Brett Belzer, RESPEC Supervisor, Honored With Young Engineer of the Year Award From the SDES


Building on his 2019 Young Engineer of the Year Award, from the Black Hills Chapter of the South Dakota Engineering Society (SDES), Brett Belzer was awarded the statewide 2020 Young Engineer of the Year Award by the SDES earlier this month.

According to the SDES, the Young Engineer of the Year Award “recognizes young SDES members who have made outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and their communities during the early years of their career.”

Brett, a Rapid City native, joined RESPEC in 2011 and received his master’s degree in civil engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 2012.

A supervisor and engineer at RESPEC, Brett works within the rock-mechanics group on various geotechnical and mining engineering-related projects. He has been involved in several projects for Cargill and Mosaic at their evaporite mines across North America and recently took part in surface and underground work at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota.

After he received the award during the 2020 SDES annual conference, which was held virtually on September 10, Brett said, “It’s an honor to accept this year’s award as the SDES young engineer of the year. I truly appreciate the recognition and all that the state and local chapter are doing. I know there are many amazing young engineers across the state and so it means a lot to receive this award. I am truly proud to be part of such a great organization! Thank you!”

About RESPEC
Founded in 1969, RESPEC has 27 locations in North America and strategic alliances worldwide. As a global leader in water science, geoscience, engineering, and data and internet technology, RESPEC has an award-winning reputation of more than 50 years of technical excellence in meeting client goals for businesses and organizations in water, natural resources, mining, energy, infrastructure, and data technology services. Learn more at www.respec.com.

About the South Dakota Engineering Society
Headquartered in Pierre, South Dakota, the SDES is the state society of engineers from all disciplines and has a mission to “promote the ethical and competent practice of engineering, advocate licensure, enhance the image of its members, and advocate legislation and public policy for the betterment of human welfare and the profession.”

The SDES is involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities, including various career fairs throughout the Black Hills. The organization cosponsored an American Society of Civil Engineers film titled Dream Big for kids from local schools to attend and hosts the annual MATHCOUNTS competition for middle school students throughout the state of South Dakota.

Back to Newsroom