What I Do - Supervise staff of 3 coordinators, covering zone inspection, bridge inspection, subdivision inspection and engineering plan review - Supervise total staff complement of 25, including assigning and adjusting work, contract administration, interviewing, hiring and mentoring, Direct and review work of subordinates throughout construction project duration. - Under my supervision, staff has improved excellent record of turnaround time and customer service - Perform the more complex elements of project reviews, including roadways design, stormwater analyses, and approve variances for policy when appropriate. Review contract work for compliance with policy and specifications, and accept or reject work based on established policy or ISPWC - Monitor and review consultant firms that plan and deliver construction plans at 75%, 95% and 99% complete - Prepare and recommend project budgets and work force based on projections and reports for development cooperative projects and small construction projects - Establish and maintain professional relations with the consultants, the contractors, the public and other project personnel, as well as public entities such as the cities, the county and utility companies - Represent ACHD at public meetings, local civic groups such as the BCA and commission meetings to answer questions
Why Engineering? I wanted a profession where I would get paid well, I would always have a job, I could design things, I could affect the environment positively, and I could work immediately after 4 years of college.
School Days I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Northern Arizona University. I also have a Master's Certificate in Technical Communication from Boise State University.
My Day At Work I have designed and drafted engineering plans. I review other engineer's work for compliance with our standards. I supervise and mentor staff. I've done environmental surveys, traffic reports, drainage and hydrology analyses of large watersheds, I've pretty much done all kinds of things with my degree by now and had fun learning each and every one of them!
Best Part I like seeing how a simple drawing with information can be built into a highway, a building, or a subdivision. It's incredible.
Challenges I've steadily moved up the ladder by proving myself in a male-dominated career field and have been rewarded for my hard work and dedication to engineering.
Dreams and Goals Short term I might decide to leave my current city and move to a different city to get a fresh start. In 10 years I want to be a high level manager of a large program I can influence.
Inspiration I have a thirst for adventure and I'm impulsive which has led me on several crazy twists and turns in my career that I never predicted.
Additional Thoughts I like seeing how a simple drawing with information can be built into a highway, a building, or a subdivision. It's incredible.
Hobbies I write a novel every year during the contest National Novel Writing Month. I also paint as a hobby, sing opera, play the accordion and saxophone.