Christopher Steen—2016 Engineering Technician of the Year

Chris Steen began his Forest Service career in 2011 as a civil engineering technician on the Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana. Initially, he served as assistant road manager on the Hungry Horse Ranger District. Soon after being hired, he stepped into the role of road manager on the Swan Lake and Tally Lake Ranger Districts. In 2016, he successfully competed for a civil engineering position as a development engineer and transportation planner for the Flathead National Forest.

Throughout his 6 years with the Forest Service, Steen has proven to be an outstanding performer who seeks additional responsibilities and challenging projects. Employees across the forest recognize him as a professional whose products are innovative, complete, timely, and cost effective. He has earned a reputation as an excellent team player in a position that requires interdisciplinary communications and coordination across the entire range of forest specialists and leaders.

In 2002, Steen received a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering technology from Montana State University. After graduating, he accepted a construction field engineer position with the Peter Kiewit Company construction firm. During his 8 years with Kiewit, he worked his way up to construction superintendent and then to job superintendent, supervising several construction superintendents. While with Kiewit, he gained valuable construction and engineering experience working on large, heavy civil highway construction projects in California and Texas.

Steen, his wife Megan, and 5–year–old daughter Hadley currently live in Kalispell, MT. They enjoy many of the great opportunities the Flathead Valley offers, including skiing, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.