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Directory Profile for Zak Sabatka
Professional Summary
Company
Nokia
Current Position
Remediation Manager
Job Duties
I manage a portfolio of legacy environmental remediation sites and their associated environmental reserves for multi-PRP Superfund Sites for Nokia in the United States. I provide technical advice to Nokia’s internal and external legal counsel in coordination with environmental consultants regarding assessment and remediation of legacy sites under applicable state and federal regulations.
Impacts
I have worked on many projects across the United States and Australia obtaining site closures in multiple jurisdictions. In addition to Texas A&M’s BESC Professional Board, I also serve on UT-Arlington’s Industry Advisory Council in their Earth and Environmental Sciences Department where I mentor students, review resumes, provide mock interviews, and provide curriculum advice to the department.
What are you passionate about?
Stakeholder cooperation and understanding. My sites generally involve many parties from other corporate entities, their counsel, group counsel, NGOs, the regulators, government agencies (outside the EPA), and the public. Everyone approaches an issue from their own perspective, but it is important to understand the impacts that perspective can have to others.
On the personal side I’m passionate about music, traveling, and my kids. I love playing guitar, I’ve been to over 20 countries on 4 continents, and try to coach or be an assistant in all of my kids’ activities.
Describe your educational history
B.S. in Renewable Natural Resources with a minor in Geology from Texas A&M University – May 2005
B.S. in Geology from The University of Texas – Arlington – December 2013
M.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences – Geosciences Option from The University of Texas – Arlington – December 2015
Professional Geologist Licenses in Texas and Arkansas, formerly held PG licenses in Louisiana and Mississippi
What advise would you give to the current Aggies interested in entering environmental industry?
Firstly, careers are almost never linear so enjoy the circuitous journey and never stop learning. Networking is vital. Leveraging your network is key to finding hidden opportunities not necessarily posted to job boards. Talk to everyone you can because you might identify interests that are not necessarily at the forefront of your early-career ambitions. Do not be afraid to be uncomfortable because you are not learning if you are comfortable and complacent.
If you were entering the environmental industry today, what area would you pursue? Why?
I have enjoyed my journey into remediation. As a geoscientist, I began my career in Site Assessment identifying soil and groundwater impacts. I began early in my career tagging along with the technicians and engineers on remediation projects to see where my projects went after identifying the impacts on site. Being able to understand the interconnectivity of the steps in the closure process has aided me greatly my career because I am able to communicate with the different disciplines which helps determine more efficient remedies and closure strategies.
Email: [email protected]