Q2 Newsletter
Message from the board
Andy Kitchen
Find the traffic cone for a hidden surprise!
Board Member Spotlight
It’s April already! What a wonderful time it was connecting with many of you in our annual road shows, and we appreciate the candid and helpful feedback on how we might improve our strategic planning process. As noted in the road shows, we’re working hard to improve some of the foundational business functions that will help make life easier for all of us. Many of you have had or will have some involvement in one or more of these processes, so thank you in advance for contributing. Our first round of cultural team surveys is out, the organizational model for 2026 and job descriptions are well under way, different committees are busy working on mentoring, communication, and project management processes, leadership training, resource planning, quality planning, and much more. And we’re all moving our day-to-day work forward in a very productive way. It’s an exciting time to be a part of Civil Science!
– Andy Kitchen
Board Member Spotlight
Andy Kitchen
What excites you most about the company’s direction in the next few years?
We’re getting more organized, intentional, and energized, and focused on doing things really well with a lot of great people. Super exciting! It’s wonderful working next to so many good people.
If you could give one piece of career advice to employees, what would it be?
This helped me out immensely, so I try to share with anyone I can – follow opportunities, not current expectations, and keep moving. Expectations are sometimes described as premeditated resentment.
If you had to describe yourself using only three words, what would they be?
Hopeful, patient, and helpful (or so my family says).
If you could pick any era in history to live in for a week, which one would it be and why?
Honestly, I think the current era we’re in is pretty cool. Nothing like the present. But if I had to go back in history I’d probably go to 30 AD and observe how Jesus Christ did things. I could probably learn a thing or two.
Welcome!
Idaho Falls, ID
Kevin Koompin- Lab and Field Tech 01/06/25
Zach Hull- Lab and Field Tech 02/10/25
Lehi, UT
Aaron Ellfson-Transportation EIT 01/27/25
Janet Rogers- Accounting Assistant 03/31/25
Salt Lake City, UT
Echo Enix- Visual Designer 02/14/25
Twin Falls, ID
Lani Fling-Office Administrator 03/10/25
St. George, UT
Afton Clay-Executive Assistant 3/27/25
HR Corner
Exciting Launch of the Culture Index Survey!
We’re excited to share that the Culture Index Survey has officially launched! Many of you have already completed the Q1 portion, and we’re looking forward to hearing from those who haven’t yet participated.
Why It Matters
The Culture Index Survey is a vital tool for us to gather your feedback on key aspects of our workplace, such as team collaboration, leadership, and how well our core values are reflected in daily operations. The insights you provide will guide meaningful improvements and ensure we continue creating an environment where everyone feels engaged, valued, and aligned with our vision.
The Goal
Our goal is to continually gather feedback every quarter to track our progress, celebrate what’s working, and identify areas where we can grow. By participating in the survey each quarter, you’re helping us create a more collaborative, supportive, and productive culture.
Thank you for being part of this important effort! We appreciate your time and valuable input.
Why did the civil engineer break up with the arch?
Because it had too many issues with support!
Moving? Don't Forget to Update Your Address!
If you’ve recently moved or are planning to, please send your new address to Autumn to ensure it’s updated in the proper channels. This helps us make sure you receive important mail, such as tax documents and other essential communications. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!
Understanding Qualifying Life Events
Life can bring big changes, and some of these may impact your health insurance coverage. In insurance terms, these are called “Qualifying Life Events.” Events such as changes to your spouse’s insurance, having a baby and switching to a family plan, turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan, or turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare may allow you to make changes to your benefits outside of open enrollment.
Keep in mind that these changes must be made within a specific timeframe—for example, medical insurance updates must be completed within 30 days of the qualifying event.
If you have questions about your coverage or need to make changes, please reach out to JaNae Kotter for more information.
Celebrating Work Anniversaries
Office Spotlight
Dickinson, ND
Mike Njos
Tell us a little about your role and what you do at Civil Science.
As the ND Construction Manager I both support the ND Construction Engineering team and perform Project Engineer duties on NDDOT projects.
What do you enjoy most about working at Civil Science?
The people and their work ethic and the company benefits.
What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’re determined to check off?
Big game hunting in South Africa
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
From my mom: you can always find humor in anything. Don’t take life’s hardships too seriously.
If you could have dinner with any famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Jesus
Simon Boateng
Tell us a little about your role and what you do at Civil Science.
I work in the Williston office of North Dakota as a Construction Inspector/Engineer, providing construction engineering services for NDDOT highway and transportation projects. My main role on construction projects is to ensure compliance with project plans and specifications by conducting inspections, maintaining effective communication and coordination with the Contractor and other project stakeholders, and documenting all relevant project activities.
What do you enjoy most about working at Civil Science?
There are lots of things that consistently give me the enthusiasm to want to be part of this group. My highlight of it is the mutual respect I feel with the people I work with, including all top management representatives I have had the opportunity to meet. You feel this natural culture of respect for people around this company at least with all the people I have had the opportunity to work with here in North Dakota, Utah, and Idaho.
What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’re determined to check off?
One thing on my bucket list that I am determined to check off is watching Manchester United play Liverpool at Old Trafford Stadium.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I believe the best advice I’ve received was the one that encouraged me to get to know Jesus Christ and read the Bible for myself.
If you could have dinner with any famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana. I’ve read about some of the controversial decisions he made that have had a lasting impact on Ghana.