PCI Newsletter - Q2-2023

IN THE HEADLINES:

Texas A&M University Addresses Engineer Shortage in Texas

Inside this issue

By Alex Marquez Technical Writer

In two separate initiatives, the Texas A&M University system is partnering with Tyler Junior College and South Texas College to help students start their engineering education in a more affordable and convenient way. This effort is to address statewide engineering shortages, where

projected need is 51,000 engineers by 2028. Through partnership with Tyler Junior College, students can attend the A&M Engineering Academy on campus and be dual-enrolled to complete both core courses and engineering courses.

A similar Engineering Academy can also be found within South Texas College, where students can be automatically admitted into the A&M Engineering program once they’ve completed two years of qualifying coursework.

Check out the latest updates on our office move! See previous newsletter for initial details.

Page 10.

PCI Happenings

Check out photo submissions from our Q1 Surveying Photo Contest, the PCI Employee Appreciation BBQ, and more! Page 19.

Kudos from Kari

Kari gives kudos to members of the Environmental and PI team for their efforts and support on several projects! Page 4.

LETTER FROM THE CEO

As of May 2023, the Biden Administration has released $15 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to the State of Texas. Since then, approximately $12.6 billion has been allocated for transportation improvement projects. And while we, at PCI, are looking forward to the opportunities this funding can present, we still find ourselves in the midst of a labor shortage for licensed engineers. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a need for “approximately 25,000 new civil engineers each year throughout this decade.” That estimate, however, is based on the need to replace the workforce, as engineers either retire or change industry, and does not consider the increase in demand following the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.

The reality is that multiple factors play a role in this labor shortage, none of which are unique to PCI. Ultimately, we are facing a major demographic shift with those of the “baby boomer” generation retiring, and subsequent generations are not earning enough degrees in the AEC fields. Additionally, the AEC industry has not collectively done enough to entice prospective students to enter this field. This issue was in the making years ago and has since been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic, resulting in an increasing number of experienced engineers choosing to retire (sometimes earlier than planned).

HOW PCI IS COMBATING THE LABOR SHORTAGE

Providing 100% paid medical insurance for employees

Better workplace environment or more attractive workspaces

Offering a hybrid workspace

Sponsoring ACE Programs for high school internships

PCI, however, is taking steps to counter this shortage by providing 100% paid medical insurance for employees, utilizing college interns as a way to tap into the employee supply while providing value field experience, supporting the ACE Mentor Program by sponsoring high school students through mentorships, partnering with local colleges to establish a channel through which to obtain potential candidates, and providing an improved in-office workspace with hybrid options. We have been successful in hiring 9 new employees this year. As we weather this storm, know that this is a great opportunity for one to learn quickly and develop your knowledge and expertise in our industry. We continue to appreciate your dedication and hard work to maintain the attention and quality of work PCI has always provided to our clients. We ask that you continue to reach out to your network for qualified candidates and encourage them to apply. Remember that at PCI, we have an Employee Referral Program that awards this initiative. Details on page 31.

And more!

April

Elizabeth Story — Apr. 16

Kari Sutton — Apr. 17

May

Ignacio Izaguirre — May 4

Rory Mackrell — May 5

Greg Delgado — May 25

June

Cristian Guajardo — Jun. 15

Carlos Camarillo — Jun. 21

Jackie Lopez — Jun. 22

Beto Camarillo, Sr. — Jun. 28

Camilo Camarillo — Jun. 30

Years of service

*Years of Service are calculated as a cumulative total.

April

Hugo Tzintzun-Flores — 5 years

Kari Sutton — 5 years

Lianna Ybarra — 3 years

Greg Delgado — 2 years

May

Mike Morales — 39 years

Richard Rivas — 24 years

Jeff Suarez — 19 years

Mario Arredondo — 9 years

Kailey Butler — 5 years

Nacho Izaguirre — 3 years

Elizabeth Story — 1 year

Jake Fite — 1 year

John Mendoza — 1 year

June

Victor Talamantez — 32 years

Carlos Camarillo — 14 years

Rainey Martin — 6 years

Aldo Reyna — 2 years

Claudia González-Liendo — 1 year

Kudos from kari

By Kari Anne Sutton Sr. Env. Specialist

Kari Sutton would like to give a big shout out to her teammates. Jackie Lopez jumped in and helped put together MailChimp invitations with SurveyMonkey registrations for the Southeast Texas Truck Parking Stakeholder Workshops. Over 2,000 Invitations were sent via email. Jackie managed registrations daily and provided updates!

Josie Berger and Robert “Rob” Elizondo also made phone calls to help boost registrations.

Lianna Ybarra is supporting the workshops as another set of ears and eyes during the

3-day, 12 virtual workshops marathon the week of June 13-15, and Jackie and Warren Brown were on standby to support for backup. Due to Kari not being able to be in two places at the same time, William Long, Rob, and Josie are caravanning to Laredo to setup, support, and manage the Hachar-Reuthinger Road virtual public hearing with an in-person option on June 15. The presentation video voiceovers were performed by none other than Elizabeth Story and Hugo Tzintzun, who always receive

client kudos! This effort has also been supported by Jackie, Kailey Butler, Josie, Lianna and Lena Camarillo for adjacent landowner mapping and notice mailouts, online comment forms, exhibit board creation, QAQC, etc. Our entire team makes all of these projects run smoothly and keeps the clients on schedule. And of course, Warren keeps the invoices going out the door on time. A sincere thank you is extended from Kari to all who support these projects.

Have some kudos to give to a colleague?

Tech Corner

We have updated our website! Have you seen the changes?

The Marketing team and leadership worked hard throughout the end of 2022 to 2023 to migrate our company website to a new host. These changes came with an opportunity to revamp the website with a new look! Marketing specialist, Rebecca Chavez, collaborated extensively with the website support team and applied her amazing graphic design skills to reflect PCI’s services, personnel, and community work! Be sure to check it out at pozcam.com.

Don’t wait for the quarterly PCI Newsletter to be updated on current events. Be sure to join our 300+ followers on LinkedIn and Facebook for the most recent updates!

firm wins

AWARD Role: Sub to Parsons

TxDOT (DAL) - PS&E Statewide Contract

Civil Engineering

Public Involvement 02 01

AWARD Role: Sub to K. Friese

03

05 04

06

AWARD Role: Sub to ACE

AWARD Role: Sub to Halff

AWARD Role: Sub to AZB

AWARD

Role: Sub to K. Friese

City of New Braunfels - Multimodal Transportation Planning Contract

TxDOT (WAC/BRY) - Utility Engineering Projects

Bexar County - Rodriguez Co. Park Recreational Sports Fields and Facility Improvements

Civil Engineering Surveying

Civil Engineering

TxDOT (DAL) - Surveying Services Surveying

Public Involvement

City of Seguin - Professional Services for the Update to the City’s Master Thoroughfare Plan

New to PCI

ROBERT BERNAL

SURVEY RODMAN

Robert joined PCI’s Surveying Department as a Survey Rodman. Robert is a San Antonio native, graduating from Holy Cross in 1975. He comes to PCI from Landpoint, a surveying company based out of Louisiana. When he’s not out in the field doing survey work, he can be found weightlifting, wrestling, or practicing judo. As many on the survey crews have already discovered, Robert has proven to be an easy person to get along with. We’re happy to have you, Robert!

rbernal@pozcam.com

SALATHIEL “SAL” RAMOS

SURVEY TECHNICIAN

Salathiel joined PCI’s Surveying Department as a Survey Technician. Salathiel is new to San Antonio, having come from Sonora, Mexico. He’s a graduate of the University of Sonora with a Bachelor’s in the Geosciences. He brings 20 years of experience to the Surveying Department, including experience as a certified Trimble Business Center (TBC) trainer. In his downtime, he enjoys watching movies and visiting local parks.

sramos@pozcam.com

TOMAS CORONADO

PROJECT ENGINEER

Tomas joined PCI’s Engineering Department as a Project Engineer. He brings over 14 years of experience in civil/ structural engineering and construction management. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University where he attained his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife, Isabel, and their two children.

tcoronado@pozcam.com

RORY MACKRELL

Rory is joining PCI’s Surveying Department as its summer Survey Intern. Rory is a Boerne-native currently attending the University of Texas at San Antonio as a Civil Engineering major. His internship will include work in the field and at the office where he hopes to gain valuable experience. In his free time, Rory is an avid reader (including McCarthy’s Blood Meridian), a PC/Switch gamer (including Elden Ring and LoZ: Tears of the Kingdom), and a novice brewer of ciders and meads.

rmackrell@pozcam.com

BENJAMIN “BEN” WHITE ENGINEERING INTERN

Ben joined PCI’s Civil Engineering Department as its summer Engineering Intern. He is currently a student at Texas A&M University in College Station and his planning to finish his bachelor’s in Civil Engineering in December of 2024. In addition to rooting for the Aggies during college football, Ben also enjoys working out, travelling, playing basketball and sleeping in his free time.

bwhite@pozcam.com

CAROLINA GARCIA ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

Carolina is returning to PCI to join the Environmental Department as its newest Environmental Specialist. Carolina previously interned for the Environmental and Public Involvement Departments. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and an active member of A&M’s National Association of Environmental Professionals. In her downtime, she enjoys kayaking and listening to music.

cgarcia@pozcam.com

Joanna joined PCI’s Engineering Department as an Engineer-in-Training. She is currently a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she is completing work on her Masters in Civil Engineering. She joins PCI after recently completing an internship with San Antonio Water System (SAWS). She is of Middle-Eastern descent and is fluent in both English and Arabic! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son and exploring interior design.

jibrahim@pozcam.com

JOANNA IBRAHIM ENGINEER-IN-TRAINING

We’re moving! (updates)

PCI will be relocating its San Antonio Headquarters to the Corporate Square business complex across from Loop 410, located at 4801 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78229. Our move date is a continual moving target, but is tentatively scheduled for late-August. We will provide a more precise date as construction progresses. Initial details can be found in our previous newsletter issue.

On Wednesday, June 29th, Marilu and Alex took a trip to the construction site to see the progress and the location amenities! While there was plenty of dust and construction material, the potential of the open space was palpable. The natural lighting and well-kept landscaping was a refreshing sight. As seen in the photo to the right, there is an open area upstairs that houses offices belonging to University Health and a spacious, quiet lounge area with laptop tables.

Front Entrance

current construction progress

Open Office Area

Marilu’s Reception Desk

After talking to some of the employees in the nearby offices, we learned a few things about the Corporate Square site.

The parking area is shared by the Concord College building next door, so parking will fill up around the 8am time frame.

Additionally, there are plenty of food options in the area, including a new Mambo Seafood location currently under construction right next door (where the Joe’s Crab Shack used to be).

Employees also recommend the on-site cafe, now named Herb & Pickle, where patrons can find a decent lunch for around $12. They do close at 3pm on Monday through Thursdays, and at 2pm on Fridays.

We’re moving! [cont’d]

Location photos

Herb & Pickle

Herb & Pickle

Adjacent Covered Walkway

We’re moving! [cont’d]

Bathroom Stalls

Loading Dock

Outdoor Break Area

Sinks

We’re moving! [cont’d]

Parking

Approx. Office Location Leveled Parking ($)

As previously mentioned, open lot parking is available to everyone on a first-come-first-serve basis. Due to the presence of Concord College to the left of the image above, parking fills up with students around 8am.

The parking spots closes to the building, not marked as handicap, are visitor parking spots. The parking area marked with a yellow circle is gated, leveled parking, and requires a fee. At this time, only our PCI trucks will be parked in this area.

The area circled in red is approximately where our office will be located, on the first floor.

Preliminary details on the move

Our tentative move date is scheduled for Saturday, August 26th. This date is subject to change, however, depending on construction progress.

Packing

When we get closer to our move date (approximately a week prior), employees will be given industrial crates (such as those pictured to the left), to box up their content. Employees will be responsible for boxing up and labeling their own office materials (not including monitors or other electronic equipment that is specific to that station). Employees are encouraged to move any items that are fragile or that they do not want the movers to move. Employees at desks will be provided with three (3) crates each, and those with office will be given four (4). You can request additional crates, if needed. Survey crews will be responsible for moving all survey instruments. Items in the storage rooms will be provided with extra large boxes on casters for packing.

Moving Day

On Saturday, August 26th, the movers will move all crates and some limited furniture to the new office location. Employees will work remotely from Monday, August 28th to Thursday, August 31st. Employees can go to the office to unpack their crates during this time, however.

We will be cleared to occupy the office on Friday, September 1st. On that day, all crates will need to be already emptied, as the moving company will return to reclaim them. Movers will be responsible for decommissioning all old furniture/cubicles from the old office, and will clear out remaining furniture by September 8th.

Plans to auction off eligible furniture will be forthcoming.

Employees should plan for these move dates and take necessary steps, so they have access to equipment, instruments, and supplies for any immediate project needs.

Leadership will keep employees posted if move dates change again. Any questions or concerns around the move can be directed to Beto.

Office layout

Break Room

Conference Room

Open Offices

Huddle Room

Collab Area

Employee Spotlight

To ensure that PCI had adequate support for several new TxDOT pre-certifications, Fernando completed and submitted a hefty application and won the following pre-certs!

• 4.5.1 - Constructability Review

• 4.6.1 - 3D Visualization & Animation

• 9.3.1 - Pedestrian Facility Design

• 9.3.2 - Accessibility Design

• 9.4.1 - Bikeway Design

• 11.7.1 - Construction Scheduling SupportRelating to Schedule of Roadway Design

Congrats, Fernando!

Igancio Izaguirre Promoted from EIT 1 to EIT 2!

Jackie Lopez Promoted from Senior Env. Specialist to VP of Env.!

Hugo Tzintzun-Flores, PhD Promoted from EIT 1 to EIT 2!

PCI Happenings 1st

For the first quarter of 2023, PCI held its first Photo Contest within the Surveying Department, where field photos could be submitted for a chance to win a 1st and 2nd place prize. Our survey crewman took some amazing photos while out in the field throughout Texas! Check out some of their submissions below. *Photos have not been altered by the editor.

Jeff Suarez

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Richard Rivas

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Jeff Suarez

Richard Rivas

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Richard Rivas

Mario Arredondo

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Congratulations to Environmental Specialist, Kailey Butler! At the beginning of June, Kailey was engaged to boyfriend, Gavin, while visiting London! Wishing you and Gavin the best, Kailey!

Richard Rivas

Mario Arredondo

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Some members of the Operations Department were able to step away from the office as a team and have lunch together. Pictured around the table, left to right: Melany, Beto, Jake, Fernando, Alex, Tere, Marilu, and Rebecca. Photo courtesy: Rebecca Chavez.

Survey Technician, Sal Ramos, conducting a Trimble demontration for intern, Rory Mackrell.

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Auntie Kari visited Lynden, WA for Grace and Jerry’s wedding. Grace is an unofficially “adopted” niece. Kari’s visit included a dream day trip to a cut flower farm with the mother of the bride and friend and she helped put together table bouquets.

On June 23rd, Marilu and Tere celebrated 40 years of friendship with several amazing women, some of whom include former PCI employees. Can you spot them?

PCI Happenings (con’td)

On May 12th, PCI received a very special visit from one of its founders and namesakes, Andy Poznecki. Andy had the opportunity to reunite with some PCI veterans and meet with some new talent!

PCI Happenings (con’td)

In an epic spring tour across the state of Texas, our Environmental/Public Involvement team supported 25 in-person meetings for Connecting Texas 2050, TxDOT’s latest update to the statewide long-range transportation plan. The team met with over a hundred transportation agency partners and members of the public, receiving the feedback that folks want improvements to their quality of life, safety, and alternative transportation modes. Highlights of travel include seeing the Big Thicket, the World’s Littlest Skyscraper, the Eiffel Tower (of Paris, Texas), Fort Stockton, Davis Mountain Range, the Texas/Mexico Border, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, standstill congestion in Houston, and miles and miles and miles of Texas.

PCI Happenings (con’td)

On June 1st, PCI took their employee appreciation BBQ to the oak tree, with some amazing fajitas and refreshing beverages! It was a great opportunity for PCI’s departments to share their travel stories with each other and have one last get-together beneath the old oak.

PCI Happenings (con’td)

PCI Happenings (con’td)

Congrats to Sofie Camarillo, Beto’s oldest daughter, for her recent graduation from the University of Miami with her Masters in Mental Health Counseling!

Career opportunities

PCI is currently looking for hard working individuals to fill several positions. If you know of any qualified candidates, please have them apply on our website and notify Beto to anticipate their resume. Below are the current open positions:

• Civil Engineer — Drainage

• Civil Engineer — Roadway/Highway Design

• CAD Technician

To view detailed job descriptions on the PCI website, go to pozcam.com/jobs

Employee referral

As mentioned in our Letters from the CEO, we are taking measures to help fill current vacancies through mentorship, internships, and outreach to local universities for qualified candidates. Another measure PCI has implemented is our Employee Referral Program, an extended benefit to current PCI employees.

Through this program, a current employee can receive a $1000 referral bonus if they refer a qualifying candidate who is subsequently hired and successfully completes one year of employement. This referral bonus would only apply to positions that are currently identifed as a vacancy on our website (see pozcam.com/jobs).

In addition to the monetary incentive to our employees, our Employee Referral Program also ensures:

• Improvements to our quality of hires.

• Increase in new employee retention.

• Improvement to employee moral.

• Improving the company cultural fit of new hires, thereby reducing turnover. Any questions on this program, or other recruitment efforts, can be directed to Beto.