If you work smart, surround yourself with people that believe in you, and dream big, you can achieve almost anything. At Keller, a leading civil engineering firm, that’s the mindset Jaden brings to his role as a Project Manager in Idaho Falls. Known for stepping up to whatever comes his way, he lifts up the people around him and looks for ways to make life better for our clients. This month, we caught up with him and learned more about the grit and determination that keeps him and the team moving forward.
Tell us a bit about your background and what made Keller the right next step for you.
I worked in construction for a number of years until an injury forced me to change paths. In 2005, I transitioned into sales, but I never lost my passion for construction. So, I continued taking concrete side jobs while working in sales until 2015. At that point, my wife and I decided I could return to school and earn my engineering degree, provided I finished in 2.5 years. I graduated in April 2017 and immediately joined Keller. It felt like the right fit. Keller’s values aligned with mine, and the Idaho Falls office manager believed in me, giving me confidence and room to grow.
How would you describe what you do to someone who’s not in the industry?
There are so many facets to what we do here. When I speak to students, the one item I push more than anything else is, “we write—a lot!” Almost every part of the industry involves writing something, whether it’s grant applications, studies, reports, or specifications. Writing is one of the essential skills in civil engineering. That said, my favorite part of the job is designing new projects. I get to sit down with different communities, talk about their biggest issues, and then work with them to find a way to fix it. This process involves preparing reports and grant applications and then designing a final product that will help a community for years into the future! You can’t beat that!
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I listen to heavy metal/hard rock, and I completed my engineering degree in two years and four months.
Jaden is continually taking care of everything thrown his way. He enhances the abilities of everyone around him and he’s always working to make our clients’ lives better.
–Tyrel Clark, Office Manager/Project Manager in Water/Wastewater
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be and why?
Dependable, resourceful, and honest. If I tell you I’m going to do something, I’ll work hard to make sure it happens. I’m committed to making the most of what I have and turning it into what I need.
What have you been reading, watching, or listening to lately?
I listen to a lot of Personal Development Hour courses online. Learning about new things and new ways to approach a problem is something I really enjoy.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received and how has it guided you?
My father worked for ITD for years. He made sure to tell me that being a PE doesn’t mean you’re always right. A lot of times, the people out working in the field know more about the job than someone behind a desk. Listen to their input.
I strive to get feedback from the staff who will be using the end product as much as I can. This helps confirm that their concerns and knowledge get incorporated into the design.
Do you have a dream destination or a spot you love to visit?
I’d really like to visit Thailand.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Keller?
I get to work on a wide variety of projects, including parks, water tanks, treatment plants, wells, and roadways. I love how there’s always something new to learn. And each project gives me the chance to apply that knowledge to solve problems.
Anything else you’d like people to know?
If you have a dream, go for it! With hard work and the support of people who believe in you and in your decisions, you’ll succeed.
Look out for more employee spotlights coming soon. In the meantime, see what Keller’s all about—explore our culture and values.
Ready for your next chapter? Check out our career page.