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Hometown flooding experience inspires career aspirations

July 26, 2024
Hometown flooding experience inspires career aspirations As a water resources intern, Quinn Ackerman has worked on several projects, including dam removals, hydrologic studies, flood protection, and erosion control management. Here, he works on soil borings for the Mouse River enhanced flood protection project in Minot, North Dakota.

Through Barr’s internship program, students are given the opportunity to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom to real-life engineering and environmental projects. This year, our 24 interns and co-op students can be found in eight of our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Quinn Ackerman is a water resources intern in our Bismarck, North Dakota, office. Here, we chat with Quinn about how his firsthand experience with flooding near his hometown influenced his career aspirations and what he’s enjoyed most as an intern at Barr.

Where are you studying and what are some of your academic interests? 

I am studying civil engineering, with an interest in water resources, at the University of Mary in Bismarck.

What initially drew you to this field? 

“I believe that engineering is a never-ending learning career. Coming into work every day with a learning mindset really interests me.”

My uncle is an engineer in Minot, North Dakota, and he works mainly on the flood protection project. Just hearing him talk about the work he does began to interest me in the field.

Also, I believe that engineering is a never-ending learning career. Coming into work every day with a learning mindset really interests me.

What types of projects have you been involved with at Barr so far? 

I have worked on several projects, including dam removals, hydrologic studies, flood protection projects, and erosion control management.

What does the average workday look like for you? 

It really depends on the day. On field days, I have done soil borings, sediment sampling, site investigations, and wetland delineations. When I am in the office, I work on a variety of tasks. For example, I’ve written and reviewed reports for wetland delineations, drafted client memos containing sediment sampling results, determined containment pond capacity, and conducted site visits.

What is the coolest project that you have worked on so far? 

The coolest project I’ve worked on has been the Mouse River enhanced flood protection project. This project was initiated by the Souris River Joint Board in 2011 and provides flood protection measures to urban and rural residents throughout the Mouse River/Souris River Basin in North Dakota. Being from Bismarck, I remember this flood extremely well, as most of my family lives in Minot. I was able to see the damage firsthand. Having the opportunity to help on this project has been a great learning experience and extremely rewarding.

What has been your favorite part about working at Barr? 

“The flexibility Barr gives you if you are efficient and producing high-quality work is very rewarding.”

I’ve enjoyed being able to manage my own workload. If you want to work on one thing at a time, you can. If you want to do five things at once, you can. The flexibility Barr gives you if you are efficient and producing high-quality work is very rewarding.

Another thing I appreciate is the number of different opportunities within Barr. This is a place where people who want to learn as they work are really given the opportunity.

How has this internship helped you step out of your comfort zone? 

During my second week here, after I had finished my trainings, a colleague came up to me with a task. He set it on my desk and said, “Have you ever done a watershed delineation before?” I replied with an honest “I haven’t even heard of that.”

He then proceeded to show me how to do a watershed delineation, and brought to my attention that this was a learning experience and I was not expected to know everything. From then on, I was comfortable taking on tasks that were outside of my comfort zone. I know if I get stuck or confused my colleagues are more than happy to help.

What would you say to someone considering an internship at Barr? 

“This has, by far, been the best work experience that I have had. It doesn’t even feel like I am coming to work.”

Absolutely do it. This has, by far, been the best work experience that I have had. It doesn’t even feel like I am coming to work.

The number of different things that you can do at Barr is amazing. If you are interested in one thing, you can network throughout the company and find work in that area. If you haven’t discovered what you’re interested in yet, you can get plugged into several different projects and find your interests.

What do you like to do with your free time? 

I really enjoy the outdoors. Hunting and fishing are my favorite. If I ever have any free time, you will see me outside, whether it is taking my dogs for a walk or going out on the river.

Interested in becoming an intern at Barr? Learn more.

About Evie Zick

Evie Zick is currently a fourth-year student studying communications and multimedia at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. As a corporate communications intern at Barr, she is gaining hands-on experience in internal and external content creation, social media, and graphic design. Her passions include writing, visual arts and design, environmental conservation, and solution-based storytelling.    

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1. Quinn loves spending his free time outdoors. Here, he shows off his catch on Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota.

2. Quinn travels to Canada and fishes on Reindeer Lake in northern Saskatchewan.

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Barr Culture Career Water Resources flood management Internship

 

Evie Zick, Corporate Communications Intern
Evie Zick
Corporate Communications Intern
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