New Orleans district takes proactive approach to recruiting new employees

When competing for new engineering graduates at the Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) conference against the likes of Northrup Grumman and other top private sector companies in February, New Orleans District Geotechnical Branch-Deputy Chief April Falcon-Villa had two tools at her disposal to level the recruiting playing field.

One of them was one of her employees, Thomas West, who recently was recognized as the 2019 Black Engineer of the Year in the “Most Promising Engineer” category, and the other was the direct hiring authority given to Corps hiring managers for specific positions. New Orleans District Deputy Commander Maj. Jordon Davis received the 2019 BEYA Modern Day Technology Leader award at the conference as well.

“Thomas is from Jackson State, and I was able to point to him and tell them (the students from Jackson State),’This could be you in 10 years,’” Falcon-Villa said.

While West provided an example of how the Corps develops new engineers, having the direct hiring authority capability helps level the playing field in the Corps’ ability to hire engineering talent in what is becoming an increasingly competitive environment, she said.

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New Orleans District safety specialist Keith Wilson helps ensure safe operations

Before U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District crews began opening the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway on Feb. 27, safety specialist Keith Wilson played a role in ensuring they were properly prepared to conduct  safe operations.

“I helped them with their activity hazard analysis,” Wilson said, adding that he gets them to tell him what they do and how they do it. 

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New Orleans geotechnical engineer Thomas West receives national award

Growing up, Thomas West had dreams of designing race cars but after taking a fork in the road, he is designing flood control and other civil engineering projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District.

West recently was recognized as the 2019 Black Engineer of the Year in the “Most Promising Engineer” category, joining New Orleans District Deputy Commander Maj. Jordon Davis, who received the 2019 Black Engineer of the Year award as a Modern Day Technology Leader.

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Deputy commander receives national award

For U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District Deputy Commander Maj. Jordon Davis, the 2019 Black Engineer of the Year’s (BEYA) Modern Day Technology Leader award has dual meanings.

"It validates everything I have done as an engineer and encourages me to go forward and continue to do great things for the Army and my family," Davis said. READ MORE

Employees recognized for contributions to PCCP

More than 100 United State Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District employees and contractors received recognition Feb. 14 for their contributions to the Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps (PCCP) project.

"Regardless of how big or small your role in the PCCP, you had an important role," New Orleans District Commander Col. Michael Clancy told the Corps of Engineers employees and contractors, who worked on the project, which was the largest design build cost-capped project in the Corps of Engineers history. READ MORE