Shaping a Region: RESPEC's Juneau Team Embodies Southeast Alaska

Nestled amidst the sprawling grandeur of the Tongass National Forest, towering mountains, and the serene waters of the Southeast, Juneau, Alaska, stands out not just as the state’s capital but as a vibrant community teeming with opportunities and adventure. Within this stunning backdrop, RESPEC has carved out a growing presence, contributing to local Southeast communities and offering an incomparable work-life experience to its employee-owners.

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For civil engineer Micki Minsch, working in Juneau is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. “Being part of projects that benefit the community where I grew up is incredibly fulfilling,” she shares. Her interactions with the public and the City and Borough of Juneau underline the culture of care and cooperation that defines this small city’s big heart.

The work at RESPEC extends beyond the conventional, from small to large-scale projects, embodying the spirit of the Southeast itself—active, resilient, and deeply connected. From Juneau to Skagway to Ketchikan, RESPEC’s Juneau office contributes to projects that represent culture and connection, working on iconic and significant infrastructure, such as the development and restoration of the Southeast’s vital docks and harbors, the renovation of the Juneau airport, collaborations with SEALASKA to enhance Indigenous community facilities, and initiatives that strengthen the bond between the land and its people.

Structural engineer Zach Miller highlights another important aspect of working at RESPEC: the immediate collaboration across various disciplines. “There’s something special about working together, face to face, on projects that matter not just to us but to the entire Southeast region,” he says.

The Juneau leadership team, comprising experienced and longtime Juneau engineers Roger Smith, Doug Murray, Ben Haight, and Mark Pusich, emphasizes the office’s commitment not just to engineering excellence but to being a cornerstone of community development and environmental stewardship.

At RESPEC, the office culture is just as inviting, boasting facilities that cater to a broad range of projects and a team size that encourages close-knit relationships while maintaining diversity in expertise. “With twenty people in the office covering everything from facilities to utilities, and even operating the only materials lab in Southeast open to the public, we’re well-positioned to serve our community,” RESPEC Principal Doug Murray highlights.

Another RESPEC civil engineer, Scott Allan, praises Juneau for being a central hub for many Southeast communities, allowing for projects ranging from essential infrastructure to impactful community services. “Working on diverse projects and seeing positive feedback from the community is incredibly rewarding,” he says. Scott also highlights the personal growth and professional satisfaction derived from engaging in varied and meaningful projects, emphasizing the value of working in an energetic environment.

But life in Juneau isn’t just about work. With its unlimited access to nature, the city offers a myriad of outdoor activities—fishing, hunting, hiking, and more—that Scott describes as essential components of the high quality of life in the area. “The summers here are among the best places you could be,” he asserts, not to mention the winters that are equally enjoyable with a ski resort just a short drive away.

In Juneau, the balance between a professional and personal life is a daily reality for the team. The city offers an attractive blend of community involvement, cultural richness, and the untouched beauty of Alaska’s wilderness, making it a place where work and life not only coexist but thrive together. For those seeking a career that makes a difference and a life filled with adventure, you’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere more unique than Juneau, Alaska, and RESPEC.