The Kleinfelder Blog

Tom Bucci, PG

This article was written by Kleinfelder South Division Director of Business Development, Strategy & Growth Tom Bucci and published on LinkedIn. To view the original LinkedIn Article, click here.

Ah, the life of a geologist working with engineers! It’s a bit like being the only person who speaks “rock” in a room full of people fluent in “concrete.” Over the past 35 years, I have worked alongside engineers — and for that I am thankful! Their influence has shaped my professional journey and personal growth in ways I never expected.

As we celebrate Engineers Week, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the impact engineers have not only on the world around us but also on those who work alongside them, shaping careers and perspectives in profound ways. Geologists and engineers think VERY differently. For example, geologists think in terms of millions of years, while engineers often focus on immediate results and deadlines. Yet, despite these differences, our collaboration has led to some of the most innovative solutions and successful projects. Through years of working together, I’ve come to appreciate the unique strengths engineers bring to the table and the ways their mindset has shaped my own thinking. Here are just a few lessons I’ve learned from my time working with engineers and how their influence has contributed to my professional and personal growth:

• The Language Barrier – Engineers speak in terms of load-bearing capacities, tensile strengths, and safety factors. Geologists, on the other hand, talk about stratigraphy, mineralogy, and tectonics. Over time, we’ve learned to translate for each other and developed a shared language, bridging the gap between disciplines.
• Tech Talk – Engineers love their software and advanced technologies, using programs that simulate everything from water flow through soil to earthquake impacts on buildings. As a geologist, I still cherish my rock hammer and hand lens (albeit they have not been used in a long time, but still bring a smile to my face when I pick them up). However, witnessing engineers harness technology to improve efficiency and project outcomes has given me an appreciation for tools like AutoCad, Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing, Building Information Modeling, Autodesk Revit, and 3D visualization.
• A Convergence of Disciplines – Even though geology and engineering are different, they often come together in interesting ways. The careful study of rocks, soil, and fieldwork in geology fits well with the precise and innovative methods in engineering. This teamwork has made our projects more successful and has shown me how working together across different disciplines can lead to much better results.
• The Art of Problem-Solving – Engineers excel at breaking down complex problems into manageable parts and devising innovative solutions. Their structured approach has influenced my own problem-solving techniques, as I’ve learned to tackle challenges with a more structured and analytical mindset, leading to more efficient and effective outcomes.
• The Value of Teamwork – Engineers value different viewpoints and thrive on collaboration. This focus on teamwork has improved my work relationships, highlighted the importance of good communication, and reinforced the power of shared goals.
• Resilience in the Face of Challenges – Engineers’ resilience in the face of technical and unforeseen challenges has inspired me to adopt a similar mindset. Their determination to overcome setbacks and their unwavering commitment to finding solutions has taught me the value of perseverance, strengthening my resolve both professionally and personally.
• A Broadened Perspective – Engineering has broadened my perspective, introducing me to a world of innovation and possibility. Working alongside engineers on global projects has exposed me to diverse cultures, needs, and perspectives, challenging my assumptions and encouraging more creative thinking and innovation. This expanded view has improved the way I look at problems and the world around me.

My journey as a geologist — and, to a larger degree, a person — has been deeply enriched by my collaboration with engineers, many of whom I have worked with over the years as well as ones I currently work alongside at Kleinfelder. The engineers at Kleinfelder are not only highly skilled but also incredibly passionate about their work, always striving for excellence and innovation. I’m grateful for this partnership and the valuable lessons and insights gained from working with these remarkable individuals. They have changed how I approach problems and continue to inspire me to look forward to a future full of innovation and discovery.