Site Development: Get to know Jacob Hernandez

Jacob Hernandez, PE, Principal at Parkhill, serves as the Team Leader within Parkhill’s Site Development Planning Sector in El Paso. He began his career in the DFW metroplex before returning to his hometown of El Paso to join Parkhill in 2012. With 16 years of experience, he has provided engineering design and client management services for all types of land development and site development projects throughout the state of Texas. Hernandez received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and became a licensed professional engineer in 2008. Engineering News Record Texas & Louisiana (ENR) recognized him as a Top Young Professional in 2017. He is involved in several organizations, most notably serving as executive president of the board of CASA of El Paso. He has also participated in Leadership El Paso, a program hosted by the El Paso Chamber of Commerce.

What values set Parkhill apart for you?

I am particularly fond of the Enduring Relationships value as well as Informed Insight. Being able to break down a complex situation into manageable parts and conveying that to clients allows us to truly look out for their best interests. This begins building the foundation for long-lasting relationships that are mutually beneficial.

What project has given you a passion for your expertise?

I enjoy working on residential subdivision projects because it exemplifies our mission of Building Community. There’s always an excitement in driving through a new neighborhood after construction has been completed and knowing the design challenges that were overcome at each turn. The transformation from plans on paper to seeing families moving into their new homes and making new memories is great. 

Tell us about a fascinating experience in your career.

One of the most interesting experiences for me was getting to be a part of the City of El Paso Water Park projects. It was probably the first time I’ve attended a grand opening to one of my projects where I’ve brought my kids. They were just as excited as I was. It reiterated what my job is all about.

What do you think is the next challenge in your field?

The next challenge I foresee for engineering is being able to recruit the next generation of engineers. A concerted outreach effort to intrigue young minds is something that needs to begin early in childhood education. Providing that spark to children to understand the how and why of things is of enormous importance. 

Looking forward, where do you see your industry going in the next 20 years?

I hope to see our industry continue to evolve in several ways. I would like to see more diversity in the field, including more women and minorities as engineers. I would like to see our industry become more evolutionary in the materials that we use. Our design solutions can evolve to use materials that offer lesser or zero impact on the environments that we are creating. Lastly, I hope that our industry continues to strive to provide the safest built environment to the public as possible.