Staff Spotlight: Terry Kerger’s 20th Anniversary
It all began with a four-year negotiation with David Byrum encompassing over 2,571 projects over twenty years. Terry Kerger is an Associate and Principal Engineer focused on engineering success and providing quality projects to Civiltec’s clients. He has continually achieved this goal over the last 20 years with Civiltec (54 years overall) and remains passionate about water engineering design and construction management projects today. Looking back at his long and accomplished career, we wanted to give Terry a chance to reflect on his time with Civiltec.
What engineering discipline have you been uniquely drawn to and why does it interest you so much?
I fell into water infrastructure engineering. My main client Rowland Water District allowed me to provide design and construction management of their growing service area. I was able to design pipelines, reservoirs, and pump station projects to serve the district as development filled in the open spaces. I also provided construction management and field observation during the projects’ construction. Being able to observe the actual construction and assembly of the components provided me with the ability to improve designs and incorporate details to extend the service life of the facilities. I feel providing value to our clients is extremely rewarding.
Where do you see your career going and what are some goals you have?
Well after 50-plus years in the business, I am starting to think of how life looks in retirement. I do want to spend some of my working time mentoring new engineers before I retire.
What has been your favorite project and why?
I prepared the construction documents for a United Water Conservation District project that included a floating cover reservoir and the replacement of existing natural gas engines with electric motors for a 50 CFS booster station. This 1998 project was probably my favorite and it was awarded Large Project of The Year in Ventura County.
Have you encountered any unique project challenges and how did you go about solving them?
Every project has its challenges. The goal is to prepare construction documents based on technical expertise and experience that provide the client with value and minimize change order claims. Every project is a learning experience, the goal is to incorporate the lessons learned into future projects.
What has kept you coming to work every day for twenty years with Civiltec?
I spent over 30 years with a previous engineering firm. I saw that company grow from 20 engineers and staff to over 300 employees. I was able to be involved in that expansion. I see the same progression here at Civiltec and am proud to be a part of that building success. I am proud each day to have the opportunity to participate in Civiltec’s successes.
How does your typical day-to-day look here at Civiltec?
Each day starts with a plan and a list of tasks to get done. Almost daily phone calls and emails change the plan. The trick is to get ahead of the plan.
Do you have any advice for what your experience has been with clients and how do you recommend getting engaged with clients?
Every client is different, some client relationships focus on professional expertise and some you can develop a personal relationship. Always attempt to give your client the most value for the fee. Be as personable as possible and maintain professional integrity. Do not ever promise more than you can provide and always keep the project on schedule. On-time is on-budget!
What is your favorite car and why?
I bought a used 1966 Porsche 912 in 1969. I drove that car until I needed a family car in 1980. In 2017 I booked a 90-minute session at the Porsche Driving Experience Center in Carson, CA. That driving experience provided me with the information I needed to configure the purchase order for my 2018 Carrera S. My new car was delivered on my birthday in 2018. That vehicle gives me a reason to drive.
Do you still compete in World Championship free-flight model airplane competitions? How did your interest begin?
In High School, I spent my study time in the library reading the latest issues of Model Airplane Magazines. From there, I got involved in building and flying models by myself. I enjoy the construction of something that can fly and participate in the competition. I retired from the World Championship Competition in 2005. The technology and model performance improved further than my ability to compete. I still participate in local competitions about 6 times a year and in organizing the semiannual competition for the USA World Championship team’s contestants every odd-numbered year.
Interested in some of Terry’s recent projects? Here is a link to the Gold Line and the North Tank Rehabilitation.
