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Interview with Jennifer J. Walker, P.E., CFM, D.WRE

August 2009

Jennifer J. Walker, P.E., D.WRE, CFM, President and Founder of Watearth, Inc. is one of the first 500 engineers to receive the Diplomate, Water Resources Engineer certification (D.WRE) from the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers. She is a Certified Flood Plain Manager and a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states.

Ms. Walker is a nationally-recognized leader in stormwater management, large-scale and regional detention solutions, green infrastructure, and Low Impact Development (LID) and has been involved with projects across the nation. Walker's expertise also includes hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, drainage master plans, stormwater quality BMPs, stormwater modeling, geomorphology and sediment transport, as well as green infrastructure solutions for stormwater treatment. Walker's stormwater/water management experience includes transportation, residential, commercial, and large-scale public projects.

Jennifer has authored and presented numerous hydrologic and hydraulic papers at statewide, nationwide, and international conferences. She regularly teaches multi-day seminars nationwide and is a sought-after speaker and trainer. Walker has trained thousands in storm water management and green infrastructure topics and is skilled in providing practical training on complex technical topics. She also provides instruction to the general public in LID topics through nonprofit organizations.

Ms. Walker is a certified Permaculturist with a decade of hands-on construction and maintenance experience with LID for small-scale residential applications. She has hands-on experience with a multitude of LID micro-concepts, such as: harvesting rainwater, constructing bioretention/rain gardens, altering time of concentrations, amending soil, disconnecting impervious cover, removing impervious cover, and recycling gray water.

Ms. Walker has been a Diplomate since September 2008 and she answered some questions we had for her recently in an online interview:

Please share with us on where you grew up. What was it like for you growing up there?

JW: I grew up in Clay Center, Kansas. It is a little dot on the map which afforded me the small town benefit of periodically "skipping school" to accompany my father on early morning milk deliveries. When I was a kid, I loved things related to stormwater. I constantly played in the ditches after it rained and also figured out how to solve our basement flooding by building a swale.

How early on did you know that you wanted to study civil engineering? What were the key factors in your decision to be a civil engineer?

JW: Initially, I planned to study environmental science as I was interested in water, biological sciences, and the environment. At the time though, my mother who is now a college level Biology instructor introduced me to a friend who was pursuing Civil Engineering and helped steer me in that direction.

I know that you have been an instructor and presenter of various continuing education seminars with ASCE and other professional associations and chapters. How did you first get involved with instructing?

JW: While I had presented technical papers early-on in my career, I first began instructing the general public after receiving Permaculture certification. Permaculture originated in Australia as an approach to sustainable development, redevelopment, and rehabilitation of impaired systems. I was invited to serve as a future instructor and was eager to combine my Permaculture training with my background in traditional water resources engineering.

We understand that you are a seasoned professional speaker and presenter also. What is it that you enjoy the most, being up in front of a live audience to instruct and present?

JW: It is rewarding to meet people from all over who bring great ideas and perspectives from their specific region.

What are some of your favorite subject area(s) that you like to present? And which do you find most challenging and fun?

JW: I always enjoy presenting on detention, hydrology, and sustainable stormwater topics. It can be challenging to present to a different type or size of audience, although changing up the venue, topic, and adding regional specific hands on activities keeps it fresh and exciting. I'm planning a seminar that will include hands-on rain garden construction in 2010 and an upcoming class that includes hands-on cistern installation for an urban market gardening business.

Do you have any thoughts or aspirations to go into full-time teaching in the future?

JW: Probably not. I really want to keep my "hands wet" with technical projects.

You are one of the founding Diplomates of AAWRE- what were the main influencing factors in your decision to pursue the D.WRE?

JW: When I first learned of the D.WRE program, I felt that it would be a distinct honor to be part of the program and to be recognized as a leader in the field of water resources. It also seemed that the credentials may offer additional professional avenues.

What types of services or initiatives would you like to see AAWRE pursue?

JW: Keep up the good work! Looking to the future, coping with climate change in our water resources projects seems like a critical topic.

We know that you just started your own engineering consulting firm, Watearth. Can you tell us more about Watearth and your vision for it?

JW: Watearth, Inc. provides engineering and training in the areas of sustainable stormwater/water management, hydrology and hydraulics, and other related water resources fields.

How long was the process for you to get this up and running? And any crazy hurdles or roadblocks to overcome?

JW: Years ago, my primary goal was to become an owner at an established engineering company. As my career advanced and I pursued additional business and investment training, the idea of starting the company from scratch became more and more appealing. Starting in a recession was pretty crazy for sure!

What would be your advice to a professional engineer out there, that is looking to start their own engineering consulting firm?

JW: Take your time, be patient, and be prepared to wear multiple hats. Obviously, the technical is important. However, it's been helpful for me to build my base of business knowledge over the years. I highly recommend surrounding yourself with mentors who are more experienced in various aspects of running a business. Consider personality types different than yourself to expand your vision and horizon. Stuart Walesh has authored a couple of books helpful for consulting engineers and many other resources exist as well.

We understand that you have been actively involved in serving on Non-profit committees, such as for the Bayou Preservation Association, the Land-Water Sustainability Forum, and Urban Harvest. Are you still actively involved and participating with them and any new initiatives? Would you be interested in serving on a future AAWRE committee?

JW: My involvement with Urban Harvest has been a long-term, enriching volunteer experience and a wonderful opportunity to work with the general public on topics related to water and sustainability. I currently serve on the steering committee with The Land-Water Sustainability Forum and we are sponsoring a Low Impact Development Design Competition this fall. I would be pleased to serve on a future AAWRE committee.

We understand that you worked on some 'green stormwater' projects this summer. Can you tell us more about it?

JW: We've been working on several sustainable stormwater projects over the past few months, including: residential, school, commercial, and demonstration projects with multiple LID micro-features. Several projects have featured engineered rainwater collection systems. One challenging residential project is located in New Mexico with multiple site challenges related to poor soils, highly eroded arroyos, cold-weather/snow issues, and the desire for low-maintenance items. This is a wonderful example of how LID can be applied and customized for various regions.

I've been presenting our Advanced Low Impact Design for Sustainable Stormwater Management seminar, which is a two-day Watearth sponsored seminar, at various locations around the country. I've also presented a number of webinars through ASCE on sustainable stormwater topics and have several more scheduled in upcoming months. Please visit www.watearth.com or www.asce.org for more information on seminars and webinars.

What are some of your personal hobbies and interests?

JW: My family and I (including my rescue dog Jack) enjoy hiking, relaxing at locally-owned cafes, and visiting botanical gardens and arboretums. I also enjoy live music, especially in Austin. I've also become an accomplished hotel-room cook using my Mr. Coffee pot while on the road.

What would you like to see yourself doing, 5 years from now?

JW: I probably wouldn't have pictured myself where I am today five years ago, so we'll see where things take me... In all seriousness though, I would like to begin bringing on additional company owners as my goal is for Watearth, Inc. to be a legacy firm to create opportunities for other engineers and support staff.

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