Meet Our Geologists, Part 2: Matt Pastorcich
September 26, 2017
McFadden Engineering’s team of experienced engineers and geologists complement one another’s work to offer a holistic solution to solve even the most complex client project.
Get to know more about McFadden Engineering’s geologists in part two of this two-part blog series.
Matt Pastorcich – Staff Geologist:
McFadden Engineering’s staff geologist, Matt Pastorcich.
Matt Pastorcich joined McFadden Engineering in 2007 and will celebrate his 10th anniversary with the firm in October. He holds two bachelor degrees, one in geology and one in biology, from the University of South Alabama.
What led you to study and pursue geology?
My experience working in environmental testing got me interested in both hydrology and civil engineering. After working in the field for a major environmental laboratory, I decided to go back to college to pursue a degree that would lead to a professional certification. After studying engineering for a while, I became interested in the study of hydrogeology and contaminant hydrology. I switched my studies to geology with the goal of becoming a licensed geologist in the environmental consulting field.
What does a hydrogeologist do?
Geology is a diverse field of study. As a hydrogeologist, I interpret data from investigations of impacted groundwater sites to form an overall picture of what is going on below ground. In drawing meaningful conclusions based on the hydrogeology at a project site, we can make recommendations on the design of remediation efforts put into place at a site.
In my job, I write reports for clients that will be submitted to state regulators and make recommendations related to future actions at a project site. I also work in the field assisting with drilling, subsurface investigation, groundwater and surface water collection. Another task I am frequently engaged in is water quality investigation for wastewater treatment studies, in which I work closely with our engineers.
What is your favorite project or proudest moment that you have experienced in your role at McFadden Engineering?
My favorite project and my proudest moment took place as part of the same particular project site. The project was very challenging, involving hydrogeology, contaminant hydrology and innovative environmental engineering solutions. My proudest moment came when we completed the construction of our groundwater treatment systems at this particular site. It was the culmination of intensive investigation at the site.
What’s a common misconception about being geologist?
That you are a guy who looks like Indiana Jones who goes around the world with a pick axe cracking open rocks and studying them. That would be fun, though!