EPWater's 2018 Engineer Spotlight Ivan Henandez

Ivan Hernandez Utility Engineer Ivan loves the construction site. At a young age, Ivan spent time on job sites with his family, and being there has become a passion that has lasted a lifetime. “My dad would take me out to subdivisions and I would see a flat piece of land turn into streets and houses. That’s what got me interested in engineering and construction,” Ivan said. Today, Ivan is a Utility Engineer at El Paso Water and works on Capital Improvement Projects. Ivan manages projects that will improve existing water, wastewater, and stormwater systems as well as expansion projects that will extend services to our growing city. Although his work often requires a big-picture perspective, he must remain detailed enough to manage the finer aspects that can trigger a massive project change. “I love what I do, and as far as challenges go, I look forward to them. It makes the day go faster, and I like the sense of reward when completing challenging projects,” Ivan notes. As busy as his days become, Ivan still loves the construction phase and makes time to visit his sites for a first-hand look at the work in-progress. “I prefer to hold bi-weekly meetings at the site rather than in the office. Being able to see what I helped design is what I enjoy the most.” Ivan received a bachelor’s degree from UTEP in Civil Engineering and has plans to return for a master’s degree. To future engineers, he says, “If you like a challenge and enjoy designing the imagined, then become an engineer. It takes your creativity and makes it a reality.”