Marco Castaneda, PLS

2026 Central Coast Chapter CLSA President

I have been working in land surveying for over 10 years at Wallace Group in San Luis Obispo, CA, which represents the entirety of my professional career. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Geomatics Engineering from Fresno State in 2015, and became a License Professional Surveyor in 2022. I genuinely enjoy the balance this profession offers between office work, field time, and problem-solving.

I grew up in Manteca, California, where my early childhood was spent on a dairy where my dad worked. After moving into a more urban part of town, I stayed active in sports throughout high school—wrestling, soccer, and cross country, with wrestling being my main focus.

Looking back, it makes sense that I ended up in land surveying. I’ve always loved maps. I used to flip straight to the map pages in textbooks and spend hours studying them. I also enjoyed math and drawing, so looking at it now, it was a natural fit. When I first arrived at Fresno State in 2010, I planned to pursue civil engineering until a conversation with Dr. Crossfield introduced me to land surveying and the balance it offers between field work and office work.

Before graduating, I was very fortunate to have worked a summer internship with San Joaquin County, where I spent time on a survey crew assisting with light topographic work and uncovering centerline monuments ahead of paving projects in the Valley heat. That experience confirmed two things for me: land surveying was the right career path, and if I was going to work outdoors, I needed to be in the Central Coast.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing poker, watching UFC fights, and hiking with my wife and our dog—soon to be joined by a new addition to the family. I’m a big fan of stand-up comedy and love attending comedy shows whenever I can. I’m also a history buff and enjoy reading books and listening to history podcasts.

After more than a decade in land surveying, I’m grateful for the experience, mentorship, and continued learning the profession offers.  I’m excited to serve as the 2026 President of the Central Coast CSLA Chapter and look forward to a productive year with engaging meetings, insightful presentations, and continued efforts to support and advance the land surveying profession.