At Keller, we believe that when people feel supported and empowered, they do their best—both professionally and personally. Our employees thrive because we provide flexibility, meaningful projects, and a culture that values real connection, growth, and well-being. From work-life balance and career development to working remotely and personal fulfillment, Keller is a civil engineering firm where people can make a real impact while bringing their authentic self to work.
PAM VILLARREAL, PE: FLEXIBILITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Pam’s journey with Keller shows how flexibility empowers employees to thrive both at work and at home. After stepping away from civil engineering for eight years to raise her family, Pam returned to the workforce in a new city and new field.
She notes that our engineering firm’s hybrid and flexible work model has been critical for balancing her professional and family priorities.
“My kids have a range of special needs that make a rigid 8 AM to 5 PM schedule very challenging, so this [flexible schedule] has made all the difference in being able to continue in this field,” she said.
Pam adapts her schedule to fit her family life, working early mornings, stepping away for school pick-ups, and finishing tasks at home later in the day. She also appreciates Keller’s supportive leadership.
“Having been surrounded by supportive project managers, supervisors, and colleagues from the get-go… they trusted me to manage my own schedule, knowing that whether I was seated at home or at the office, I would be just as committed to working hard and tending to my projects.”
PAM VILLARREAL, PE
Beyond flexibility, Pam appreciates Keller’s community-focused initiatives, like the Day of Service, which allow employees to make an impact on their communities outside the office.
“How special it is to have a company say, we know how busy you are, but it is just as important to pause what you are doing and give back to our communities.”
JACKIE KITTREDGE, EI: BALANCE AND CONNECTION
Jackie values the ways Keller supports work-life balance while fostering a positive culture. She leverages work-from-home options and flexible schedules to manage personal appointments and maximize her most productive hours.
Keller’s approach to balance allows employees to step away when needed without guilt.
“I utilize the flexible schedule frequently if I need to take a longer lunch to go to a personal appointment and make that time up the next day or later in the evening… which allows me to be fully present and attentive while I am at work,” she said.
“Balance to me is not only having a definitive line between working only at the office and not at home, but also the ability to use PTO to get away from work and not feeling guilty or anxious about things getting done while being away.”
Jackie also appreciates Keller’s culture-focused programs and employee networks, including the Women’s Forum, Sustainability Committee, and Momentum Challenge.
“It’s always nice getting insight into people’s lives outside of work,” Jackie said. “It allows you to connect more with your coworkers on a personal level, which in my experience, has helped with collaboration.”
JACKIE KiTTREDGE, EI
She also values being able to bring her authentic self to work.
“We have so many people at Keller with different personalities and strengths,” she said. “I feel like Keller promotes an environment where I feel comfortable being authentic because the culture values trust, respect, and communication to keep the workplace lighthearted.”
GENTRY JESSON, PE: THRIVING THROUGH SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY
Gentry appreciates how Keller’s flexible environment supports both work and personal fulfillment. He shares a unique example of balancing work while traveling.
“Every year, my wife and I join her family in Bogus Basin above Boise to celebrate New Years. In order to make sure I don’t miss anything important, I’ve been able to work from the Boise office, and also from the mountain during downtime to help keep myself on top of my work,” Gentry said.
Keller also invests in building connections across teams and offices. Gentry has participated in initiatives like the New Engineers and Surveyors Summit and the Keller Office Olympics.
“It’s important to meet and create relationships with people from other offices so when you have a unique problem and need to reach out to someone you know with unique knowledge, it is more like catching up with an old friend rather than cold calling a stranger.”
He also emphasizes the company’s commitment to supporting employees’ whole selves.
“It was made very clear to me when I was hired that Keller looks very closely at the person behind the engineer… knowing I am accepted and appreciated for being exactly who I am while at work has been incredibly beneficial to how I feel coming to work every day.”
GENTRY JESSON, PE
“Keller values your long-term growth because they care about your long-term mental, emotional, and physical health,” he explained. “Every opportunity you want to pursue will be supported, encouraged, and celebrated.”
Are you ready to join a team where your contributions matter, your growth is supported, and your well-being is valued? At Keller, we invest in our employees so they can succeed at work, in their communities, and in their lives.
Explore our current opportunities and see how you can thrive with us: Join Our Team here.