Describe your day-to-day responsibilities.
I currently supervise the Residential Engineering Department in our Henrico County, Virginia office. This office primarily serves the area north and east of Richmond. I begin work on a project early in the Land Development process by performing feasibility studies on properties. I represent owners through the rezoning process with county governments. Then follow projects from preparing proposals through completion of construction. This involves client and review agency coordination, monitoring of timelines and budgets, and assuring completion of project deliverables. I am also directly in charge of the departmental administrative items including billing, employee development and recruitment.
How long have you worked with Balzer & Associates, Inc. and how have your responsibilities increased?
I began working with Balzer & Associates, Inc. in the summer of 1994 as a survey rodman. I began full time in January 1996 in our Chesterfield, Virginia office. After about two years I worked for a large engineering firm for about one and a half years. I then returned to Balzer & Associates, Inc. in February of 2000. I have worked as a survey rodman and instrument operator, and progressed from project engineer to department head in 2003. I was appointed as a Vice President in the spring of 2007.
What type of projects do you work on?
My department mainly works on residential development projects ranging from large acreage agricultural lots to townhouse lots for sale. We design the roads, drainage, and utilities to serve the project. We also design new access and primary roads that may be associated with a project. We work hand in hand with Balzer & Associates' other services including surveying, environmental/wetlands, geotechnical, architecture, and structures.
What type of activities, associations or memberships have you had that contribute to your career?
I have been a member of the ASCE and the VSPE. I am also active in the Home Builders Association of Richmond.
Looking back to your college years, what type of internship or jobs did you have that have helped your career path?
I worked for VDOT for two summers and for Balzer & Associates, Inc. for two summers. Working at VDOT led me to the Civil Engineering field and road design. The practical field experience that I gained has been invaluable in my career development. I have worked on projects over the years that I surveyed, so I can say I have been involved in every aspect of the project. Both jobs emphasized professionalism, responsibility and developed communication skills.
Will you be sitting for your PE exam in the coming future?
I received my PE license in 2001 and my LSIT in 2004. I will be sitting for my LS in 2008.
