Career growth at DRMP comes from mentorship, learning, adapting, and taking advantage of the resources the firm provides for professional development.
Several of our employees have shared how their journeys at the firm have shaped their leadership skills, refined their expertise, and set them up for accelerated career growth. They credit DRMP’s mentorship and learning and development programs for helping them advance faster.
Their insights offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to grow within the firm.
From Project Engineer to Project Manager
Joining DRMP in 2013 as a young engineer intern (EI), Bruno Arriola, PE, ENV SP, started by doing plans production, creating cost estimates, and helping with design criteria. Over the years, DRMP provided the tools and support Arriola needed to develop into a project manager. Through the firm’s mentor/mentee program, project management training, and technical lunch and learns, he gained the confidence and skills to manage municipal projects for cities such as Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor in the Tampa, Fla., region. His advice? Be present, plan ahead, communicate effectively with your team, and invest in yourself.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors. Make sure you interact with a lot of our disciplines. It’s always good to learn from other engineers, even though it may not be your area of expertise. You may gain knowledge through them in different areas.
- Bruno Arriola, PE, ENV SP
Finding the Right Fit in Civil Services
DRMP supports employees in finding their niche by providing diverse opportunities and fostering growth within various teams. Connor Allen, EI, SIT, a designer III, began working at the firm in 2022, initially splitting time between the water resources and survey departments with a goal of earning licenses in both engineering and surveying. But six months in, he found a passion for stormwater modeling and permitting with the Civil Services team. When an opportunity opened in the department, he made the switch to full-time. By working in multiple departments, he gained exposure to different leadership styles, an experience he said helped him acquire additional leadership skills.
“I’ve gotten to watch and work under three different managers and learn from their different leadership styles, so being able to learn from those three managers has really helped me to gain additional leadership skills and apply them to the projects I’m working on.
- Connor Allen, EI, SIT
The strategies that have been key to his career advancement? Time management and teamwork, honed as a college athlete, continue to be the driving forces behind his success.
A Leadership Path in Construction Services
Starting as a project administrator on a Department of Transportation (DOT) contract in 2013, Erica Jernigan, PE, has steadily advanced into the roles of a senior project engineer for DOT contracts, construction services director, and a vice president at DRMP. The firm’s culture of mentorship and leadership development played a key role in her professional success. Having the freedom to take risks, while knowing there was always support from her leaders, helped fast track her career.
“One of the things most important in my success has been never having a fear of failure. I’ve always felt that safety, being willing to take a risk and knowing that my leadership team had my back. They wouldn’t let me go so far that I had to truly worry about failure. I really appreciated their trust in me and the guidance they’ve given me over the years.
- Erica Jernigan, PE
Her approach to career growth? Be intentional. Set goals, break them down into actionable steps, and seek mentorship for accountability.
Jernigan also encourages employees to take initiative. She said success isn’t just about waiting for a promotion, it’s about preparing for it. Gain the experience and skills needed so that when the right moment comes, you’re ready to step into it.
From the Field to Leadership
On his first day at DRMP in 1994, Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP, ND, wasn’t sitting behind a desk. As an entry-level drainage engineer, he was in the field with boots on the ground reviewing a project site in Fort Myers, Fla., with his supervisor. It was the start of the SR 78 widening, and he was eager to see the work firsthand. That early exposure to real-world projects, including the Suncoast Parkway 1 widening, set the foundation for a career built on hands-on experience and continuous learning.
Today, Garth is a DRMP vice president, leads the Tampa office, manages the stormwater group, and oversees the firm’s civil services team, all while keeping an eye on growth and the next generation of engineers.
His leadership success? He credits it to mentors. Some older, some younger, but all invaluable.
“It’s good to have mentors older than you and younger than you because you can learn from both generations,” he said.
Garth recalled DRMP selecting him for the Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI) in 2014, a year-long leadership program that deepened his understanding of what it takes to grow, not just professionally, but personally.
“That’s quite an investment,” he said. “I continue to take leadership training throughout the year, on my own primarily.”
His guiding principle: fulfillment over achievement. Chasing titles or paychecks won’t lead to lasting satisfaction but doing work you love will. That’s the advice he passes on to those looking to grow at DRMP.
“If you can find something you truly enjoy doing, stick with it. Don’t let the pursuit of career advancement pull you away from what brings you fulfillment because it may not be what you love.
- Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP, ND
He said to learn a skill, master it, and never stop asking questions. And above all, communication matters. No amount of technical expertise can replace the ability to connect with people.
The Power of Mentorship in NBIS Inspections
For Justin Massengale, a National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) leader in North Carolina, mentorship was a defining factor in career growth. Starting in 2013 as a Transportation Technician II in Asheville, N.C., he attributes the firm’s mentor program and the guidance of industry veterans for molding his leadership skills.
“Keep pushing to get what you want. Reach out to people who are where you want to be. Never stop asking questions. Go get that certification and value your hard work. Overall, surround yourself with good people. I’ve been lucky to work around some great folks in my 11 years here.
- Justin Massengale
His key lesson? Stay open to learning. Being adaptable and willing to change your perspective when presented with new information is important for both career and personal growth.
Building More than Noise
Robyn Hartz, INCE, joined DRMP in 2023 as a noise specialist and quickly moved into the role of noise group leader. She knew she was stepping into something bigger than just a job. It was a chance to build something from the ground up – a noise group. Her role is ever evolving and expanding alongside the vision she has for the noise group’s future.
The firm has provided the tools, the space, and the flexibility for her to explore leadership in unexpected ways, professionally and beyond, Hartz said. Organizing a corporate 5K, rallying a team to participate, and creating a space within DRMP’s parent company, Trilon, for environmental professionals to connect, has underscored the value of initiative and collaboration.
Her strategy for growth? Stay curious. Ask questions. Seek out new perspectives. There’s no room for a “this is the only way” mentality. Instead, she approaches challenges with an open mind, learning from colleagues, embracing new ideas, and focusing on delivering the best possible results.
For anyone looking to grow at DRMP, her advice is to talk to people. Pay attention to what’s happening. If a project sounds interesting, ask about it. If a professional society sparks interest, get involved. The worst that can happen is a “no.” But the best? The best is finding new ways to contribute, lead, and shape a career that’s as dynamic as the work itself.
“If you're looking to grow at DRMP my advice is to talk to people and ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask your supervisor if you can get involved in a project that interests you. The worst they can say is no, and even then, you've shown initiative.
- Robyn Hartz, INCE
No matter what your position, DRMP provides career growth opportunities through a supportive environment, mentorship, and a commitment to professional development.
