Describe your day-to-day responsibilities.
In any given day, my plan production tasks may include designing a road profile; designing a sanitary sewer or waterline system; completing an erosion and sediment control plan; designing a storm sewer system; or designing storm water management facilities. My daily tasks may also include coordination and meeting with clients, other engineers and reviewers.
How long have you worked with Paciulli Simmons & Associates and how have your responsibilities increased?
I joined the firm in June 2003. I started out assisting senior engineers with individual items within projects, such as pavement designs, bond estimates and reductions, and storm sewer design. Now, I manage and am responsible for all aspects of a project, including coordination with review agencies and clients.
What type of projects do you work on?
I generally work on construction plans for commercial and residential projects. I have also worked on feasibility studies and preliminary plans for numerous projects. I work on every type of land development project our firm undertakes.
What type of activities, associations or memberships have you had that contribute to your career?
In college, I was part of the University of Virginia (UVA) Student Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). While working, I have taken several continuing education classes that have been beneficial, including a low-impact-design seminar offered by Engineers & Surveyors Institute (ESI) and distance learning courses offered by Old Dominion University. Paciulli Simmons & Associates encourage and financially support continuing education and advanced degrees.
Looking back to your college years, what type of internship or jobs did you have that have helped your career path?
During my senior year in high school and during the summer and breaks of my first year of college, I interned at a structural engineering firm. This experience convinced me that I wanted to pursue a degree in civil engineering. While I did enjoy my time there, I wanted to look into other areas of civil engineering. Thus, during the breaks of my next three years of college, I worked at a land development engineering firm in my home town. I loved the work and really enjoyed the variety of tasks within each project. This job influenced me to find a career in land development and gave me the experience I need to do so.
Will you be sitting for your PE exam in the coming future?
I passed the PE exam in October 2007. Paciulli Simmons & Associates highly encouraged me to take the PE exam. Also, Paciulli Simmons & Associates paid for my PE examination preparation course and examination application fee.
