Cherie Koester

CEO

Cherie Koester, Principal at Earthworks Environmental, sets the bar high for the company she founded in September 2014. Her goal is to nurture and grow Earthworks into the most prestigious and experienced environmental consulting firm in the U.S., specializing in dust control and storm water pollution prevention. With her wealth of experience, that goal likely will be achieved sooner than later.

Cherie founded Earthworks after serving as Director of Environmental Compliance for a large landscape maintenance and landscape construction company in Metro Phoenix. While at that firm she created and ran the environmental compliance and safety division. Previous to that that role, she was a compliance inspector for the Maricopa County Air Quality Department.

Cherie gained five years of experience working closely with the development and construction industries by inspecting a wide variety of regulated sites and sources. She is a member of the Clear Air Council for MCAQD and is an expert in storm water pollution prevention and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. She is proficient in leading public education presentations on particulate matter pollution, dust control regulations and the necessities of staying in compliance with federal and local air pollution laws. Cherie is skillful in ensuring dust compliance and assisting the regulated community with rule interpretation. She has a specific expertise in identifying field observations then indicating cost effective and accurate job site practices.

Cherie received her Master of Science degree in International Environmental Technology Management & Sustainability in December 2011 from Arizona State University. She earned her BS in May 2008 from ASU and also holds an associate degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in business administration.

Prior to her work with the air quality department Cherie gained experience in the regulated community as an office manager for Pauley Construction, a contractor of the Salt River Project. She learned aspects of the contracting industry including professional bids, job coordination, and accounting. She acquired her passion for the environment and health and safety issues as assistant store manager of a family-owned health and nutrition business.

A native of Green Bay, Wisc., Cherie is mother and stepmother to five children. When she’s not at the Earthworks’ Gilbert office or in the field, Cherie enjoys spending time with her family. She particularly enjoys cooking, swimming, going for walks, and perfecting her wine palette.

Cherie is active in industry groups including Valley Partnership and the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona. Maybe because she grew up where it’s cold and now she lives here in the Valley, this is what Cherie says people don’t know about her: “I am a Christmas fanatic and listen to Christmas music at least three times a week while I cook.”

That’s one animated Principal.

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Dawn Steil

Operations Manager

Dawn Steil is not one to shy away from a challenge. Operations Manager at Earthworks, Dawn is also a successful personal business owner and State Board Certified Aesthetician and licensed with the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency as a laser technician.

A native of Mesa, Ariz., Dawn says joining Earthworks was “a leap of faith into an unfamiliar field.” It has paid off handsomely, helping expand her role and responsibilities as Operations Manager. Her passion is customer service. Dawn excels at patience and consistency, is extremely adaptable, and understands that every customer is important.

Dawn is a highly skilled communicator with a strong work ethic. Dawn utilizes her calming presence in everything she does. She is goal oriented and excels at time management. She is no stranger to the real estate industry in the Valley. She has years of experience working at Southeast Valley Regional Association of Realtors (SEVRAR). Dawn is active with industry groups including Valley Partnership and the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA).

Away from the office, Dawn enjoys spending time with her children. She enjoys the theater and cinema, but you will also find her in the outdoors observing wildlife. Sometimes you might find at home cheering on her favorite UFC fighter, Brock Lesnar. She adds she likes to unwind with a glass of single malt Scotch.

The personal accomplishment of which she is most proud: “Achieving my personal independence.” A challenge she faced and triumphed over, she proudly says.

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Madison McMain

Administrative Assistant

First impressions are key to any business, regardless of size. Visitors to the Gilbert office of Earthworks Environmental are greeted by Administrative Assistant Madison McMain, who makes them feel welcome and more important makes them feel like family. After all, Madison’s mother is company owner Cherie Koester.

Madison is responsible for maintaining staff schedules, event planning, invoicing for billing, and of course – welcoming guests to the office at the front desk. A native of Green Bay, Wisc., Madison lives in Queen Creek. An expectant mother, Madison is pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in nutrition and communication at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Madison enjoys cooking nutritious food, working out, lifting weights, and cross-fit training. She is also an avid hiker and enjoys spending time with her husband (an active duty Marine) when he is home. The personal accomplishment of which she is most proud? “I am so proud of the person I am and the attitude that I bring forward every day,” Madison says. “I am a positive person with a touch of sarcasm. I am so extremely proud of my husband and all that he and I have gone through with us being stationed in (Oceanside) California. I am so proud to be a mom. I have the best mother in the world and can’t wait to live up to being just like her.”

The best advice she has to share: “Do what makes you happy.”

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Travis Fern

Executive Director

As a former athlete, Travis Fern brings a competitive edge to his position as Compliance Manager at Earthworks. Travis was born and raised in the historic Arizona city of Wickenburg, where he attended the local high school. Upon graduation, Travis attending Doane College in Crete, Neb., on academic and athletic scholarships. He studied criminology and was a member of the Tigers football team. He moved back to Arizona in 2004 and transferred to Arizona State University, continuing his studies in criminal justice. He graduated in 2006 with a BS in criminal justice.

While finishing his studies, Travis joined his father’s construction company in Wickenburg, building custom homes. In 2005 he joined GTI, a geotechnical, environmental and construction materials testing engineering firm as an engineering technician. During his first year at GTI he conducted concrete, asphalt, and soils inspections for residential and commercial projects. In 2006 he became a project manager for GTI and spent the majority of the next five years conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Phase II Site Characterization Studies, Phase III Site Remediation Services, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Studies, and geotechnical subsurface explorations.

While at GTI, Travis held the following certifications: American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I, and Arizona Technical Testing Institute (ATTI) Field Testing Technician – Level I.

In 2012, Travis went to work for Freeport McMoRan’s Bagdad, Ariz., copper mine as engineering technician for the Mine Technical Department. Travis was then promoted to mine surveyor six months later. After four years in Bagdad, Travis decided it was time to move back to Phoenix in early 2016 to pursue a career in the environmental field once again.

With more than five years of wide-ranging environmental compliance experience, Travis is the Director of Compliance for Earthworks Environmental. He has created and implemented Earthworks’ first electronic reporting system for records retention and client compliance.

When he’s not in the field, Travis enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping. The best business advice he’s been given: “It doesn’t matter how small or big the task is, if you can do it just a little better than expected, you will be noticed and rewarded.

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Mark Hubbard

Lead Compliance Manager – East Valley Phoenix/Tucson

Throughout his career, Mark Hubbard has had a keen interest in environmental issues. Besides earning a Master of Science degree in environmental management from the Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University, Mark published an article in the Journal of Environmental Health on the effects of ozone on hospital visits for asthma.

Mark brings that expertise to Earthworks Environmental as Lead Compliance Manager for the newlycreated Florida office. His responsibilities include Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPP) manual preparation, notice of intent/notice of termination filing, SWPP program management, site inspections, permit compliance assistance, construction general permit (GCP) applications, street sweeping, and site clean-up. He will provide National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/SWPP consulting services in Florida for commercial and residential development. It is one of the services Earthworks Environmental offers in Arizona.

A native of Warwick, R.I., Mark now calls Mesa home. Prior to joining Earthworks Environmental, Mark was Business Assistance Coordinator for the Maricopa County Air Quality Department. Besides his M.S. degree from ASU, Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Biola University in La Mirada, Calif.

When he’s off the clock, Mark enjoys watching movies and playing with his granddaughters and restoring a 1966 Corvette with his father.

Mark says the best business advice he’s been given is: “Always finish what you start.”

The best advice he has shared: “The most respected leaders are the ones that can identify and remove the roadblocks that keep others from achieving their potential.”

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Brendan Haugh

Director of Training & Development

Brendan serves as the Director of Training and Development, a role that spans across the country. He is responsible for the training of new employees, as well as their continued education and development. Earthworks prides itself on employing the most educated and knowledgeable staff in the industry. While possessing the minimum qualifications has become the norm amongst its contemporaries, the minimum is merely the baseline at Earthworks. Brendan ensures that the company standard is met and maintained amongst its employees and divisions as the company grows throughtout the nation. He is based in the company's flagship state of Arizona, but divides his time amongst New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Florida, and Texas.

Born and raised in Boston, Mass., Brendan attended the prestigious Boston Latin School. He attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and Boston, graduating cum laude in 2005 with degrees in Criminal Justice and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.

In late 2005 he moved to Phoenix. Brendan joined the Maricopa County Air Quality Department in January of 2006 as an inspector. He was later appointed to Training Lead, and co-created and managed the Rule 310 Dust Control Training program. In 2012, he joined the Clark County Department of Air Quality in Nevada.

Brendan returned to the Valley of the Sun in 2014 as an Environmental Program Specialist with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Since joining the private sector in 2014, he has applied his extensive government experience to assist companies in navigating through the complexities of environmental regulation. Brendan possesses more than 12 years of wide-ranging environmental compliance experience.

Brendan has previously held the roles of Compliance Manager and Lead Compliance Manager with Earthworks. In recognition of his expertise, he was invited to be a guest lecturer at Arizona State University.

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Brooks Morse

Lead Compliance Manager – Central Phoenix

Brooks Morse brings global experience to his job as Compliance Manager for Earthworks Environmental. The Wickenburg, Ariz., native has traveled to three countries and worked in more than 20 states. He helped construct the Sacramento River Levee and he has worked on the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Station evaporation ponds and the Layan Sanitary Landfill for the island of Guam.

Those impressive credentials suit him well at Earthworks Environmental. Brooks is responsible for the inspection of storm water and dust control for residential developments and communicating concerns and activity to Earthworks Environmental clients.

Away from the field, Brooks enjoys camping with family and friends, hunting, playing golf, and traveling. He also enjoys cooking. His greatest personal accomplishment: hiking to the top of Smith Peak in the Harcuvar Mountains of west-central Arizona, harvesting a mule deer, and packing it back to camp.

The best business advice he’s been given: “To be successful, you have to be able to relate to people; they have to be satisfied with your personality to do business with you and build a relationship with mutual trust.”

That’s pretty worldly advice.

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Richard Howe

National Operations Manager

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Kelly Dean

Lead Compliance Manager – West Valley Phoenix

Kelly joined Earthworks In November of 2017 as a Compliance Manager. Prior to joining the Earthworks team, Kelly was a District Sales Manager at ADT Security in Denver Colorado. Kelly also was a field tech for HACI Mechanical, a mechanical contracting company located in Phoenix, AZ.

Kelly is a native Phoenician, born and raised in central Phoenix. Kelly studied Criminal Justice at Glendale Community College for 2 years while playing baseball for the Gauchos. Post college days, Kelly worked for Maricopa County in the Superior Court. He served as bailiff inside the probation violation court for 7 years. He then took on a position as a Judicial assistant in which he worked with multiple high ranking judges assisting in high profile judicial cases. He then ventured outside of the court system to partake in the sales profession with ADT Security.

While not working in the field, Kelly enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 beautiful daughters. They enjoy their outdoor time playing sports together. Kelly is a die hard Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks baseball fan. Kelly also strives to play as much golf as possible.

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Aaron Gordon

Compliance Manager – AZ

Aaron joined Earthworks as a Compliance Manager in January 2018 after relocating from Ohio in June 2017. Prior to joining Earthworks Aaron worked for 10 years in the fields of environmental due diligence and contaminated site management for both regional and multi-national environmental consulting firms.

Aaron has completed hundreds of due diligence projects including ASTM E1527-05/13 and AAI compliant Phase I Environmental Site Assessment’s (ESA) at sites ranging from agricultural properties to active and closed commercial and industrial facilities primarily focused on manufacturing operations. He has completed dozens of limited compliance reviews that assessed a review of plans, permits, policies and procedures at industrial facilities for compliance with applicable air, storm water, waste water, chemical reporting, and universal and hazardous waste rules and regulations. He is also knowledgeable regarding ASTM E2600 vapor encroachment condition elements.

Phase II ESA experience includes field sampling and regulatory reporting related to hazardous substance and petroleum contaminated sites. He is knowledgeable regarding free product recovery, UST system closure sampling, soil boring and monitoring well installation, groundwater sampling and monitoring, PCB chip and wipe sampling, and indoor air and sub-slab soil gas sampling.

Aaron has also conducted work related to pre-renovation and pre-demolition asbestos inspections; health and safety plan development and inspections; and wetland delineation and impact assessments primarily focused on linear infrastructure projects.

Aaron is a graduate of Johnson State College in Johnson, VT with a degree in Natural Resource Management and is a U.S. Army Veteran. Aaron served as a Combat Engineer, Training Sergeant and Paratrooper and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

When he’s not in the field, Aaron enjoys dual sport motorcycling, mountain biking, travelling, and enjoying the Arizona sunshine.

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Johnathan Clayton

Lead Compliance Manager – FL

Johnathan joined the Earthworks team as a compliance manager in July 2018. He was born and raised in central Florida. Prior to working for Earthworks, Johnathan was a Deputy Sheriff in Florida for 8 years. While working at the sheriffs office, Johnathan was a part of several different units to include crime suppression, narcotics and the tactical drug unit. Johnathan was also a member of the SWAT for over 5 years.

After his work at the sheriffs office, Johnathan started a small renovation business where he buys and renovates older homes.

While he is not working, Johnathan enjoys anything outdoors. Johnathan along with his father and brothers are currently section hiking the Appalachian Trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine. Johnathan will never turn down an offer to go fishing or diving.

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Martin Friar

Compliance Manager – FL

Martin joined Earthworks in January 2018. Previously he's worked in the hospitality and warehouse industry, and was an instructor at the sheriffs office in multiple areas (firearms, driving, general topics, ect.). He was also a firearms, driving, simunitions and reality based training at the Police Academy and was certified to do all these things through the Florida Deptartment of Law Enforcement. Overall he has 15 years in law enforemcnet, 11 of those on SWAT.

He's been an avid competitive powerlifter since he was 14 (almost 32 years now) and has always been into health and fitness. Martin is an OCD recycler and has always cared about the environment which is why Earthworks is a great fit.

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Hilary Goodine

Operations Assistant

Hilary Goodine is an outgoing, loving person from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Four years ago she relocated to sunny Arizona following her year abroad in Scotland. During her time abroad she built her love for traveling and getting to know people from around the world. When returning to Arizona, Hilary completed her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with specialties in STEM and Environmental Education.

Though she loved her time in the classroom, she grew a greater appreciation for organization, data analysis, and the opportunity to work with people one on one. Hilary is excited to work with Earthworks Environmental while in her free time keeping her passion of working with kids by teaching on sundays and volunteering with a local musical theater group.

Outside of work, Hilary loves socalizing while listening to country music and going dancing. You can also find her outside exploring new places with the people she loves the most. With her adventurous spirit, Hilary is excited to be part of Earthworks Environmental team. She is confident she will help create a positive experience for both the staff and the clients, as well as use her professional skills to help take Earthworks Environmental to the next level.

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Matthew Trygg

Lead Compliance Manager – IL/IN/OH

Matthew Trygg joined the Earthworks team in October 2018. Previously he's worked in the Natural Resource and Restoration Industries. Matt has worked on a wide range of projects ranging from Army Corps, townships, and home owners’ associations. Before coming a compliance manager, Matt worked installing BMPs and native landscapes, rising through the ranks into managing installation processes. Now as the IL division Lead, he takes pride in having learned the ropes as compliance manager and again rising up to now maintaining compliance for all of our clients, following NPDES and SWPP guidelines for the entire division.

Matt is native to Illinois, born and raised in the Chicago land region. He graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences 2014. Matt is QCIS certified, DECI certified, and is currently working towards CESSWI certification.

Matt and his wife live in the Chicago land area. In his free time, he volunteers at the local elementary school and enjoys being a part of forest restoration projects.

The best business / life advice he’s been given: “If you’re not learning something new every day, you must not have gotten out of bed.”

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Christina Bushman

National Business Development Manager

A native of the Midwest, Christina fits in perfectly as Compliance Manager, Illinois. She grew up in Green Bay, WI and now dedicates her professional life to making our world a better place, with every effort to do the right thing to ensure business to business relationships are evolving and strengthening, while our environment is stabilized and compliant.

Christina has done much traveling through her college years, attaining both her Bachelor and Master degrees in Business with an emphasis in Communications and Management. As a military spouse in the past, she has worked with organizations to build programs for military veterans and their families along with continued efforts to expand the spousal network within the Marine Corp. Now Christina travels for successful business efforts and extra curricular fun, while building relationships throughout the United States. She has a passion for communication thus enlightening her surroundings with integrity. During valued spare time, Christina enjoys painting, outdoors and quality time with family and friends, most of all her beautiful girls.

As Earthworks upholds environmental standards, Christina believes "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

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Martin CervantesDelgado

Compliance Manager – AZ

Martin joined the United States Marine Corps straight out of high school at 17. He enlisted as a small arms repairman but later moved into maintenance management. He was deployed for in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He holds a degree in Computer Networking with an emphasis on cyber security. He doesn't envoy the cubicle life which is why he enjoys being a compliance manager with the Earthworks team. Plenty of fresh, dry air in Arizona. Not only does he help our clients stay in compliance, he is also our go to guy for our installations and social media.

On his time off, if he's not spending time with his family, beating his boys on some video games, or cooking, Martin enjoys doing anything that allows him to smoke his cigars in peace.

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Don Abresch

Lead Compliance Manager – MN

Don has spent a lifetime in the home building industry. As a teenager and through college, he worked in the family drywall business as an installer and finisher. Thereafter, Don spent a brief time in bicycle retail, where he soon found himself back in a construction role. A remodel of the store he worked in created a launchpad to starting his own residential building company. The most accurate advice he was given on starting his own company: “You can work whenever you want… as long as it’s all the time”.

After 20 years of building, Don knew it was time for a change, which led him to environmental landscaping and restoration. As a Crew Leader, he specialized in stormwater BMP installation and inspections on Community Solar Garden construction projects throughout the State of Minnesota.

Don and his family live in Central Minnesota, where he is an avid outdoorsman. In his free time, Don enjoys waterfowl and upland hunting with his Chocolate Labrador – “Wrigley”. Don volunteers as a hunting guide for youths and disabled American veterans. Despite the entrepreneurial and philanthropic prowess, Don will tell you that his greatest accomplishment has been raising two strong children with his wife Lisa.

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Haley Daily

Lead Compliance Manager – TX

Haley is native to Arizona and excited for a change of scenery while living in Texas! She grew up spending most of her life outdoors, even in the middle of an Arizona summer, and always knew she wanted to find a way to help preserve nature.

Haley likes to challenge herself while also completing work she is proud of. In three and a half years she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sustainability, while working in the service industry. Haley uses her skillset daily to implement specific strategies to not only keep clients in compliance, but also to help ensure the longevity of the environment.

Haley loves to travel and has been to over 10 countries and various cities around the United States. When not traveling she enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. Haley believes that a person can never know enough and she actively strives to discover something new every day.

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Richard Jackson

Lead Compliance Manager – NJ/PA/DE/MD

Richard joined Earthworks as a Compliance Manager in March 2018 to open the New Jersey/Pennsylvania/Delaware division. Prior to joining Earthworks Richard worked for 12 years in the fields of geotechnical engineering and construction inspection for both regional and multi-national engineering consulting firms.

Richard has completed hundreds of subsurface geotechnical investigations, storm water management investigations, and construction inspections at sites ranging from agricultural properties to active and closed commercial and industrial facilities for future development/redevelopment. His geotechnical investigation experience includes conducting field soil sampling, laboratory testing, and report preparation.

Construction inspection experience includes earthwork oversight, foundation construction, reinforcing steel installation, concrete placement and testing, and, masonry construction. Richard has several certifications for the construction inspection services that he provided.

Richard has also conducted subsurface geotechnical investigation and stormwater management investigation. These included conducting the subsurface field investigation, laboratory testing, and report preparation.

Richard is a graduate of Stockton University in Pomona, NJ with a degree in Environmental Studies and is a U.S. Air Force Veteran. Richard served as a Nuclear Weapons Team Chief.

When he’s not in the field, Richard enjoys coaching his kids sports teams, grilling, and being outdoors.

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Jeremy Chang

Compliance Manager – AZ

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Jeremy Chang has always had a deep appreciation for the environment. Starting with Earthworks as an installtechnician in October of 2016 Jeremy brings perspectives from both sides of the environmental field. Shortly after working with in installation, Jeremy entered the compliance side and moved to assist the Earthworks Florida division. After a year and a half helping build the Florida division Jeremy spent time assisting other divisions with training the current compliance managers.

Jeremy specializes in SWPPP building, permitting, customer service, and problem solving. Using his experience in installation as wellas compliance, Jeremy offers practical and efficient ways to solve compliance issues to ensure our clients remain in good standing.

In his off time Jeremy enjoys spending time with family, mountain biking, bow hunting, camping, pretty much anything that gets him outdoorsand into nature.

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Walt Townsend

Compliance Manager – IN

Walt joined Earthworks in February 2019, following a move to Indiana. Prior to joining the Earthworks team, Walt served and retired from the US Marines. Walt has traveled extensively worldwide in support of military operations. During his transition from military to civilian life, Walt earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Campbell University in North Carolina.

During his time in the Marine Corps infantry, Walt was deployed/stationed in many places all over the world. During his last combat deployment, Walt was injured in combat in two separate incidents, for which he earned two Purple Heart medals. Although his primary job was in the infantry, he also was consistently relied upon for his expertise in training, compliance, leadership, and logistics, all of which align in his second career in regulatory compliance management.

Although a native Texan, Walt is enjoying the Midwest country lifestyle with his wife and two daughters. Walt enjoys all sports, particularly golf, and has also been known to play a little guitar. He also enjoys a good barbecue and is always up for a game of cornhole.

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Jonathan Walters

Compliance Manager – OH

Jonathan Walters joined the Earthworks team in February 2019. Previously, he worked and interned for an excavation construction company assisting in safety and environmental compliance. Jonathan worked on a wide range of projects including transmission substation development, lateral underground fiber installation, and sensitive area pipeline crossings. As a Compliance Manager at Earthworks, he applies his knowledge in construction industry regulation and water quality management to ensure compliance at various sites across Ohio.

Jonathan is an Ohio native, originally from the Mansfield area. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from The Ohio State University in 2018. While at Ohio State, he focused on soil and water chemistry. Jonathan is also QCIS and OSHA certified.

Jonathan is involved in a lake awareness and monitoring program at his local soil and water conservation district. In his free time he enjoys boating, fishing, waterskiing, and just about anything to get him outdoors.

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