Jun (Jay) Yang

Jun is a Civil Engineer who specializes in water resources projects with an impressive depth of knowledge in his field. The importance of water resources was something that Jun has always recognized coming from Wuwei in Gansu, China, near dry desert and mountains. His adventureful life has ironically taken him from his home where surface water is not abundant, to a career specializing in flood control projects!

Outside of HEI, Jun is the president of United Chinese Americans Fargo-Moorhead (UCAFM), a non-profit organization that aims to promote fellowship and friendship among Chinese Americans, increase public awareness and understanding of the Chinese arts and culture, and help Chinese Americans integrate into the Fargo-Moorhead community. At the end of a busy day, Jun gets to return home to his wife, Yaping Chi, daughter, Evelyn (11), and son, Leo (8).

Q&A

Describe your involvement with the F-M Area Diversion Project. I have been working almost full time on the project for nearly ten years. I witnessed a big portion of the project's history, complexity, magnitude, and evolution. I am excited about the benefits that the project will provide to the Fargo-Moorhead area in all aspects, such as economic, education, health, culture, etc. Our team has been working long hours and extra hard for certain critical phases and tasks. The tasks were overwhelming and frustrating at times, but overall very exciting, challenging, and very rewarding to work on. I am very lucky that I was able to get involved in this fantastic project.

Fun Facts

Top destination on his bucket list — Alaska for the sightseeing and fishing.

Favorite hobbies —

Fishing, basketball, soccer, biking, skiing, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Most memorable vacation — Antelope Canyon and Zion National Park. Nature is so amazing.

Describe what you like about your job/role and being part of our team. I am very excited that I am able to provide technical solutions and suggestions to our clients. HEI has provided great benefits and a great work environment here, just like a big family. I am very happy with how close I am with my co-workers, project managers, and leaders. We have some very talented and cool people to work with.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love both summer fishing and winter ice fishing. The biggest walleye I caught was 30 inches and the biggest sturgeon that I caught was about 75 lbs (half of my weight), almost my height, and almost my age, 38 (numbers were estimated based on a chart from Google).

What professional advice would you like to pass along to others?

Always be honest, work hard, and develop effective communications.

What made you interested in working here?

My graduate school friend, Dan Bogart, recommended HEI to me because of the great people and great work we do.

What fuels your passion for your career?

I enjoy challenges, work, accomplishing goals as a team, solving clients’ problems, bringing our values to clients and companies, and staying connected with people.