Twin Falls District Engineer Eddie Sanchez – seasonal wildland firefighter to engineer

Engineers at the BLM work with professionals from many disciplines to design and construct projects to carry out our multiple-use mission. These projects include water pipelines, roads and trails, bridges, well drilling and equipping, outhouses and recreation sites, small reservoirs, and erosion-control structures. BLM engineers and engineering technicians are involved with the survey, layout and design; contract preparation, construction inspection or supervision, and maintenance for projects – so in honor of National Engineers Week, we bring you

Twin Falls District Engineer Eddie Sanchez – seasonal wildland firefighter to engineer

Journey to Engineering: Eddie Sanchez began his federal career in 1999, as a seasonal wildland firefighter while attending Boise State University for general studies. Unsure about his future direction, he enrolled in the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and started working in cadastral surveying at the BLM Idaho State Office. A year later, he declared engineering as a major and shifted in his SCEP program to engineering. After graduating in 2005, Eddie landed a full-time permanent position with the BLM Twin Falls District. Eddie found immense satisfaction in the blend of outdoor and indoor work, especially seeing a project come to life from the initial survey to the final design.

Memorable Moments: One funny story Eddie shared was about a surveying trip to a reservoir with fellow engineer Cody Matthews, who is significantly taller than Eddie. After losing a game of rock-paper-scissors, Eddie had to wade to the center of the reservoir to grab a point. As he jumped up and down valiantly trying to get the measurements, his chest waders filled with water, soaking him completely. Cody then decided he should help out, and thanks to his height difference, was able to expediently obtain the points they needed. Feeling like they had really gone above and beyond that day – they were chagrined when they arrived back at the office and their supervisor disapprovingly asked what they were doing going that far out anyway!

Another time requiring a stream survey, Eddie was out with a sizable number of engineers, and as luck would have it, the only waders available were just Eddie’s size.  As he waded out into the fast-moving water – Roger Dalrymple, one of the engineers started emptying his pockets – figuring he was going to need to rescue Eddie. Sure enough, the water swept Eddie’s feet out from under him, and he was grateful for Roger’s foresight as he jumped in to grab Eddie!

Favorite Part of the Job: The variety of projects that Eddie works on keeps every day interesting and educational. One day he might be surveying or designing a pipeline and the next day he is working on a campsite, bridge or building. He loves working for the BLM; it keeps him on his toes as he is involved through the whole process of a project – planning, design, survey and construction. One project that stands out to him is building the paved path along the Oregon Trail at the Milner Historic Recreation Area. He loves hearing feedback from people who use the path and knowing he played a part in its creation. Another memorable project is completing the recreation site improvements at Wilson Lake, where he helped bring the recreation staff's vision to life. Eddie enjoys hearing about the increased visitation and use of the site. Eddie finds great satisfaction in seeing these projects come to fruition and hearing how they positively impact the community.

 Thank you for your hard work and dedication Eddie -- you inspire many!