GALVESTON, Texas (January 2012) - Scott Leimer always enjoyed being outdoors as a child. As he grew older, his work with a construction company kept him outside even more. When Leimer decided to attend college, he felt civil engineering would be a great fit for him.
"Working outdoors in a construction company while growing up was one of the many reasons I chose civil engineering as a major and career field," said Leimer. "It seemed like a good fit."
In his current position as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston district Levee Safety Program manager, Leimer continues to work outdoors while conducting yearly inspections on the seven federal flood control levee systems in Texas, including the Galveston Seawall.
According to Leimer, levee construction and inspection is an evolving process that takes into account new technologies and scientific research.
"As the engineering career field changes, the analysis methods change as well," said Leimer. "Inspections are an engineering assessment of the levee system that involves reviewing the original design documents and comparing them to our current design criteria."
It is these methods of inspection that will strengthen the levee system and help mitigate flood risk.
"Re-evaluating the levee system based on current criteria helps us look for troubled areas that might not be performing as originally intended," said Leimer. "It takes into account lessons learned and the further development of the science behind the analysis of soil structures and the interaction and stability of the floodwalls."
Additionally, Leimer manages U.S. Code – Title 33, Section 408 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation of 1899 - for the district. According to Section 408, the Corps must approve any modifications to federal flood control projects to ensure any changes will not impair the usefulness of the works.
In addition to his responsibilities as an engineer, working for the Corps has given Leimer as opportunity to assist people affected by natural disasters.
"I’ve worked on disaster relief missions for hurricanes Rita, Frances and Jeanne and I find it rewarding to see how the government responds in these situations," said Leimer. "We go in and provide services that private industry insurance would not do for people, such as install blue roofs to provide protection so they can mitigate their losses."
Leimer earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Texas A&M University in 2003 and has worked with the Corps for eight years.
Leimer is a licensed professional engineer and was recognized as the 2010 USACE Galveston District Engineer of the Year.
A Galveston native, Leimer is married with two children and enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing in his free time.