Client Spotlight: Bob Cipolletti of Jacobs

Multi-tasking is usually associated with three or four tasks worked simultaneously, however, in the case of Bob Cipolletti, “multi” transcends tasking to include both his job title, or number of job titles, and his numerous responsibilities. As a key member of Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., a global technical professional services firm and valued REGENESIS® client, Cipolletti serves as Aviation Environmental Lead and Technology Manager for Jacobs’ Tier 1 Client Program, and as the firm’s Environmental Regional Solutions Leader for Jacobs’ North Region, in the Americas. He explains, “Prior to being named to my current positions, I worked as a Client Solutions Leader, Site Management and Remediation Market Segment Director, Commercial Sector Technology Manager, Regional Technology and Quality Manager, and Client Service Manager, in addition to various project management roles.” In his current role as Technology Manager, Cipolletti is responsible for ensuring the best technical solutions and resources are provided for his clients’ projects, and at the highest-quality standard. In his role as Aviation Environmental Lead, he is in charge of advancing the firm’s industry leading environmental solutions and capabilities with Jacobs’ airport client base. He continues, “Our Aviation practice is ranked #2 globally by Engineering News-Record. As such, I ensure our environmental service quality meets that high hurdle of expectation. My Regional Solutions Leader role involves ensuring our transportation, water and energy infrastructure projects are receiving strong support from our environmental teams, and that our clients are receiving the right solutions to address their environmental issues and stay on track for project completion.”

To prepare for a career in environmental remediation, Cipolletti earned a BS and Master’s in Geology at Cook College (now the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences) at Rutgers University, where he specialized in biostratigraphy, which includes aspects of paleontology and stratigraphic principles. “My thesis was focused on mapping and dating Eocene strata in Baja California, Norte.  Rutgers University provided a very well-rounded program, so I was exposed to all aspects of geology there. However, at the time, there really was not much of an emphasis on environmental remediation since it was a new, emerging field.” He continues, “Eventually I was at a crossroads. I needed to decide whether I would pursue an academic career in biostratigraphy or pursue real world environmental challenges. I had friends who started working in the environmental field, so I decided to try it out for a few years and see if I liked it.  And here I am 35 or so years later!  From those early days, I’ve enjoyed the strong feeling of accomplishment that comes from cleaning up our industrial heritage, and doing it surrounded by great people.” To remain current with emerging trends and new technologies, Cipolletti takes advantage of the continuing educational opportunities offered through Jacobs, including some which are valid for certification CEUs, in diverse areas such as new technologies, project management, business acumen, and practice areas, to name a few. He shares, “I recently completed a 5-week course in “Biomimicry”, a nature-based solution offering from Biomimicry 3.8 and Jacobs that was both impressive and exciting.”

When it comes to working with REGENESIS, Cipolletti appreciates the ability to learn first-hand about the company’s products and solutions in an objective, non-pressured setting. He explains, “At Jacobs, we are ‘technology neutral’  in terms of remediation technologies and products, meaning we seek the best solutions for our clients without bias toward one company or product; our clients expect that.  What I enjoy about REGENESIS is that I can explore the company’s products and services and get good information that helps me and my team determine if the solution is right for us or not. I’ve never received any pressure or feeling of a “quid pro quo” when working with REGENESIS.” With regard to specific product usage, Cipolletti says Jacobs tends to use REGENESIS’ technologies for challenges that require advanced solutions- those which are beyond the more generic, commodity amendments common in the marketplace. He continues, “Our team sees value in REGENESIS’ S-MicroZVI®. It’s main advantage over other ZVI amendments is that it is injectable into conventional injection wells, so you don’t have to inject at high pressure with DPT to frack it into the ground. Additionally, the product is also sulfidated, which means that instead of reacting primarily with water, which is what most ZVI does, most of the reaction is with the target contaminants. We’ve used it at about a half dozen sites with good results. It’s especially useful for treating carbon tetrachloride, chloroform or chloroethanes that don’t biodegrade well.  We have also evaluated PlumeStop® at a couple of sites and it is my understanding that results are still pending.”

Cipolletti lives in Mansfield, MA with his wife of 35 years, and enjoys a variety of hobbies and outdoor activities. One hobby is his passion for history. He shares, “I have been a life-long history buff with special interests in military history and ancient cultures, especially Rome and Greece. However, I’ve been known to go down many different history rabbit holes. I am also an avid reader and will read just about anything, but prefer fantasy/science fiction, history and historical fiction. I am also a “gamer” and must admit to using my X Box platform to relax. For outdoor fun, I enjoy hiking with my wife, and have also been a “birder” for over 30 years- it’s my favorite thing to do outdoors. If I’m outside, my binoculars are never far away.”

When asked what he enjoys most about his work, he says there are a number of rewarding aspects. “At this point in my career, I would say these three things are the most rewarding: First, returning impacted properties back to beneficial use. Second, helping our clients get their most challenging projects completed, and third mentoring and supporting staff at Jacobs. I am fortunate that Jacobs offers a variety of internal resources to help mentor staff, and a diverse portfolio of projects which provide interesting and challenging work for me to pursue.” And the most challenging aspect of his work? He concludes, “Right now, the two most demanding aspects of my job are expanding Jacobs’ environmental presence in the aviation space across North America, and connecting with people, clients, partners and Jacobs staff during the pandemic restrictions. Jacobs’ robust communication platforms help alleviate some of the people connection issues, but it is still challenging to connect as effectively as face-to-face meetings.”

REGENESIS is proud to have Bob Cipolletti , Aviation Environmental Lead and Technology Manager for Jacobs’ Tier 1 Client Program, and the firm’s Environmental Regional Solutions Leader, as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation. REGENESIS appreciates Cipolletti’s vast experience and his demonstrated leadership in providing successful remediation outcomes for REGENESIS and its clients.