Professional

Our goal at Mountain Engineering Professional Services is to provide you with the most safe and thorough, high quality products based upon our experienced, knowledgeable staff.

Program & Project Management

From initiation to implementation, Mountain Engineering is a full-service destination for any project needs. We serve as a liaison between clients and customers, project development and coordination with both industry professionals, the Mountain Engineering Team, and the client. Mountain Engineering Project Managers oversee and can custom design a strategy that works best with the project needs. Our Project Coordinators align the technical field services staff and implementation of training programs. Administrators work in preparation of various status reports and adherence to all industry standards for safe practices and operations.

Project Management Team effectively strategize:

Leadership
Scheduling
Budgeting
Set-up/ Layout
Customer Outreach
Permitting
Implementation Bidding
Reports
Documentation
Monitoring and Controlling

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Our skilled Geographical Information System (GIS) team offers the most up-to-date technology and data management. This enables users to collect fast, efficient, and attribute-rich geolocated data from a wide variety of mobile GPS-enabled devices. The processes used to complete this workflow provides clients with relatively no post-field hassle as well as efficiency, data consistency, and data immediacy in real-time within easily customizable and exportable formats. To help minimize user-error, all-inclusive mobile forms are developed in consortium with clients to provide the most comprehensive data collection and deliverables that uniquely fit the needs of all parties. We provide customized GIS training to support our teams’ attributes include:

Geographical database development and support
Metadata development and maintenance per Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standards
Spatial record management
PODS and other ESRI based solutions
Analytical assessment
Web based portals for accessing, editing and storing spatial and tabular data
Custom mapping including map books, large and small scale maps
Data manipulation and analysis within GIS (ArcGIS)
Technical documentation
Metadata development and maintenance per Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standards
Spatial and Network analysis
Implement data quality control and assurance (QA/QC) procedures
Data conversion/migration and map production in accordance with mapping standards;
Preparation of GIS data, including analysis support
Attribute and Domain development
Diagnosing and “troubleshooting” problems experienced with the use of GIS and related software
Edit and create new features and feature classes
Create and maintain scripts (Python), models, add-ins, and “toolboxes” to automate GIS processes
Create interfaces for field data collection (Trimble TerraFlex, GIS Pro, Collector for ArcGIS) and the integration of collected data with the GIS datasets
ESRI Platform installation/ configuration/ performance tuning, ESRI ArcGIS suite (including desktop), ArcGIS Server 10+, ArcGIS Online, Portal for ArcGIS

Environmental Planning

Mountain Engineering performs all aspects of planning, including scope development, field studies, data collection and management, reporting, multi-party negotiations, and management plan development.

Right-of-Way (ROW) & Infrastructure Surveys
Wildland Fire Management Planning
Wildland Fire Prevention & Education Planning
Community Wildfire Protection Planning (CWPP)
Fuel Hazard Reduction Planning
Prescribed Fire Implementation Planning
Smoke Management Planning
Riparian and Wetland Ecosystem Restoration Planning
Erosion Control and Bank Stabilization Planning
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Planning
Emergency Fire Rehabilitation Planning
Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPP) Planning
Sustainable Best Management Practices (SBMP) Planning
Historical Properties Management Plan (HPMP) Development

Land Use Planning

Mountain Engineering’s Land use planners are specialists who determine how areas of land can best be utilized to satisfy the needs of the community. We focus on planning that emphasizes the long- term sustainability of communities and how to incorporate that framework into the natural world.

Oversee preparation of yield studies
Understand local and state development codes and zoning regulations including CEQA and coastal development permits
Develop conceptual site plans and land development feasibility studies
Research regulations and compile data and maps on a variety of planning issues
Prepare and present detailed site analysis, due diligence, and highest and best use plans, exhibits, and reports
Provide technical assistance to BWE surveying and civil engineering staff regarding site development issues
Prepare conceptual site plans in conformance with state, county, and local codes, plans, parking and other regulations to obtain entitlement and discretionary permits
Communicate effectively with city and county officials, clients, and co-workers
Make presentations to community and planning groups and at city council meetings
Prepare proposals and expand client base
Manage project schedules and budgets

Mitigation and Implementation

Mountain Engineering offers ecological restoration planning and implementation to minimize and offset known adverse environmental impacts through the re-establishment of structure, function, and integrity of indigenous or historic ecosystems.

Conduct field studies that encompass all direct and indirect environmental impacts
Determine what mitigated state is best suited for the site
Develop site specific mitigation plans by referencing intact historical ecosystems, areas of similar synecology, and sites untouched by man

Environmental Permitting and Compliance
Mountain Engineering prepares required state and federal permits, supports licensing efforts, and performs compliance on schedule. Efforts include data collection, reporting, agency meetings and collaboration, site visits, and annual trainings.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Licensing
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Permitting and Compliance
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Compliance
Sustainable Best Management Practices Compliance
Clean Water Act (CWA) §401, §402, and §404 Permitting
HPMP Compliance
State and Federal Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Wildlife Protection Compliance
State and Federal Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plant Species Compliance
Environmental Training for Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Wildlife and Plants, and Sensitive Ecosystems

Environmental Permitting and Compliance

Mountain Engineering prepares required state and federal permits, supports licensing efforts, and performs compliance on schedule. Efforts include data collection, reporting, agency meetings and collaboration, site visits, and annual trainings.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Licensing
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Permitting and Compliance
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Compliance
Sustainable Best Management Practices Compliance
Clean Water Act (CWA) §401, §402, and §404 Permitting
HPMP Compliance
State and Federal Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Wildlife Protection Compliance
State and Federal Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plant Species Compliance
Environmental Training for Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Wildlife and Plants, and Sensitive Ecosystems

Habitat and Ecological Restoration

Natural events, land development and land use often contribute to the decline of natural habitats and interfere with ecosystem functions. Considering the irreplaceable value of our natural resources, we cooperate with clients to mitigate negative impacts to the environment and enhance ecological functions by restoring habitats. Implementing a sound and cost-effective restoration project and attending to the ecological concerns of all parties is our solution to the greater good for the environment. Our restoration services encompass, but are not limited to the following:

Stream Channel Restoration
Forest Thinning
Overland Flow Reduction
Sediment and Erosion Reduction
Utility Access Road Construction and Habitat Restoration

Our professional services staff apply key restoration concepts and incorporate proven techniques to achieve high-quality, sustainable projects:

Possess an understanding of natural communities and ecological functions
Conduct soil analysis and augmentation
Combine removal of invasive species with establishment of site-appropriate native species per best management practices
Properly calculate seeding rate to maximize seed establishment
Digitally reconstruct data
Establish baseline data during the planning phase and collect data throughout and after implementation to ensure goals have been met
Develop and implement monitoring protocol and assessment criteria
Incorporate a variety of biological survey techniques to ensure project success
Create restoration plans that meet regulation and environmental standards
Work under environmental legislation

Riparian & Wetland Ecosystem Restoration

Mountain Engineering has extensive experience in design/build contract services that specializes in storm water management, erosion/sediment control BMPs, revegetation, restoration and slope/road stabilization. We frequently perform this work under demanding outdoor conditions; in response to emergencies; and in very severe weather conditions. Our QSD/QSP qualified staff knows the rules and knows BMPs; we possess the required professional training in regulatory compliance for storm water pollution planning (SWPPs), erosion/sediment control best management practices (BMPs). Using a design-build-maintain-monitor technical approach, ERT brings our clients years of field experience and cost effective installations.

Mountain Engineering helps clients manage stormwater runoff by designing and constructing first flush basins, sediment traps, and bio-swales. We stabilize soil disturbance by prescribing and applying appropriate seed mixes, stabilized hydro mulch and straw. ERT utilizes the best of the current erosion control blankets, turf reinforcement mats, straw wattles, and choir rolls. For more challenging sites subject to high stream flows or severe erosion, our construction crews install geotextile fabrics, dry-stack rock/rip-rap and gabion structures, all with native vegetative components such as willow wattles, brush mattresses, pole cuttings, and container plantings.

Technical Field Services

Our team of Foresters, Field Inspectors and GIS Field Data Specialists are highly trained and experienced to get your project going.

Excellent skills and knowledge with a background of nineteen years of service within the utility business and government agencies
All our inspectors are equipped with the most current technology to manage work and document data from the field/ office
Data is live and can be access at any time to help you manage work progress and productivity
All field personnel have access to continuing education opportunities including credentialed course work
Safety culture is ingrained in our work and lifestyle
Field Inspectors and GIS collection staff can mobilize anywhere within the US
Customer service expertise
Field personnel have drug testing and background screening
Vegetation data collection is coordinated and reviewed by ISA Certified Arborists

Consulting Utility Forester
The Consulting Utility Forester is responsible for inspecting and surveying the gas distribution and/or electrical transmission right-of-way.

Prescribe work to be removed by tree removal contractors, as well as coordinate with agencies and private property owners regarding tree trimming and tree/brush removal work.
Required to be knowledgeable of utility regulatory requirements and utility vegetation management standards.
Understand sylvicultural systems, timber cruising and marking principles, wood scaling principles and practices; and forestry-related equipment, such as laser rangefinders, clinometers, DBH tape, etc.
Ability to identify local tree species (including ornamental), and some knowledge of growth rates
Proficient computer skills, tablet/iPad skills, ability to work with computer programs and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; iPad GIS applications are used extensively in field work
Able to navigate difficult forested landscapes and associated elements in remote locations in Northern and Central California

Field Inspectors
Coordinate jobs with outside services, such as subcontractors and management.

Organize equipment, material and labor to complete project in a timely manner.
Verify accuracy of locates, materials, and billings.
Call in or email locates as needed.
Complete change orders, following procedures, including passing information on to contract administrators and billing department.
Monitor production reports.
Support Supervisors and Foreman to monitor and enforce all company and outside required safety policies and procedures.
Monitor and complete the necessary paperwork regarding employee accidents and injuries, in conjunction with safety.
Maintain and properly document DOT paperwork.
Manage materials using a spreadsheet.
Other duties as assigned.
Complies with all local, state, federal safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
Audits contractors’ record-keeping practices/procedures.
Prepare Daily Field Inspection Reports.
Verification of work completion and acceptability for progress purposes.
Observance of all safety and environmental procedures and safe practice.
Perform work in accordance with company safety standards and procedures.

GIS Field Data Specialists
Our GIS Field Data Specialists(GFDS) work in the setup, maintenance, and operation of all field survey equipment, the operation of survey instruments in the field including data collectors, GPS, and other standard survey equipment. They will also prepare survey sites and remove all obstacles, including debris, brush, tree limbs, etc. GFDS work with project staff to produce maps and data relational maps using GIS software, hardware, and applications.