John Sorkness

Professional Summary

Company

AECOM

Current Position

Project Manager in the Air Measurements Department

Job Duties

As a consultant for one of the largest environmental firms in the nation, my job duties vary widely based on the needs of our clients. My main job duties include managing a variety of air measurements projects for a wide range of industrial clients. I also manage the quality assurance team in the air measurements group in the Austin, TX office.

Impacts

Accurate and high quality air measurements is critical for industrial producers to know what their environmental impact is on the communities around them. The work the AECOM ambient air monitoring group performs helps our clients and communities understand what is in the air they are breathing.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about a wide range of topics including my hobbies of travel, coral reef aquariums, hiking & camping, as well as environmental science. I’m also passionate about Texas A&M, the future and success of the BESC degree program, and helping current students prepare for their entrance into their future careers.

Describe your educational history

I completed my BS in Bioenvironmental Sciences in 2011 and received a minor in Business Administration at Texas A&M in 2012.

What advise would you give to the current Aggies interested in entering environmental industry?

Find what you are passionate about and take as many courses that related to it as possible. Find an internship that also relates to what you may want to do so you have a solid background as you enter the workforce. Technical and applicable experience is more critical in the job search than a lot of students are aware of.

If you were entering the environmental industry today, what area would you pursue? Why?

I would pursue permitting and waste disposal. There will always be a need for this expertise and it’s very important for the health and well being of our environment and society. Honestly, pursue what you’re passionate about because you will be a much more effective worker when you’re fully engaged in your career.