Employee Spotlight – Zach VanOstrand

Getting to know Zach VanOstrand, Project Engineer

Q: How long have you been with the company?
I have been with PE Services a little over a year now. I joined the team in April 2022.

Q: What does your job entail?
As a Project Engineer my main day to day duties are to uphold the construction contract and perform quality inspection and testing for the project. Other duties include working within the project team to answer questions that come up in the field and managing external team members and internal PE Services staff as well.

Q: In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?

1. I recently received my MBA from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. This was something I worked really hard to accomplish, and I see the opportunity to use these skills every day in my projects.
2. Being a successful team member and leader to deliver a quality construction project is very rewarding. Each project I am lucky enough to be a part of; I try to add value to the team.

Q: What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?
It is always a challenge to effectively communicate with all parties about a construction issue and then to implement the correction or issue in a timely manner. I find that trying to predict issues and make sure all parties are involved in advance makes this communication challenge much more effective.

Q: How have you grown professionally while on our team?
I have been put in a position internally and externally to manage staff/team members and help them succeed in their careers. This is both rewarding and can be challenging. I have also experienced numerous unique construction applications that are unique to the projects I am working on; I am grateful for these experiences and working at PE Services.

Q: What’s a passion you have outside of work?
Ever since I got a Traeger last year, I have enjoyed learning how to smoke various meats and it is great to cook for the family.