Meet Nate Carr, Associate Project Manager in Pittsburgh Water’s Engineering and Construction group. In his current role, Nate is responsible for managing the South Side Flats Sewer Rehabilitation project, including the microtunneling work covered on this issue’s featured article.
What made you decide to join Pittsburgh Water?
I'd worked previously with Pittsburgh Water on some commercial real-estate development projects and always had a positive experience. When I saw that there was an opening in the construction group, I jumped at the opportunity. I’m coming up on one year here and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Tell us a bit about your previous work experience.
After graduating from West Virginia University with a degree in chemical engineering, I spent time in the energy and technology industries before settling in commercial real estate development. Construction project management was always the best fit for me, and it’s the work I’ve pursued since.
How do you contribute to the delivery of safe, clean drinking water?
The work we take on directly contributes to the delivery of safe, clean drinking water to our communities. As part of the project I’m currently managing, for instance, any lead service lines found within the project area will be replaced in tandem with construction, reflective of our commitment to protecting water quality.
What are your favorite challenges to tackle?
I enjoy taking on challenges that don’t have a clearly defined resolution. Overcoming an issue through problem-solving and thinking outside of the box is the most rewarding.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with my family, playing my guitar, and listening to my yacht rock albums.
What’s something you plan on doing soon that you’ve never done?
I’m planning to run a marathon next year. I don’t really have any major experience or love for running, it’s just something I feel like I need to do at least once.
What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Stay in front of the contractor. This is the mantra of our Senior Group Manager and is great advice for the industry in which I work. What I mean is knowing the project scope inside and out, and what’s coming next, so I can proactively identify potential hurdles.
