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2014 Forest Service Engineers of the Year

Peter Bolander—2014 Technical Engineer of the Year

Image of Peter BolanderPeter Bolander is the geotechnical engineer for the sub–regional engineering organization in Oregon, which covers the Mount Hood, Siuslaw, and Willamette National Forests.

Peter received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University in 1977 and his master’s degree in soils and foundation engineering from Oregon State University in 1980. He began his Forest Service career in 1980 as a geotechnical engineer on the Willamette National Forest. He served 10 years as the assistant regional geotechnical engineer for the Pacific Northwest Regional Office. In 2000 he transferred to the sub-regional engineering organization based on the Willamette National Forest.

Peter is a licensed civil engineer in the state of Oregon, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and an affiliate member of the Association of Engineering Geologists.

Peter is a leader on low volume surfacing design, geotechnical site investigation and dust palliatives, having authored numerous publications for the Forest Service and the Transportation Research Board. He incorporates innovative ideas and technology and conducts pilot projects to get better results in the field. During his career, Peter has been willing to share the knowledge he has gained with others, just as his mentors did for him. He is a gifted presenter and teacher. He co-taught a popular weeklong workshop to prepare engineers for materials sampling and testing exams for over a decade, and he has presented at almost every R6 Roads Workshop in the past 20 years. He has personally mentored many young engineers and technicians, accompanying them on drilling projects, road assessments, pavement designs, etc. He is recognized among his peers as a national resource in pavement and geotechnical engineering.

Peter is married to Betsy and has one daughter, Kelsey.