preserving the cultural ways of the past

the snyder & associates team is committed to balancing modern development with the preservation of our shared cultural heritage. recognizing the importance of protecting historical and cultural resources embedded in the landscapes where we work, we’ve integrated archaeological expertise directly into our operations. by doing so, we respect and preserve cultural legacies while advancing essential engineering solutions.

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in-house archaeologist guides project efforts

to support our cultural preservation efforts, lina ramirez, our in-house archaeologist, plays a pivotal role in guiding projects through complex archaeological requirements. her expertise ensures that our work meets regulatory frameworks and helps safeguard important cultural resources, such as artifacts or historically significant sites that may otherwise go unnoticed in construction projects.

“lina brings cultural resources in-house so that we can provide improved services and expedited schedules to our clients,” explains jeff walters, environmental science group leader. “the urgency of funding and permitting requirements puts pressure on our project timelines, making lina’s involvement crucial to ensuring efficiency and regulatory compliance.”

key actions requiring cultural resource expertise

glass pieces found on site during a phase i archaeological assessment.

cultural preservation requirements often come into play when certain key actions are taken. these actions trigger the need for archaeological assessments:

• permitting: many engineering projects require permits that include cultural resource reviews to ensure construction does not disrupt historically significant areas. lina’s early involvement helps us integrate these reviews seamlessly into our project schedules, minimizing delays.
• funding: federal and state funding often requires cultural assessments as part of compliance with regulations like section 106 of the national historic preservation act (nhpa). section 106 mandates that any federally funded or permitted project evaluate potential impacts on historic properties, ensuring that development doesn’t erase traces of history.
• national environmental policy act (nepa): projects subject to nepa require environmental reviews, which often include archaeological assessments to evaluate their potential impact on cultural resources. lina’s experience helps us meet these requirements efficiently, whether the project involves state or federal land.
• 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 land use: projects on 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 lands must adhere to regulations that protect cultural resources. whether it’s a federal park or a state-owned parcel, thorough archaeological surveys are required to preserve the site’s historical significance.

streamlining section 106 compliance

at snyder & associates, lina collaborates closely with our project managers to ensure compliance with section 106 regulations. these regulations require thorough consideration of any potential impacts on historically significant properties before projects can move forward. by having an archaeologist like lina on staff, we ensure this process is integrated into the overall project timeline.

this proactive approach allows us to communicate efficiently with state historical preservation office (shpos), tribal historic preservation offices (thpos), and other stakeholders to assess and mitigate any adverse effects on cultural resources. as a result, projects proceed smoothly without unnecessary delays, and clients receive clear guidance on meeting regulatory requirements.

archaeology’s role in ensuring project success

archaeology plays a pivotal role in ensuring that projects do not inadvertently erase traces of our collective history. whether it’s an artifact or a structure of historical significance, archaeological assessments help preserve cultural landmarks for future generations. lina’s role ensures that these discoveries are handled appropriately, helping clients maintain compliance with laws and regulations while promoting cultural preservation.

preparing for a phase i archaeological assessment.

as lina explains, “the archaeological surveys required for our projects vary depending on the project’s specific regulatory triggers. we’ve seen this play out in projects ranging from mitigation banking to the complex permitting needs of the des moines water works transmission main project.”

for privately funded projects, archaeological requirements may arise if federal actions, such as obtaining a permit from the u.s. army corps of engineers, are involved. these actions often trigger the need for cultural resources reviews under section 106. our team’s deep understanding of these requirements helps keep projects on track, regardless of the complexity of the regulatory landscape.

a collaborative, cost-effective approach

the integration of archaeology into engineering at snyder & associates sets our firm apart. not only do we protect cultural resources, but we also streamline project management, providing a more efficient and cost-effective service to clients. having lina on staff eliminates the need for outside contractors and ensures that all cultural considerations are addressed in real time.

this collaboration transforms our firm into a multi-disciplinary entity that excels in both technical expertise and cultural stewardship. the result is a more responsive and compliant approach that minimizes potential delays and keeps projects on schedule.

if your project requires cultural resource work, let lina and our environmental team lead the way toward project success. contact us today to discover how our integrated approach ensures efficient project management, cultural preservation, and regulatory compliance.

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when snyder & associates opened its doors in 1977, all drafting work for engineering projects was done with pencil, paper, and drafting triangles. however, as technology has evolved, so has our firm. with several design teams of over 40 technicians, we regularly use computer-aided design to develop plans in two- or three-dimensions so that our engineers and clients can better visualize every aspect of a project.

going back to the basics of cad

cad technician in 1989 as technology began to catch up with the software drafting concept.

the history of computer-aided design, more commonly known as cad, closely parallels the induction of the computer. with its creation in 1957, cad was still decades ahead of the technology and software readily available then. therefore, pencil and paper would remain the primary way engineering and architecture designs were drafted for another 30 years. however, the groundwork was set, and cad software would eventually become an essential tool within the engineering industry.

advantages cad brings to the aec industry

cad offers many advantages over its manual drawing predecessor, making it an essential tool in the architecture, engineering, and construction (aec) services industry. these advantages help our engineers and technicians in several ways, including increased efficiency, accuracy, and visualization.

efficiency
the main advantage of cad drawing is that it saves significant time. computers can perform actions quickly and accurately, so technicians can create components without the need for exacting measurements, as when completing a plan by hand. cad software is also malleable, easily edited, and provides access to functions such as copying, pasting, resizing, and other digital actions you can’t complete when 2022世界杯32强预选赛 on paper. this time savings translates directly into increased productivity and, in turn, cost savings that can be passed on to clients.

accuracy
due to the human element involved, manually created designs have a higher propensity for errors. cad nearly eliminates this risk as the software has features and tools that are directly developed per design and drawing conventions and standards. with interference checking and other features, our technicians can quickly inspect the drawing or element for critical design errors. even with these optimized features as checks and balances, cad technicians must be mindful of potential human or software errors. to remove this occurrence, the snyder & associates design team has established a reliable process for quality checks where one or more technicians will review the design and plans for final accuracy and overall standards.

cad model showcasing designs for the ankeny 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 library project.

visualization
before cad technology, hand-drawn designs had limited visualization impact. now, renderings can be used to quickly create realistic images, allowing engineers to receive client feedback before a project even begins. these renderings communicate the look of a design and how it fits into the built environment, how construction phases will occur, and even how traffic flows could be impacted throughout construction.

cad options utilized by our team

at snyder & associates, our cad designers work directly with project engineers to create models that are as comprehensive as possible using tools for digital design, 2d and 3d drafting, modeling, animation, rendering, construction, and more. we utilize three programs to create these various deliverables to ensure the information and formatting are suitable for each project.

autodesk
autodesk is an all-purpose drafting platform for 2d and 3d drawings. it was one of the original cad programs and still stands as one of the world’s most widely used drafting programs. autodesk is known across the industry as the most straightforward system to understand and operate due to its command-based and design-oriented approach. our team incorporates this program for most of our site development, commercial, and municipal projects due to its broad use among subcontractors and ability to transfer and share files. we take initial field survey data using autodesk and generate existing features as 2d and 3d models with 3d surfaces in an existing base file. this provides 3d-surfaced images that design technicians can use to lay out proposed design features in both dimensions. this base file and the design files help develop the construction drawings that will be reviewed, quality checked, and approved by the project engineer before being sent to the client for review.

microstation
like autodesk, microstation is used to design, draft, develop, and generate 2d/3d vector graphics and highly intelligent models conveying design intent. but that is where the similarities with autodesk end. microstation has a transportation-oriented focus with a more technical interface. for our transportation clients, microstation is widely used in the design of intersections, roads and highways, institutional work, and wind farm site development. when starting a project in microstation, our technicians receive a 3d-surfaced terrain image previously established by our survey staff. with that existing layout, they’ll structure a proposed horizontal alignment and vertical profile within the software. a roadway template is applied with these parameters in place, creating a digital project model. sections of this model can then be cut into visual sheets to make contractors’ plans. incidentally, the model is often delivered to the project contractor to “guide” grading and paving equipment during construction.

revit
our designers use revit software to build an intelligent 3d model with real-world information. it’s a specialized building information modeling (bim) software specifically intended for designing and structurally analyzing buildings. our structural engineering subsidiary, 2022足球世界杯小组赛赛程 , employs this system when creating documents for structural projects such as the ankeny kirkendall library and the polk county historical court house renovation. revit allows simplified collaboration between disciplines, including architectural, structural engineering, and mechanical engineering teams working on the same building or project. in most cases, before commencing a structural project in revit, the architect would have already progressed beyond the conceptual stage by creating a building model featuring generic walls, floors, and roofs. our specialists developed a separate revit model for the structural components, including preliminary framing, foundations, and structural floors. these models are then integrated with the architect and mechanical models to ensure effective coordination and clash detection.

live linking the various models through a cloud server or file transfer site allows constant coordination and immediate notification of changes during the project’s life. as the project hits certain milestones, the drawings get more defined to the point of the final completed construction documents available for contractors.

intentional design sets the snyder & associates team apart

poor understanding of plans can result in delays, cost overruns, or construction mistakes. in this industry, this can have disastrous consequences. our design teams pride themselves on delivering clear and detailed engineering plans.

our design technicians pride themselves on being known for detailed, concise, and easy-to-read designs.

our core differentiating quality is that we incorporate “intentional design” in every single project. when using any drafting programs, the software spits out values that might be mathematically correct but are not necessarily cost-effective for our clients. our team takes the extra step to refine the design to make “fiscal” sense from a construction and budget perspective. this intentional design effort may be considered old school to some firms, but this quality-ensuring process makes a snyder & associates-developed plan stand out.

in addition to eliminating mistakes, utilizing our detailed documents with clear and concise language can be a considerable asset in 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 engagement. renderings can often double as preliminary models to showcase what is to come for a community. when the 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 can see the outcome, they are often more forgiving during construction.

to put it simply, cad has been revolutionary for the aec industries. in some cases, it has merged the roles of drafters, designers, and engineers and has bridged the visionary gap between engineering firms and clients. as our firm grows, we are proud to continue building a team of cad technicians with extensive industry expertise and advanced technical capabilities that can successfully take your project ideas from initial design to final product.

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the far-reaching impact of modern engineering on day-to-day life is extraordinary. everything from clean drinking water and efficient roadway networks to advanced medical systems and modern communication technology is made possible by engineering. at snyder & associates, however, we pride ourselves on our ability to think beyond engineering to deliver solutions that improve the quality of life for our clients. to achieve this, we wholeheartedly embrace the belief that our forward-thinking professionals are our greatest asset, proactively addressing all challenges with our client’s immediate and future needs in mind. meeting those future needs also means guiding the next generation of engineers as they learn and grow — all to maintain the high level of quality our clients expect. to better explain this vision, four seasoned members of the snyder & associates engineering team shared their thoughts on the profession, including their transitioning roles into mentorship positions, the projects that bring them the most pride, and their reasons for making snyder & associates their long-term career “home.”

all of you have worked on and led countless projects throughout your career, and in many cases, have seen you responsibilities transition to more of a mentorship role for less experienced engineers. how has that aspect changed how you approach a project?

engineers are not the greatest at being delegators. i think this is a skill that you learn after you have been working for a while. i always try to approach projects in a manner where we break them down into smaller tasks so that when i explain where a young engineer should head, it isn’t too overwhelming for them. i want them to work at it but not get too frustrated they give up. part of learning is living through challenges. i’m not particularly eager to give them the answers when they are challenged. i ask more questions to guide them to find the answers independently. a good engineer is also resourceful, and this helps them remember to use their resources. — elizabeth hunter, p.e., aicp, leed ap

 early in my career, i enjoyed doing the work, figuring out design problems, and creating a solid plan for the contractor to build. progressing to the level of project management, the responsibilities of completing the project design and plans have transitioned mainly to junior staff members. i now look at projects through the lens of continued staff development, aligning design tasks with staff experience and career goals. — nathan carhoff, p.e.

having experienced various projects, what one project (or type of project) makes you the proudest? why? 

one of my favorite projects was early on in my career and lasted long enough to span many early engineering development stages thoroughly. i was tasked to help design a mechanical wastewater treatment plant, and my mentor allowed me the flexibility to learn and try innovative ideas while sharing his lifelong experiences. i didn’t always understand, but as i progressed through the design and was tasked with construction observation, much of what we’d accomplished together became so fascinatingly clear. i was so proud to see the project from conception to completion and the opportunities i got to dial in the operational parameters upon start-up. — lindsay beaman, p.e., cedar rapids business unit leader

being involved in the traffic field, i am most proud of the projects’ relatively quick impact on the traveling 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 . we are on the cutting edge of what roadway projects should be, designing how the roadway should operate and, sometimes, using the system after construction is completed. typically, once any project starts, impacts on safety and operations to the traveling 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 are in place within a few years, some as quickly as a few days. so, it is hard to separate one project or one type of project when i can make an impact quickly. — todd knox p.e., ptoe

several of you have been with snyder & associates for most of your careers. what has been the overarching factor of why you’ve stayed with the company for so long? 

i have been with snyder for about 5.5 years, but this is where i am staying. i love the variety of projects i get to work on. my co-workers are great people who also work hard on everything they do. when everyone is working together, it makes the projects come together smoothly and has better outcomes for our clients. snyder has some of the most intelligent subject matter experts i have met in my 25-year career as an engineer. — elizabeth hunter, p.e., aicp, leed ap

the entirety of my career has been with snyder & associates, which is a testament to my love for the type of services our company provides and, more importantly, to the people i work with. even on my worst days, i have the support of numerous professionals eager to have my back, many of whom i consider more as a family than a co-worker. — lindsay beaman, p.e., cedar rapids business unit leader

for me, it is the variety of work we do and the ability to shape my career around my interests. i have had the privilege to be involved in projects as small as solving a local sidewalk or drainage concern to large multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects that take years to complete. in our group, there are no dictated silos, we can specialize in certain areas of our interest, or work on a variety of project types throughout the year. the company culture, compensation, and benefits package are also very high on my list of reasons i plan to retire at snyder. — nathan carhoff, p.e.

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two recently enacted pieces of federal legislation have opened the door for communities across the country to reap millions of dollars in federal funding to support infrastructure upgrades and improvements in their jurisdictions. the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds (slfrf), a part of the american rescue plan (arp), went into effect in may of 2021 to help governments meet their immediate pandemic response needs. recent changes to arp have opened the door to more infrastructure-focused spending, including roadway construction and maintenance, water and sewer system investments, and stormwater management projects.

the more recently enacted bipartisan infrastructure law has earmarked over $1.2 trillion over five years for more widespread infrastructure improvements. this massive program will focus on improving the safety of our transportation system through repairing and rebuilding roads and bridges, creating healthy and sustainable 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 transportation options, modernizing and expanding passenger and freight rail efficiency and safety, and upgrading our nation’s airports, just to name a few. the professionals with snyder & associates are uniquely positioned to help your community get its share of these funds for critical infrastructure projects. since 1977, our team has been building trusted relationships with key community leaders and decision-makers at all levels of government across the midwest. we can assist your organization in laying the groundwork to secure the full benefits your community is entitled to.

american rescue plan (arp) funds expanded by slfrf

for most jurisdictions, slfrf funds can be used to replace lost 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 sector revenue due to the pandemic. recipients may opt for a standard allowance of up to $10 million or calculate their specific revenue loss using a formula provided by the treasury department. in addition to the previously mentioned roadway construction and maintenance project allowances, slfrf funds can be used to invest in water and sewer infrastructure, improve access to clean drinking water, and support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. eligible water and sewer projects include those allowed under the epa’s clean water state revolving fund (cwsrf), epa’s drinking water state revolving fund (dwsrf), and certain lead remediation projects, as well as aid for private wells and septic units.

nationwide allocation from bipartisan infrastructure law

at over $1.2 trillion over five years, the bipartisan infrastructure law is perhaps the largest commitment of federal funds for infrastructure spending in a generation. every state is slated to receive an allotment of these funds for roadway and bridge construction and repair and numerous other transportation-related projects, as previously mentioned. here are more detailed explanations of the funding share for iowa, wisconsin, nebraska, missouri, and south dakota.

in addition to the state-specific funds, state and local governments will be able to compete for these new & expanded competitive grant programs anticipated to launch over the next year:

• safe streets for all ($6b, new)
• rebuilding american infrastructure with sustainability and equity (raise) grants ($15b, expanded)
• infrastructure for rebuilding america (infra) grants ($14b, expanded)
• federal transit administration (fta) low and no emission bus programs ($5.6b, expanded)
• fta buses + bus facilities competitive program ($2.0b, expanded)
• capital investment grants (cig) program ($23b, expanded)
• federal aviation administration (faa) terminal program ($5b, new)
• mega projects ($15b, new)
• promoting resilient operations for transformative, efficient, and cost-saving transportation (protect) program ($8.7b, new)
• port infrastructure development program ($2.25b, expanded)
• federal highway administration (fhwa) competitive grants for nationally significant bridges and other bridges ($12.5b, new)
• fta all station accessibility program ($1.75b, new)
• charging and fueling infrastructure discretionary grants (up to $2.5b, new)
• reconnecting communities pilot program ($1b, new)
• strengthening mobility and revolutionizing transportation (smart) grant program ($1b, new)

with such vast funding opportunities available, now is the time to prioritize your “wish list” of infrastructure projects and position your community to receive and allocate its share. turn to the trusted professionals at snyder & associates to help guide your decision-making process and maximize the funding avenues for your most critical projects.

if you’re interested in discussing steps to better position your community for obtaining funding for infrastructure projects, please contact the snyder & associates office near you.

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across the midwest and beyond, 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 technicians are in high demand and there aren’t enough people to fill available career opportunities. with nearly 20 years as an instructor and over 10 in the industry, renee white, 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 technology (cet) instructor and group leader for des moines area community college (dmacc) knows the industry well and is floored by the demand. “during the 2016-2017 school year, the university of iowa and iowa state combined graduated 200 civil engineers,” she shares. “that same year, just 17 techs graduated from dmacc and hawkeye community college, which creates an imbalance in the profession because techs serve a crucial role.”

working with a project manager and engineer, technicians utilize a variety of software programs to facilitate designs and create construction documents. at snyder & associates, the breadth of projects and designs our 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 technicians assist with spans streets and highways, multimodal accommodations, stormwater management, drinking water, parks, streetscapes, site development, bridges, and more. due to the challenging software demand, one of snyder & associates’ co-founders steve rowe, advocated having two technicians to assist each engineer. today, snyder & associates engineering technician katie wade reports a minimum ratio of one tech for every civil engineer on a project team. however, the number of techs assisting an engineer depends largely on the nature and scale of each project. for highway 30, a large, seven-mile bypass around the cities of mt. vernon and lisbon in iowa, wade says six techs are assisting the project manager. on the other hand, goodman community center, a small land development project, consisting of survey and permitting services involves just one or two 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 technicians.

“on every project, techs are a big part of the picture,” explains wade. “the projects we work on and the design software we use are advancing at a phenomenal rate. as technicians, we keep up with software and handle a good share of the design so engineers can focus on leading the project.”

steady growth at snyder & associates has prompted the firm to search nationally for design technicians. with nearly a 100 percent placement rate, students graduating from the dmacc program have an endless array of opportunities to choose from. “i’ve posted more jobs this year than i ever have. it’s almost a daily thing. there’s a huge need and there currently aren’t enough people to meet the workforce demand,” says white.

igniting inspiration in the 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 profession

so what’s causing such a shortage of 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 technicians? for wade and her colleagues, it all comes down to a lack of awareness and connections to the industry.

engineering technicians jessica sundquist and katie wade share career info with students.

“many people have it in their minds that they need a four-year degree to be successful, but that’s not necessarily the case,” states wade. “engineering technicians, surveyors, and other skilled trades pay well and have great growth potential. unfortunately, i don’t think people explore those opportunities.”

reflecting on her experience at career fairs and visiting classrooms to speak with young adults about dmacc’s cet program, white says people become techs because they know somebody in the field. as a result, dmacc instructors are networking with wade and others in the industry to help raise awareness of 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 careers. as a strong engineering advocate and champion of career outreach activities, wade strives to create connections with students and inspire them to explore engineering as a career. with over 25 years of experience, she’s passionate about her work as a design technician because it impacts the world around her in so many ways.

“i think the work we do is extremely rewarding and by sharing information about what we do, i hope others might want to do the same because the demand is so high,” she says.

insights from professional 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 technicians 

so what makes 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 technology such an exciting career? here’s what members of our design team have to say:

“every project we get to work on is completely unique in some way, and they’re all extremely interesting. i’ve worked on everything from trails and roads to bridges. i’m particularly proud of my involvement in the first avenue grade separation project in iowa city, i helped lay everything out in microstation and problem solve to ensure we met railroad requirements while improving traffic safety. it was a lot of fun.” – heather fitz, transportation engineering technician & dmacc cet graduate, 19 years of experience

“i get to learn new software and skills, be creative, and work with great people to improve communities. it’s rewarding to see a project i helped design in real life. grand avenue bridge, for example, was very challenging and interesting to work on. it was a new bridge, but we kept some of the original components. it involved a lot of pieces that we had to connect, and required a lot of teamwork. i like being able to tell my granddaughter i was part of the project team as we’re driving over it.” – subhija rahmanovic, structural engineering technician, 19 years of experience

“i started out working in survey and kind of fell into my career as an engineering technician, which is something i’ve really enjoyed. i work on a lot of sanitary sewer, water main, wastewater treatment, and storm sewer projects. i’ve also assisted with stream restoration projects to reduce erosion and flooding. the different types of projects we work on and the challenges we overcome is pretty rewarding. you don’t need a four-year degree to be successful and have a good paying job with benefits.” – tim roberts, environmental engineering technician, 14 years of experience

“it’s such a diverse career and the skills you develop can take you anywhere. on the job, there’s always something to learn and opportunities for growth, which keeps it interesting. for example, since coming to snyder & associates, i’ve been able to further develop my skills as a design technician to include 3d modeling, which is really fun. if you’re thinking about pursuing a career as a design technician—i say, go for it!” – jessica sundquist, transportation engineering technician, 11 years of experience

how to get started as a 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 technician

according to our tenured team of design technicians, an interest in problem solving with a knack for attention to detail are important skills for career success. but, as with any career, it’s also important to be eager and willing to learn.

“how far you go in your career results from how much you’re willing to put into it,” states sundquist.

to get started, sundquist, wade, and their colleagues encourage students to job shadow, explore the career, and learn about all it has to offer. 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 has many areas of emphasis and specialty, so internships and co-ops can help determine the student’s focus area.

“ask a lot of questions and be open to the possibilities. a career as a 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 technician is one where you get to be part of a greater solution. it’s fun, exciting, and can take a lot of different avenues, depending on what you’re passionate about,” concludes wade.

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for thousands of years, engineers have been changing the world through the development of new technologies and systems that make our lives better. modern engineers have taken that notion even further with the ongoing creation of life-saving medicines and earth-friendly transportation networks — turning the once unimaginable, into reality. as we acknowledge the remarkable feats that engineers contribute to society, we’re reminded of the importance of celebrating the difference our work makes to our individual communities — and the ever-present need to promote and engage with the next generation of engineers. for the engineers at snyder & associates, this idea is more than just a tagline. our professionals spend countless hours every year reaching out to the youth in their respective communities to help provide insight into this rewarding career.

mathcounts®: helping students build confidence

for two snyder & associates civil engineers, giving back includes a deep involvement with the mathcounts program through their respective chapters of the iowa engineering society (ies). former mathcounts participant turned board member, cindy spencer, p.e., civil engineer, utilizes the program to inspire and help students build confidence. “i first became involved with mathcounts as a 7^th and 8^th-grade student. the program challenged me to do my best and helped build the confidence i needed to tackle more complex problems,” says spencer. “if i can help others have that same experience, then i feel i’ve achieved something important.”

snyder employees and other mathcounts volunteers scored a recent competition.

in our council bluffs office, civil engineer and planner, elizabeth hunter, p.e., aicp, leed ap, views her work organizing mathcounts events as the perfect opportunity to promote stem topics. “many young people may not even be aware of some of the exciting career paths they could pursue. mathcounts lets us open their eyes to the possibilities, potentially sparking an interest for the next generation of engineers.” for over 30 years, mathcounts has worked to empower middle school students nationwide to reach their full mathematics potential through enriching, extracurricular activities. at its core, the program builds problem-solving skills through four levels of competition in which students compete alongside and against their peers. this year marks spencer’s 8^th year on the central iowa chapter mathcounts board. for hunter, her involvement stretches back nearly 7 years.

while most of spencer’s work as a board member involves 2022世界杯32强预选赛 for the competition and scoring on the day of the event, what she enjoys most is meeting the students and helping them connect their skills with real-world applications. during a typical competition, spencer has the kids solve a problem utilizing multiplication to address a common engineering task. “by highlighting the practical applications of their skills, students get a better understanding of how they can utilize their talent outside of the competition and classroom,” she states. “it’s fun to show students how engineers help shape the world. maybe they’ll become inspired by what we do and make it their career goal.”

supporting career discovery & readiness

for snyder & associates’ engineering technician katie wade, career outreach activities are the perfect opportunity to inspire. “it’s fun to help raise awareness of engineering careers,” she says. “your career is a big decision. if i can spark a glimmer in the eye of one student and shine some light on the darkness surrounding what they want to do, then i’ve made a difference.”

engineering technicians jessica sundquist and katie wade share career information with students.

recently, wade and her colleagues participated in the des moines area community college (dmacc) career discover days, which encourages 8^th to 12^th-grade students to explore a variety of careers by touring area businesses, connecting with professionals, and participating in hands-on activities. during the event, wade and her colleagues presented an overview of their careers, answered questions, and shared real-life project examples with more than 50 students.

as a mother, wade says it’s important to let kids know there’s a middle ground between a four-year degree and going to work right out of high school. she points to her role as an engineering technician as one of many career fields that pay well and are in high demand. “we’re searching nationally and can’t get our hands on enough engineering technicians, they just don’t exist,” states wade. “i think what we do is fun and by sharing information, i hope others might want to do the same because the demand is so great.”

reflecting on her career outreach experience, wade says a common misconception students have is they must be good at math to succeed as an engineering technician. “it’s about using the same type of techniques to solve a problem,” she explains. “we’re here to solve problems, and you must want to be a part of that. the challenges we face and the software we use are evolving at a phenomenal rate, so it’s important to be a lifelong learner and enjoy problem-solving.”

inspiring engineering across borders

as a member of nebraska’s professional chapter of engineers without borders (ewb-ne), barbara johnston, p.e., civil engineer for snyder & associates omaha office, has positioned herself to help improve community quality of life in malagana, colombia. “we volunteer in colombia to help address water quality and wastewater treatment concerns,” explains johnston. “the community expressed a strong interest in our work, and local kids shadowed us throughout the day to learn more about what we do. we had different groups learning about percolation tests, taking water samples, and surveying.”

local children are excited to learn from the ewb-ne team.

founded in 2002 by dr. bernard amadei, engineers without borders is a community-driven program that strives to build a better world through engineering and community empowerment. at the center of each project is a three-way partnership between ewb, the community, and a local partnering organization that’s essential to success. “community partnerships help us learn about the community’s reality, culture, resources, limitations, and data availability,” states susana lizcano, ph. d., president of ewb-ne. “everyone is committed to making their community a better place. they’re responsive, dedicated, and resourceful.”

reflecting on her experience, johnston says she’ll never forget the appreciation expressed by members of the community. “they prepared a thank-you celebration with tons of people from the community, which was a total surprise,” she shares. “it was humbling to see them express so much gratitude for our work, and it was fun to dance with the people we had been working alongside all week.” johnston is passionate about seeing the project through and looks forward to another opportunity to ignite inspiration abroad. “it was awesome to see the kids so intrigued by our work and eager to learn,” she exclaims. “i’ll definitely be ready to go back when the opportunity arises.”

at snyder & associates, we’re always looking beyond engineering — focusing on improving the quality of life within the communities we serve and call home, as well as the effect our work can have a world away. but we never lose sight of what’s truly important — inspiring the next generation to take up the mantle of this rewarding career and helping them recognize the power in their hands and minds to make a positive impact that reaches far beyond work.

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the opportunity to travel and make a difference through engineering catapulted barbara johnston, p.e., civil engineer for snyder & associates, from her hometown of omaha, nebraska, to the developing community of malagana, colombia, this past december. “i’ve always had a passion for community development and problem-solving,” she says. “as a member of ewb [engineers without borders], i apply my skillset globally and travel, which is a fun way to learn about developing communities and their needs firsthand. many areas we serve are like the cities and towns we work with at snyder & associates; they face different challenges.”

johnston says her experience as a civil engineer with snyder & associates empowered her to guide the survey team.

johnston was one of seven engineers, accompanied by two students from the university of nebraska medical center (unmc), who participated in the six-day trip to malagana, a community of 8,000 people located an hour southeast of cartagena. it was the second trip for members of nebraska’s professional chapter of engineers without borders (ewb-ne), following an initial assessment trip in august 2016. “we’re supporting ewb’s mission and vision by working to improve community quality of life in malagana and address its basic needs,” shares susana lizcano, ph.d. d., president of ewb-ne.

the focus of their work is helping the community address water quality and wastewater treatment concerns. once the primary issues with water are identified, they hope to eliminate or, at the very least, significantly reduce preventable water-related illnesses. during the trip, the team verified data collected during the 2016 assessment trip, such as demographic information, soil percolation data, precipitation and water usage, and consumption data. they also collected new data, including a secondary water quality analysis and a topographic survey of the community and potential project locations. meanwhile, the two unmc students interviewed local doctors and community members, assessed local health records, and provided demonstrations of wash (water, sanitation, and hygiene).

working alongside a water resources engineer and a chemical engineer, johnston says her experience as a civil engineer with snyder & associates empowered her to guide the survey team. “i hadn’t surveyed since college, and my team members had never used survey data in their day-to-day work or looked at a topo survey before,” she shares. “with a background in 2022世界杯美洲杯预选赛 and our work at snyder, i knew it was important to take frequent points, label them well, and know what to capture to have valuable information once we got back to the states.”

they were gathering survey data with the assistance of local schoolchildren who wanted to learn about engineering.

adopting a holistic perspective

since settling back into her role at snyder & associates’ omaha office, johnston credits the trip as a valuable learning and growth experience. “it has helped me approach challenges from different angles and pushed me out of my role as a designer to adopt more of a big picture, holistic perspective,” she states.

before the trip, johnston didn’t have much experience assessing the needs of a community. from transportation and paving jobs to site development and airport projects, the issues for which she provides solutions are often defined in advance. “in malagana, we came into the project at an earlier stage, which meant we had to figure out their needs and priorities and work to understand all the moving parts of the community. it was about much more than the design itself.”

back home, johnston’s refreshed perspective toward addressing community needs and problem-solving has already made an impact. with numerous projects currently underway, she points to the 89^th circle grading, paving, and storm sewer project in omaha as a prime example of how she’s applying her experience. “it’s a small, neighborhood cul-de-sac project, but there’s plenty of factors to consider,” explains johnston. “my experience in malagana helped me approach the project with the stakeholders in mind and address important aspects in advance.”

next steps in malagana

while the group will likely take another trip to malagana, they must establish and compare design alternatives and begin preliminary design.

barbara and her colleagues are enjoying a boat tour of the panama canal before their return to the u.s.

“the alternative design stage is our core contribution,” states lizcano. “it will also lead to the most financially challenging phase, securing funds for implementation. the knowledge of our team and their time contributions will help us reach our goals.”

the ewb organization commits to a five-year community program, which is the current time commitment for ewb-ne professionals in malagana. lizcano says the focus of the next trip will be sharing the proposed design alternatives. “there’s still plenty of work to be done in malagana. i’m committed to this program and would love to see this project through,” declares johnston.

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from parks and streetscapes to educational campuses and commercial developments, landscape architecture surrounds us — integrating the built world into the natural environment. this design discipline helps create unique and inviting spaces with notable benefits, including increased aesthetic appeal, stormwater management, and reduced energy costs. as we struggle to overcome some of the most significant 21st-century challenges, the landscape architecture profession is poised to provide sustainable environmental solutions. “as landscape architects, we influence the outdoor environment through design to enhance community quality of life. this influence can be seen in parks, streetscapes, site developments, and 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 spaces. at snyder & associates, we work with communities and other professionals to create unique projects and outdoor spaces for generations to enjoy,” explains tim west, pla, leed ap, development business unit leader.

raising awareness of the landscape architecture profession

to celebrate and raise awareness of the landscape architecture profession, we asked several seasoned members of our landscape architecture team to reflect on their career experiences, what inspires them, and the unique challenges they’ve faced designing original and earth-friendly projects.

how would you describe landscape architecture’s role in the world around us?

i believe the most critical role of landscape architecture is to protect and enhance the aesthetic environment of our outdoor world. — tim west, pla, leed ap, development business unit leader

we design spaces that influence how people experience places. whether it’s a downtown streetscape or a median treatment in a suburban area, landscape architecture permeates these spaces to create unique user experiences. — clay schneckloth, pla

look around, and you will see the impact of the landscape architecture profession. whether you’ve walked on a trail or attended a concert in a downtown plaza, chances are a landscape architect played a role in making that area a reality. that is what makes the profession so crucial to society. — monte appelgate, pla

what is satisfying about being a landscape architect?

i like seeing a project start from an idea and grow into real space. it’s tremendously satisfying to see a space used how you designed it to be after it’s built. — tim west, pla, leed ap, development business unit leader

i am working with great people. whether it’s a client, community leader, or coworker, the people make all projects worthwhile. — monte appelgate, pla

what challenges do landscape architects face?

we’re sometimes faced with short deadlines that can be challenging to meet. these challenges, however, tend to bring out the best in

the new hubbard park canoe and kayak launch has been a huge success with park visitors.

our design team — with team members stepping up to get things done. — clay schneckloth, pla

working with new clients, whether they are developers or the community. understanding their needs, goals, limitations, and how to achieve a successful project. — monte appelgate, pla

what inspires you about the landscape architecture profession?

i enjoy working on projects with teams of different designers and professionals. these teams can challenge you to think differently about your design perspective and how it may be used or an alternative way it can be constructed. i feel like this pushes you to do better in your design work. — tim west, pla, leed ap, development business unit leader

old-world paver sidewalks add to the charm of the downtown district of cedar falls.

what is one landscape architecture project you’re proud of and why?

i am incredibly proud of the terry trueblood recreation area in iowa city. we overcame unique challenges and included cool features that turned the park into a true community destination. — clay schneckloth, pla

what excited you about the future of landscape architecture?

landscape architects must lead more design teams to minimize environmental impacts and create more efficient outdoor improvements as the world’s resources and open spaces get smaller. this will lead to more interest in environmental stewardship and more responsibility in project design. — tim west, pla, leed ap, development business unit leader

we are seeing more young people getting involved in the profession. also, there is increased respect from clients, city officials, and other design professionals for what landscape architects and their skill sets can bring to our built environment. — monte appelgate, pla

what wisdom would you share with someone just entering the landscape architecture profession or interested in pursuing it? 

get out and explore the world around you to experience the environment first-hand. it may seem obvious, but visit your project sites before

the gypsum city campground currently accommodates 33 sites, with plans for more.

you start designing them. often, the natural world will help determine the best design. — tim west, pla, leed ap, development business unit leader

there is a wide variety of directions an individual can pursue with landscape architecture. i would suggest starting your career with an internship to explore the possibilities the profession offers. this will help you determine the areas you enjoy and are intrigued by the most. another recommendation is to consider a design-build position if you are considering working for a design firm. they offer great opportunities for hands-on experience in the field. understanding how things get built is invaluable knowledge, as it will make you a respected resource.  — clay schneckloth, pla

keep an open mind when deciding your path in the profession. there are many avenues to pursue, whether in the 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 or private sector or within the educational field. find what inspires you, and go for it. — monte appelgate, pla

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the snyder & associates family is always excited to join colleagues and educators nationwide to celebrate, honor, and promote engineering. our engineers recognize the vast contributions their profession makes to society, but they often go unnoticed.

“engineering is a vast and versatile career that’s essential to overcoming the challenges we face locally, regionally, and beyond,” shares dave moeller, president of snyder & associates. “our work efforts, however, sometimes blend into the background as small pieces of the community puzzle that people just expect to be there.”

to show our appreciation for these hardworking individuals, we met with several “veteran” engineers on our team to learn more about what inspired their careers, what they enjoy most about the profession, advice for younger colleagues, and how they help create the future.

what are two important goals you have as a civil engineer? 

my career goal is to be involved in an engineers without borders program and spend time overseas helping communities with projects that significantly impact 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 health and the economy. — laura lamberty, p.e.

my short-term goal is to complete projects on time and within budget. long-term, i strive to help us obtain enough clients that we’re able to double the size of our madison office. — scott anderson, p.e.

i’d like to see the firm grow into the biggest and best firm in the midwest by capturing work not only here in iowa but all over the midwest. — eric cannon, p.e., development business unit leader

in the short term, i hope to continue becoming an integral part of snyder & associates. in the long term, i hope to keep all the solid client relationships i have developed while building new ones. — dave sturm, p.e., pls, atlantic business unit leader

teach younger engineers so they can grow and develop processes for design efficiency. — jerod gross, p.e., leed ap

who or what inspired you to become a civil engineer, and why?

when i was a pre-teen, my family built our own house, and that experience developed my love of creating things. — laura lamberty, p.e.

when i was a kid, we lived next to a golf course. during the spring of the snowpack, i was fascinated by where all the water went. i would put on my rain boots and follow the melting snow water over a mile to where it eventually met a creek. — scott anderson, p.e.

i always loved taking things apart and putting them back together when i was a kid, along with building forts, tree houses, and anything else i could get my hands on as a kid. in high school, i was also good in math and science, so my counselor told me to go to isu, and the rest is history! — eric cannon, p.e., development business unit leader

what do you enjoy most about the engineering profession?

relating to people and solving problems. — jerod gross, p.e., leed ap

the satisfaction of designing improvements for the communities we live in. also, a variety of projects allow me the ability to have both office and fieldwork. — dave sturm, p.e., pls, atlantic business unit leader

what are you most proud of accomplishing since joining snyder & associates?

developing client relationships that have allowed our madison office to grow. — scott anderson, p.e.

completing a variety of institutional college campus projects. — jerod gross, p.e., leed ap

helping grow the city of pleasant hill as a client and the great relationship we have with their staff. i’m also proud of helping grow the development group to become the dynamic group of people that we have today. i always say that it takes a certain kind of personality to make it in the development world since deadlines are fast and furious. you have to be able to juggle multiple projects and change priorities with an email or phone call. we work hard, play hard, and have a lot of fun along the way. — eric cannon, p.e., development business unit leader

what advice would you give to someone just entering the engineering profession?

ask lots of questions and realize you can learn from people in the field. — laura lamberty, p.e.

there is no ceiling in this field if you choose to pursue the top and put forth the effort needed to be successful. — dave sturm, p.e., pls, atlantic business unit leader

work hard, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know the answer. we have all been there at the beginning of our careers and look forward to helping mentor the next generation of engineers. — eric cannon, p.e., development business unit leader

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the iowa league of cities promotes this essay contest to 7th-grade english and social studies teachers each fall and asks mayors to contact these teachers locally, too.

district 2 winner – jasmine elgersma

statewide winner: district 1 – kate miller

college scholarships for iowa 7th graders

the league is now accepting submissions for the annual “if i were mayor” essay contest sponsored by snyder & associates. promoting positive city government is essential to the iowa league of cities and our firm. this contest is an opportunity for students to articulate their views on the role of a mayor and its impact on their community.

snyder & associates has sponsored the contest since 2015 and is proud to continue the tradition again this year. “as municipal engineers, we work with city officials daily and have developed a strong appreciation for how they help shape livable communities,” states snyder & associates president dave moeller, p.e. “encouraging today’s youth to reflect on the role that a city mayor has in listening to constituents and guiding community improvements is important because they’re our future leaders.”

a winning essay will be selected in each of the state’s four congressional districts. each district winner receives a $250 college scholarship, and one grand prize winner selected to represent the state of iowa will receive a $500 college scholarship. 2025’s winning contestants, kate miller, jasmine elgersma, kate han, and brynley justesen, along with their parents and teachers, were recognized at a special ceremony at the state capitol.

district 4 winner – brynley justesen

district 3 winner – kate han

“if i were mayor” contest requirements

the contest is open to all currently enrolled 7th-grade students in iowa. essays must begin with “if i were mayor, i would…” and should not exceed 250 words.

essays are judged based on creativity, clarity, sincerity of thought, and proper use of grammar.

all submissions are due in december of the prior year, and winners are notified once the judging process is complete. additional information and a full list of contest rules are available online through the iowa league of cities.

in addition to this contest, snyder & associates also supports brunch with the boss, a competition organized by the ankeny economic development corporation. also, many snyder & associates staff members are involved with the community, professional, and service-oriented organizations, including engineers across borders, mathcounts, and apa ambassadors.

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