My workday usually begins at 6:30am in the field. Some days the contractor starts at 6:00am but that is usually when it’s going to be a real hot day outside or if they are running behind and need to catch up on some items. First thing in the morning, I meet with the Foreman and his crew to go over items they will be working on for the day. After we all get on the same page and the contractor begins work, I update PlanGrid (a construction program we use on the NB 90/94 Reconstruction job) to read through my team’s field reports to get caught up on other work activities that have been happening at other locations of our site. I then begin a new field report to track the new day’s work. I finish my morning prep by setting up my Surveying equipment to verify elevations of drainage work that is taking place.

I’m currently working at the NB 90/94 Roosevelt Rd to Lake St Reconstruction Project inspecting drainage work. The bulk of the work involves removing old drainage systems and installing new ones.

Every day I meet with the other OMEGA/TranSystems Construction Engineers in the field. We communicate on a daily basis since most of our work overlaps and there are some items that should take precedent over others. Communicating with the other engineers is one of my favorite parts of this job since being part of this project is a huge collaborative effort.

When inspecting a fast-paced activity, it is sometimes hard to sneak in a lunch because stepping away could mean missing something important. I personally have to be on top of my crews as they complete pipe runs because once they are buried and lids are installed on drainage structures it is much harder taking elevation shots. If I know I am going to have a busy day I usually prep a cold lunch which is easy and quick to eat.

Every day I complete Field Reports, Inspection Daily Reports, take my field measurements, take survey shots, complete mark ups for project progress and take progress pictures. Sometimes the order of these items change based on the work going on in the field but it’s generally all done by the end of the day.

Begin coordination for the next day’s work with contractor and other engineers. Attend any work progress team meetings.

My workday usually wraps up at 4:00 pm. Once the contractor wraps up their work, I put away all my equipment, finish my Field Report for the day, begin my to-do list for the next day and send out any emails I need to. Next I grab a quick dinner.

I am involved in a volunteering program called ACE Mentorship Program. TranSystems is involved in other cities of the US, but I am currently the only mentor taking part in Chicago. The program aims to introduce high school students to Architecture, Construction and Engineering. Students work on projects after being paired with professionals in their industry of interest. Mentors guide students through the construction process from Design to Construction and finish the program with a final project presentation. Some of these projects have already been constructed or are mockup projects that the students come up with. Mentors and students meet once a week in person for 16 weeks at different firm offices across Chicago.

Go to the gym/go on a run between 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Have a quick snack and go to bed at about 10:30 pm.

I’m currently studying for my EIT certification. I am looking forward to taking that in early November!