Client Spotlight: Kyle Hayes, Environmental Department Manager for Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Kyle Hayes is an Environmental Department Manager for Terracon Consultants, Inc., a national environmental consulting and engineering firm and valued REGENESIS client. A favorite aspect of his job is the variety of work he’s involved in.  Although many of the projects he works on are similar in nature, each has a different set of circumstances and attributes that he feels require looking through a different lens to determine the best approach and path forward. He shares, “Each and every day brings new opportunities and challenges that require research, critical thinking, and problem solving. In the end, meeting the challenges and delivering successful results to our clients is rewarding, and to me, that’s what keeps the wheels turning.” Indeed, in Hayes’ role at Terracon, his diverse background has become a valuable asset. Currently, his responsibilities include overseeing the operations of the company’s Environmental Service Line in the Jacksonville, Florida office. Hayes continues, “Since Terracon’s environmental services are broad, my oversight and management activities mostly pertain to due diligence, site assessment, remediation, brownfields, regulatory compliance and permitting, asbestos, and industrial hygiene related projects.” In addition, much of his work involves training individuals on operational process, imparting technical knowledge, fostering client and business development, project management, and ensuring clients are provided with an outstanding and consistent product. “It’s this challenging range of responsibilities that keeps me engaged and helps me enjoy my position”, he says. Prior to his current position at Terracon, Hayes served as a Senior Scientist and Project Manager. Before joining the company, he worked for a small engineering/consulting firm as a Field Technician, then Field Scientist, prior to being promoted to Staff Scientist/Project Manager.

Hayes became interested in a career that centered around our planet’s environment while in high school, where he says he developed a strong interest in the various science courses he took. He also credits his late grandfather, who was a bovine (dairy cow) specialist and professor within the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers, for providing some inspiration on choosing his vocational path. He shares, “He and I spoke about career paths prior to his passing, which led me down the road to pursuing an environmental science degree. Tangential to this I grew up with a good friend whose father was an Environmental Consultant and another family friend who also worked as an Environmental Consultant.”  With an interest in the environment and an initial foundation in the sciences set during high school, Hayes would then go on to earn his BS in Environmental Science, with an emphasis in biology, from Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, FL. “My career path was originally intended to be more along the ecological/biological side of the consulting equation,” he shares.  “Hence my degree.  However, the environmental assessment and remediation tracks were laid down for me as I began working. The small firm I started with after college depended on me to do any and all work that came in the door, which by chance set me on the path I’m still on today.”

When it comes to working with REGENESIS, Hayes appreciates the company’s level of professionalism and dedication to customer service and detail. He continues, “It is imperative those we partner with work well with our team and become an extension of our group. Most recently, we have been working on a fast-paced project with high client demand and immense pressure. REGENESIS answered the call in-stride and has worked hard to provide technical details and meet tight timelines, which has in-turn, aided in the success of the project to-date.”  To stay abreast of the latest technologies and industry trends Hayes stays involved through a range of industry-related educational courses. He also remains keenly aware of Terracon’s long-term goals, which include strategic and prosperous growth, and an aim at being the premier Engineering Consulting firm in the US. He adds, “Our goals include leading innovation, dominating our markets, and providing the best service to our employee owners and clients.” Residing in Jacksonville, FL, where he was born and raised,  most of  his professional efforts are centered in the North Florida region. In his free time, he enjoys being with his family. He continues, “I’ve been married to my beautiful wife for 12 years and counting, and we have three children, ages 7, 5 and 4.” “My life used to center around both surfing and soccer,” he notes.  “But these pastimes have taken on different dimensions now that I have a family. Now I usually surf early mornings before work and on the weekends if I’m lucky. Soccer and other sports have now transformed into vicariously playing through and cheering on my children, which I thoroughly enjoy.”

When it comes to addressing the most demanding aspects of his work, Hayes points to the challenges of managing a busy schedule that includes multiple projects. He continues, “The most demanding part of my job is juggling current workloads while at the same time conducting business development and maintaining client interactions to ensure the flow of work maintains consistency.” And what does he see the future holds for environmental remediation? “I believe the environmental remediation industry will continue to evolve at a fast pace. Many of the techniques and practices instituted in years past are now passé. Biological research into bacteria with a genetic predisposition to assist and aid in contaminant mass reductions continues to be a promising and ever evolving avenue for remediation. Additionally, with the spotlight on emerging contaminants like Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), there is a seemingly constant demand to research and develop remedial measures to assist in the clean-up of sites. Overall, I see environmental remediation continuing to become more technical in nature with a requirement for more of a turn-key approach by providers of the product(s).”

REGENESIS is proud to have Kyle Hayes, Environmental Department Manager for Terracon Consultants, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation, and appreciates his highly diverse background and approach in providing successful remediation outcomes for REGENESIS and its clients.