Female Surveyor: Balancing Construction, Animal Rescue & Life Goals

On March 8th, 2026, Russia celebrates not only International Women’s Day, but also Surveyor’s Day – observed on the second Sunday of March. A glimpse into the world of these specialists comes from Kristina Nikitenko, a young but experienced engineer-surveyor, who balances demanding construction projects with a passion for animal welfare.

A Field Romance

Kristina initially envisioned a career in law, with Russian language and literature as her favorite subjects. However, as she approached her final exams, she discovered a different calling. “I suddenly realized I wanted to solve problems, not write essays,” she recalls.

Her brother, already studying to be a surveyor, played a key role in her decision. His stories of surveying and mapping sparked her interest, leading her to enroll at the Novosibirsk Technical School of Geodesy and Cartography, and later at the Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, specializing in applied geodesy.

“My first practical experience made everything clear: we spent a month living in the field – a real romance. I knew then that this was for me.”

Kristina’s first professional experience was on the construction of a polyclinic. While completing the project, she began searching for new opportunities and learned about the upcoming launch of an enrichment factory at the Veduginskoye gold deposit in the Severo-Yeniseysky district. “I was very worried: how would they accept me? But my colleagues immediately took me under their wing, helping and advising me in everything,” she says.

At Veduga, Kristina focuses on the chamber processing of data, but when shift changes occur, she ventures “into the field.” “For me, it’s like a reboot. I chose this profession specifically so I wouldn’t be stuck in an office,” she explains.

Surveyors utilize high-precision total stations, satellite equipment, and drones for aerial surveys and volume calculations. Kristina learns these skills from her mentors, gradually taking on new challenges. What keeps her engaged in the profession is the sense of contribution.

“Geodesy is the foundation of any construction,” Kristina explains. “At first, you see just a point with coordinates on the program. And then, a factory grows in that place, which will process millions of tons of ore.”

Yoga and a Love for Animals

Working in the north of the Krasnoyarsk Territory is not easy. In winter, temperatures can drop to -50°C. Kristina admits that she sometimes gets angry with the weather, but production tasks must be completed. She finds relief in the gym after her shift and in yoga classes. The short work rotation – just one month – is also a benefit. After that, she returns home for the same duration, to her beloved French bulldog and her volunteer work.

“I’ve been involved in the lives of animal shelters since school. Often, friends and I come to help with chores and walk the dogs. We also take animals for temporary care, looking for new owners for them. We’ve found homes for dozens of them. Many people even take adult animals or those with illnesses – that’s very valuable.”

Kristina even keeps a personal volunteer logbook, where she records her good deeds. “Responsibility should not only be in work, but also in everyday life,” she adds.

During her time off, Kristina also focuses on self-improvement, planning to begin studying English and Chinese. She also has long-term plans involving building a family:

“I want to meet my person, build a house. To have someone nearby who shares your values. That’s what female happiness is about. If you’re not at peace inside, nothing will work out, either in work or in family. So first comes harmony, and then everything else.”