David in 100 Words or Less
Just your typical bugs and bunny guy. I like to get my hands dirty with soil samples and enjoy long walks through wetlands. When I’m not in the field, you can find me at the computer writing permits and technical reports. I have been at ms for four years as an Environmental Planner after graduating from Slippery Rock University. In my free time, I enjoy visiting State and National Parks, hiking, and snowboarding.
The Speed Round
What was your first job?
I worked at a Blue Mountain Resort as a ski and snowboard instructor in the winter and a rock climbing belayer in the summer.
What is one item on your bucket list?
To visit all 62 National Parks within the United States.
Best concert you’ve been to?
Dead & Company
Read a good book or watch a good movie?
Watch a good movie with my wife and dogs because we can share the experience.
Biggest pet peeve?
Slow walkers – I am from Allentown, Pennsylvania, an area in between New York City and Philadelphia. It is a faster pace of life out there, and I’m still adjusting to Pittsburgh.
If you had an extra hour of time in each day, how would you use it?
In the winter, I would snowboard and in the summer, I would ride my skateboard or go hiking.
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Plant Identification – I already have a pretty good grasp since plant identification is a big part of my job, but sometimes I need to bring out the microscope back at the office.
Listener or talker?
Listener
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child I always wanted to be a Park Ranger when I grew up because I love the outdoors and protecting the environment.
Last thing you read?
PennDOT PUB 281 – Waste Site Evaluation Procedures Handbook
Can you play any musical instruments?
I play the guitar, bass guitar, and trombone, but I’d like to get better at the guitar.
Night owl or early bird?
Early bird, as long as I can have a coffee.
Tell Us More
What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned while working at ms?
How extensive and detailed technical reporting can be. My department has completed technical reports over 1,800 pages long.
What sets ms apart from other engineering & architecture firms?
As a family-oriented company, there is a real sense of community at ms consultants. Fellow coworkers will support you in times of need and celebrate with you in times of joy.
What project are you most proud to have been a part of, and why?
The Lordstown Homegoods Distribution Center project for TJX Companies Inc.
This project was very important to for two reasons.
- This job resulted in stream restoration and improvements, planting plans, wetland mitigation, and preservation of forested buffers for wildlife.
- The 1.2-million-square foot trucking distribution center provided 1,000 Jobs in Lordstown, Ohio.
You’ve got one day in Pittsburgh. What do you do?
I would visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens with my wife and then go out to eat for Thai food downtown.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love the outdoors, so any excuse I can make to be outside – taking my dogs on a hike, fishing, snowboarding, kayaking etc.
Any final words?
Life is too short to be stressed; take time to find joy and appreciation in all the beauty that surrounds us.