It was a privilege to host Jennifer Ray, an Environmental and Ecological Engineering student at Purdue University, for a week to job shadow the various departments at ERA. Job shadowing allows her the opportunity to align academic pursuits with her career goals. One of her tasks was to suit up in waders and assist the structural department in completing a special feature inspection of the Mack Road bridge over the West Branch of the DuPage River.

Jennifer also completed a walkthrough inspection of a commercial/residential development project in Warrenville focusing on erosion and sediment control onsite. Our environmental engineers discussed the importance of tying together abiotic/non-environmental projects with biological systems for water quality and natural habitat improvement, some benefits of native stormwater systems versus older styles of basin construction (concrete/turf), and the benefits realized by native systems.
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In addition, Jennifer learned about what is involved in our Parks and Recreation group projects. Our engineers showed her some example plan sets and explained the services we provide including geometry, grading, and utilities. Important project tasks including permitting, storm sewer and detention design, wetlands, and floodplains were also discussed.
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We enjoyed having Jennifer on board with us for a week of job shadowing. Good Luck at Purdue this year!

​ERA’s project inspections frequently take our engineers to interesting and fun places, including Quarry Lake in Naperville. Our project managers used the Naperville Park District’s paddleboats to complete an inspection under the Eagle Street pedestrian crossing. This photo also shows the Moser Tower, which ERA is beginning preliminary design phase services on to complete a variety of repairs and improvements. Consider visiting this spot in Naperville for some outdoor fun this weekend!