Lake, Pond, & Stormwater Construction Technician: Dragonfly Careers

Meet Hector! Hector discusses his career path with Dragonfly Pond Works and explains what a typical day may look like.

Hector is a lake, pond, and stormwater construction technician for the Dragonfly Triangle Market. Hector has been working with Dragonfly Pond Works for almost two years. He came to Dragonfly with a background in the landscaping industry and decided to put his skills to use by embarking on a new career with Dragonfly.

Hector reports, “I started with Dragonfly in mowing operations and I learned how important stormwater systems are, how they protect and care for both the environment and wildlife. After being in the mowing area, I moved to our inspections and repairs division. Inspections and repairs consist of small repairs to stormwater systems, such as repairing bare areas to avoid wash out areas in slopes or erosion.”

Hector says his next goal was to move into Dragonfly’s construction operations, which is where he is now. Hector states, “I think construction is the most important and fun level. I have learned many new skills and acquired more experience operating machinery in this role. Our construction field consists of performing Dragonfly’s largest projects.”

Hector has chosen two projects to highlight his role and how he has recently been able to put the construction skills he’s learned to use:

Project 1: Stormwater Pipe Excavation and Separation Repair

The first project I want to share is the repair of a pipe at a stormwater pond. The pipe had several joint separations which can lead to erosion, dangerous sinkholes, and compliance violations.

My typical day starts with arriving on site and performing a series of tasks before any construction work starts. We observe where the machinery will need access to come in and out of the area. In addition, we assess where the excavated material will be located. We also install any necessary sediment and erosion control measures so that our use of machinery and construction around the pond does not cause any issues like erosion. We always keep in mind that safety comes first and it is important to wear our helmets and vests.

This job consisted of digging about 30-40 feet from the stormwater pond riser to the outlet, almost all of the dam was excavated to expose the stormwater pipe. We dug 24 inches of clearance on both sides of the pipe as well as 12 inches below the pipe. We lifted the pipe and set it on blocks to align it properly.

We then installed a new collar on the pipe and sealed all of the joints.

Frames were installed around the stormwater pipe to help with stabilization.

Then concrete was pumped into the area and we created a concrete wall using about 20 yards of concrete.

The area was then backfilled and we made sure the backfilled media was compacted correctly.

All of the disturbed areas around the stormwater pond were stabilized. This project required a lot of attention to detail to ensure the job was completed properly so that the stormwater pond would function as designed.

Project #2: Repair of an Incorrectly Installed Stormwater Pipe

The second project I want to share is the repair of a pipe at a Raleigh Stormwater Control Measure. The pipe was installed incorrectly and there was a major separation where the underdrains connect to the riser. Our crews actually spotted and flagged this issue for the client on a previous repair of a different system feature. Material was washing into the riser from the separation and there was risk of a sinkhole forming in the bioretention. This could also lead to compliance violations and fines for our client.

This shows the major separation due to the stormwater pipe being installed incorrectly.

After completing our series of initial tasks to assess and secure the area, we used a mini excavator to dig about 6 feet down to access the pipe.

We then broke through the concrete to separate the pipe from the riser and put it in its correct position.

We used hydraulic cement and concrete to connect the realigned bioretention pipe.

We backfilled the area and ensured the media was compacted properly. Proper compaction is very important in a stormwater control measure like a bioretention.

All of the areas disturbed during our construction were then stabilized. My coworkers and I made immediate decisions during our construction to efficiently carry out the project and provide quality work to return the stormwater system to full compliance.

I honestly enjoy working at Dragonfly Pond Works. I have learned many skills and have had the opportunity to put them to use out in the field. These skills have helped the most when managing a project and ensuring it is completed appropriately and effectively. Every day is a new challenge for me and that is what I like most about my job.

All of the photos and notes that Hector shared are also included in his project completion reports to clients, along with numerous other detailed notes and photos. Hector and the rest of the Dragonfly team pride themselves on communicating services completed and recommended to clients after every project. Thank you to Hector for sharing your lake, pond, and stormwater construction expertise!

Learn more about our Team and Dragonfly Pond Works Careers.

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Dragonfly Pond Works provides lake, pond, and stormwater management throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Our team has the certification, formal education, and expertise to manage any pond, lake, or stormwater system. We have decades of experience proving to clients that we are the aquatic management experts. Contact us to learn more!