Land Surveyor Karen Zollman has written a novel about the colorful experiences of women surveying in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, something she knows well. Decades ago, Zollman launched her surveying career in what was then (and remains) a highly unusual job for a woman.
The book titled Marked is available through Amazon for download Here.
Zollman, a University of Montana Forestry graduate, has worked in forestry, surveying, and mapping for 40 years. She began her career just as opportunities were opening up for women in non-traditional jobs. The novel is an unflinching perspective of one of these women, making a living in the woods of the Pacific Northwest and Inland Empire. The weather, terrain, wildlife, equipment, coworkers, and contractors all present daunting challenges, but like many women who enter these fields, the adventure trumps all.
“This book provided a great opportunity to revisit some of the areas I surveyed and people I worked with over the years in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington,” Zollman noted.
A resident of Edmonds, WA, Zollman is well known in the surveying and mapping professions as an instructor, technical writer and project manager of large surveying and mapping projects. She created geographic information systems for many local cities and counties in Washington. She currently works for the Seattle Public Utilities, managing the post-construction surveying and monitoring of utilities for the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program for Seattle Public Utilities.
The book includes a foreward written by Gary Gervelis, the retired City of Seattle Land Survey Manager (husband of the current Alaska State Land Surveyor, Gwen Gervelis).
A launch party is planned for September 21, 1-4 pm, at Gallaghers, 180 W. Dayton St., Ste 105 Edmonds, WA. Contact Karen for more information: zincklz55@gmail.com, 206-719-3175