Staff Spotlight: Steven Walker, PE 5 Year Anniversary 

Steven Walker, PE is a Senior Engineer based in Civiltec’s Upland office, bringing more than 24 years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure. Over the past five years at Civiltec, Steven has led complex design and construction efforts involving treatment systems, transmission pipelines, and storage facilities across California and the Southwest. Known for his technical depth and collaborative leadership, Steven is a key contributor to some of Civiltec’s most impactful utility projects.

What inspired you to pursue a career in civil engineering, and how did that path lead you to Civiltec?

Originally I was considering a biology major with a desire to solve environmental pollution problems. My biology professor at the time suggested a number of career paths that would involve work in that area, including environmental engineering which would include my mathematical and mechanical aptitude. 

In researching the University of Florida programs I learned that UF was one of the few universities to have a stand alone department of Environmental Engineering, normally a sub-area within the Civil Engineering department at most schools.

After meeting with several of the professors in the Environmental Engineering department, I felt it was the correct path and still feel that way.

Having worked on treatment, conveyance, storage, and more, what has been your favorite project at Civiltec so far, and what made it memorable?

Working on water treatment systems to remove contaminants and improve drinking water safety for our communities is most satisfying. Several well-head treatment projects come to mind involving PFAS and VOCs using ion-exchange (IX) and granular activated carbon (GAC) media.

You’re now based out of the Upland office. How has that location influenced the types of projects you’ve worked on or your day-to-day collaboration?

Upland is a great office to work out of, but we try to keep that a secret so rush hour freeway traffic does not reverse direction. Its location allows us to reach clients from the high desert as well as both San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. Being close to Cal Poly Pomona provides access to colleagues with local backgrounds and roots.

What do you enjoy most about collaborating across offices or working with Civiltec’s range of clients throughout California and the Southwest?

Civiltec’s network of offices in California and Arizona provide a breadth of talent which in today’s video teleconference world makes it as seamless as if they were just down the hall. It seems I am on daily spur of the moment calls with Heber Torres in Arizona with a quick question on electrical issues with a project, or the same with drafting and design aspects with Jenny Tsan in the Monorvia office. 

Outside of work, what hobby or activity helps you recharge and keeps you grounded during busy project cycles?

For relaxation I enjoy getting outdoors and camping/hiking in locations far from the beaten trail that few have seen. Northern California is probably my favorite area with the giant redwoods parks right on the Pacific Ocean. Often I choose a National Forest for a night camp where endless miles of old logging roads offer a less touristy location and your no-cost campsite can be anywhere you find an enjoyable view. 

Recently I joined a local GMRS radio club, a two-way radio system that allows communications in remote areas. With 4 repeater towers the club offers communication across most of southern California and up into the high desert. The club also holds events and just last weekend we went on a hike in the mountains around Hesperia and afterwards did a  BBQ in a local park.