journey into surveying was inspired by his grandfather, a remarkable figure who was a fire chief, forester, engineer, and WWII vet. With a career that has taken him from Southern Maine to California and back, Chris brings diverse experience both in the field and in the office.
Beyond his professional expertise, Chris is a true Mainer at heart, enjoying everything from surfing at Higgins Beach to volunteering with Maine Ultimate Frisbee. He’s also excited to dive into his new role as an employee-owner, where he’s eager to continue learning and contributing to our community of achievers.
Welcome to the team, Chris! We’re excited to see the impact you’ll make at Sebago Technics.
What inspired you to join Sebago Technics?
Working for David Titcomb and having a supportive work community.
Can you share a bit about your professional background and experience?
I was inspired by my grandfather, who was a fire chief, forester, engineer, and WWII Vet who landed troops on Omaha Beach. He grew his own trees on the family tree farm, milled them at his tiny mill, engineered his own house by hand (no CADD), and built the family house with his own lumber.
My educational experience includes civil engineering during my first year at the University of New Hampshire. Then I took a surveying course, which was designed to prepare students to take the LSIT. I graduated with a B.S. in Forestry and minored in Water Resource Management.
My first gig with Surveying was as a tech at OEST Associates in 2001. Then I worked at NECS when they were in Scarborough. After that I had the pleasure of working for David Titcomb who marched me through the ranks from Tech to PM of DOT and encouraged me to get my LSIT. After 3 cold winters on the highways of Southern Maine, I took my LSIT and jammed out to California. I landed in Santa Cruz where I worked as an office surveyor at Bowman and Williams using CADD to draw plans and ROSs for the county. Yes, if the surf was up, we were allowed to drop everything at work to paddle out. Then the 2008 crash happened. O no! I stayed with Bowman and Williams until 2010. My next job was in Campbell, CA at Sandis Engineering as an office surveyor executing various construction duties on CADD. My last job at Carroll Engineering and Surveying was a fun mix of office and field work where we used coding for line work and CADD for the finishing touch.
What do you love most about living in Maine?
The community and spirit of its people.
What are you most excited about in your new role?
Being an employee-owner seems pretty neat.
What’s your go-to local restaurant or café in Maine?
Becky’s Dinah (Nothin’ finah!)
What skills or strengths do you bring to your position?
I am a well-rounded surveyor having field experience and office experience. From chasing deeds to finalizing records of survey for review by the county.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
I enjoy yachting, car racing, and taking care of my racehorses. Just kidding. Ha. I love to surf, fish, and volunteer for Maine Ultimate Frisbee.
Do you have a favorite spot or activity to do in Maine?
Surfing at Higgins.
Can you share a fun fact or something unique about yourself that colleagues might not know?
I was a captain of 3 sports at SPHS class of 1994. I was the ninth fastest 400m dash runner in the whole state! Wanna race?
What are your career goals, and how do you see Sebago Technics helping you achieve them?
I would like to become a PLS. Sebago has what it takes. The environment here is friendly, educational, and supportive.
Have you explored any of Maine’s beautiful hiking trails or national parks? Which one is your favorite?
Acadia.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Costa Rica. Surfing. Rainforest.
Do you have any kids and/or pets? Tell us about them!
We have a doggie named Angel. And two bob tailed tuxedo boy cats named Butch and Sundance. Sundance is a time traveler. I have witnessed it. Go ahead and ask me how.
What was your first impression of the company culture at Sebago Technics?
I was impressed by how nice the office is. And people are busy and hardworking.
Have you attended any local festivals or events? Which one did you enjoy the most?
Maine Ultimate Frisbees Vacationland Tournament. 32 teams, 21 fields, 600 young adults from all over the country and 4 from Canada.
What are your thoughts on Sebago Technics being an employee-owned company through its ESOP, and how do you think it benefits the employees and the company as a whole?
Well, it creates a community of achievers.
What’s a hidden gem in Maine that you think everyone should visit?
Go out to Peaks on Sunday for Reggae on the Island at Jones Landing.
What projects or tasks are you looking forward to working on at Sebago Technics?
All of them! The more I learn the better.
